For those with E8/Rio Red factory paint

Cobra Jet NJ · Sep 20, 2011

Just a quick question for anyone who truly knows the answer...

94 Cobras, which were "red" were known to be Ford paint code "E8" and the actual name of the color was/is "Rio Red".

I was taking pics the other day of my Cobra and wanted pics of the actual BUC tag behind the headlight. So, upon seeing the tag (which I saw many times in the past), I saw the following stamped on it (but never took notice of the word):

"VERM" - which was also stamped in close proximity to the actual paint code "E8".

Now, this has peaked my curiosity... IIRC, wasn't there a batch of 93 Cobras which were painted "Vermillion" Red, instead of the known Vibrant Red?

My Cobra is a very early 94 build (January 1994 and it's SVT Build # 0013). Is it possible that even though the paint code is definitely E8, that the actual color was or is "Vermillion Red" instead of Rio Red? Does anyone know if the actual name (Rio Red) was changed to Vermillion (or visa versa) at some point during production, however, Ford kept the same paint code (E8)?

Any of you who have red 94/95 Cobras, can you take a peak at your BUC tag and see if the letters "VERM" are also on yours too? I just don't know what else that word would be in reference to, especially being right next to the paint code.

I would think that if my car was truly Rio Red, that "Rio" would be stamped on the buc instead of VERM... ??????

My BUC tag:

dirtycoupe · Sep 20, 2011

Mine to has the E8 verm on its tag and it was built in 06/94

irwinner · Sep 20, 2011

Based on what I've found at auto paint stores; E8, Vermilion Red, and Rio Red are all the same thing. E8 is the paint code for Vermilion Red anywhere you look. Although at the time ford said it was Rio Red. But they are the same color from what they told me at the paint shop. I hope this helps.

Donovan · Sep 21, 2011

On the subject of E8, Does anyone know if the E8 paint code is three stage? My old bodyshop explained to me that there is a base coat and a tint coat then clear which is why it is hard to match.

MRBiggs · Sep 21, 2011

Thats what I have heard too.... which is why Im sooo pissed that Ford used such #####ty materials on our cars.

ScottsGT · Sep 21, 2011

I think the three stage is only the E9 Laser Red. Mines at the paint shop right now getting a repaint.
E9, VERY expensive paint! Locally the base and red tint through PPG/Ditzler was $600 for a 2 gallon mix, 1 gallon of each. Then add clear. You're up $1K for paint.

ProSpray via mail order, base and tint was $400 and I can get good clear for about $125 a gallon.

Found a shop that would tape and spray after I did all the prep, for $750 including paint. Dropped it off Sunday evening and I'm sitting on pins and needles hoping it looks OK. I'm not expecting show car quality, just hoping for nice even paint that all the parts match when put back together again.

Donovan · Sep 21, 2011

Sounds like a good deal. Let us know how it works out.

orl1mjf · Sep 21, 2011

Rio and Vermillion are the same. The factory is base clear but the paint shop can also mix it in single stage formula.(Good for small touchups)

fast4point6 · Sep 22, 2011

yes rio and verm are the same paint code they changed it in 94 like the es code (vibrant red) vibrant red was actually not called vibrant red after 93 it switched to performance red, just like rio red

94CobraPace · Sep 22, 2011

Same information I have, same paint code, different name.

Brian95GT · Sep 22, 2011

Lots of good info here.

E8 when looked up is called Vermillion Red (aka Rio) Tri-Coat.
Confirmed it was tri-coat when I had a shop repaint my fading tail lights. Matched perfectly.

65Wimbledon · Sep 22, 2011

Hmm, that's a good idea.. mine are fading and starting to look ugly >.> How much did that cost u?

93GRNLX · Sep 22, 2011

E8 is a tri coat paint , however PPG and others have a single mix formula that is very very very close to a perfect match only thing is it wont have a darker shade when looking in certain light , thats why if you look in the paint books it has a foot note ( to be used for complete recoats only ) meaning painting the whole car , here is a pic of my wifes car using the single mix formula which saves about 600 bucks on materials when doing a complete recoat

MRBiggs · Sep 22, 2011

93GRNLX said:
E8 is a tri coat paint , however PPG and others have a single mix formula that is very very very close to a perfect match only thing is it wont have a darker shade when looking in certain light , thats why if you look in the paint books it has a foot note ( to be used for complete recoats only ) meaning painting the whole car , here is a pic of my wifes car using the single mix formula which saves about 600 bucks on materials when doing a complete recoat

IMG]http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d84/2002blgt/Zi6_0596.jpg[/IMG]

You did SUCH a great job on restoring that car.... so jealous. My rio red car looks like crap and I cant get around to it until I finish my other car.

Cobra Jet NJ · Sep 24, 2011

Wow - thanks for the replies fellas!

So, was the name change something internal to Ford, or was it possibly due in part by the paint supplier to Ford?

james geygan · May 23, 2023

will E8 Rio Red tinted match my 94 mustang cobra E8 Rio Red my car looks like it has a orange to it when in bright sun light everything I see online says to use a E8 Vermillion Red what should I do for touch up

HYBRED · May 23, 2023

12 year old thread, why not???

I suspect the name changes were marketing related. They did it with several colors/codes.

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