Hi guys - first post here. I have a 2002 Ranger Edge, owned since new, 4.0l sohc, 50K miles, hardly drive it. Its immaculate (sorry, not trying to brag but I'm pretty proud of it, my garage queen, lol), but I recently noticed that the greyish colour paint under the box, inside the wheel wells, and the leading edge of the box, underneath the truck, is starting to have some minor rust spots, and is flaking off in a few spots.

My truck is Vermillion Red, but the under side of the box is this greyish colour paint. Doesn't really look like primer, but a full paint.

I want to keep the truck looking as factory as possible - does anyone have an idea what colour of paint this is? I can't find any reference to it, everything is geared to the paint code for my truck, which is Vermillion Red.

I guess something that is reasonably close would work as well.

Thanks everyone

Rick

 

At the assembly plants, body parts get what is called an E coating before the color paint is applied. Google e coating for an explanation. The color of the body parts after e coat is what you are seeing. Best bet would be to shoot a good photo and take it to an auto paint store to see if they have a match or they can mix up a spray can to match your color.

 

Thanks Joe - makes sense. I found something at my auto shop that might work, I'll bring a pic in and see if it matches.

Have a good one,

Rick

 

Be sure not to use just raw primer. Primer is meant to be something for the colored paint to adhere to (instead of bare metal) and it may not be moisture-proof, leading to more rust.

 

Definitely no plan to only use primer, thanks. If only it would stop raining now so I can get my yardwork done so I can get back to the truck before the snow hits