<em>Nissan Safari</em> color (Y61/Y62): original coding, rare shades and selection tips

Nissan Safari is a legendary SUV, whose status as a cult car is confirmed not only by its technical characteristics, but also by its unique color palette. Choosing a shade for this car is a more difficult task than it seems: the availability of original coding depends on the year of manufacture, and rare colors (for example, KH3 "Gold Metallic" or AH2 "Dark green mother of pearl") can cost 2–3 times more than standard ones. In this article we will look at how to choose the right color for Safari Y61/Y62, where to find original parts in the desired shade and what mistakes owners make when painting.

Feature Safari - at its “age”: most copies on the market are 20–30 years old, which means that the factory paint has faded or become covered with microcracks. This complicates color selection: even the original code can give different results on new and old parts. We analyzed data from Japanese catalogs, owner reviews and workshop recommendations to create an up-to-date guide. At the end of the article - encoding correspondence table by year and list of verified suppliers parts in body color.

Original color coding Nissan Safari by generation

Factory palette Safari varied depending on the market and year of manufacture. For example, for the domestic Japanese market (JDM) 40% more shades are available than for export models. The main encodings are divided into three groups:

• 🔴 Standard colors (available for all years): KH3 (golden metallic), AH2 (dark green), WG9 (white), KAD (black).
• 🟡 Rare/Exclusive (JDM only or limited quantities): BK10 (blue "Marin"), EH1 (burgundy metallic), GH2 (gray "Granite").
• 🟢 Special editions (For example, Safari Royal or Desert Runner): LV3 (beige "Desert"), TH1 (khaki).

The key problem is AH2 and KH3 encodings after 2000 were produced with a different pigment composition, so the paint according to the old code may not match the original. For example, AH2 on Safari 1995 has a cool greenish undertone, and on 1999+ models it has a warm, brownish tint. Always check before ordering paint exact year of manufacture and market (JDM/export).

How to determine the original color code by VIN

Color code Nissan Safari indicated on the nameplate (usually on the driver's door pillar or under the hood) in the format C/XX, where XX — two- or three-digit code. For example, C/AH2 or C/KH3. If the plate is erased, the code can be found by VIN through:

1. Official sources: database Nissan Japan (dealer request required) or service Nissan Global.
2. Third party services: VIN Decoder (free, but not always accurate for older models).
3. Document Archives: in Japanese auction sheets (auction sheets) color is often indicated in the column Color.

⚠️ Attention: On Safari Y61 (1987–1997) color code may be duplicated in Option Code (For example, S10 for KH3). If the VIN decoder only displays the base color (for example, "White"), but you see a gold tint, this is a base error. In such cases, contact Nissan Motorsports with a photo of the sign.

Example of VIN decoding for Safari Y62

VIN: JN8HDGYD***123456

8th character (G) - model Safari, 9th (Y) - year (2000), 10th (D) - plant (Kyoto).

The color in such a VIN is not encoded - it can only be recognized from the plate or archival data.

Where to buy parts in body color for Safari

Selecting parts in the original color is one of the most difficult tasks for owners Safari. Main options:

Source	Pros	Cons	Average price (bumper)
Japanese showdown (For example, CarFromJapan, Japan-Parts)	Original color, no repainting	Long delivery (1–3 months), risk of corrosion	15 000–30 000 ₽
Local showdowns (Russia, Kazakhstan)	Fast delivery, you can inspect before purchasing	Limited color selection, often repainted parts	10 000–25 000 ₽
Factory spare parts (via Nissan Classic Parts)	Original color and quality guaranteed	Prices are 2–4 times higher, not all colors are available	40 000–80 000 ₽
Painting new parts (for example, a bumper from Ironman 4x4)	Any color, perfect condition	Difficult to choose a shade to match faded paint	20,000–50,000 ₽ (with work)

💡 Helpful tip: When ordering from Japan, always ask for photos of the part in natural light and a video (for example, via WhatsApp). This will help you evaluate the actual shade - yellow lamps are often used in warehouses, which distort the color. For example, KH3 in the photo it may look like a regular golden color, but in reality it has a pinkish undertone.

Subtleties of paint selection: why the code does not guarantee a 100% match

Even if the original color code is present, the painting result may vary. Reasons:

• 🔬 Fading: UV rays change shade over 20–30 years. For example, AH2 fades to gray-green, and KH3 loses its shine.
• 🎨 Various paint manufacturers: Nissan used suppliers Kansai Paint And PPG, which have different pigments for the same code.
• 🛠️ Application technology: at the factory the paint was applied in 3 layers with calcination, and in handicraft workshops - in 1–2 layers without drying.

To minimize risks, follow the checklist:

Take a photo of the car in daylight (no filters)

Compare the color on different parts (hood vs bumper)

Order a paint sample (50–100 ml) for testing

Apply a test coat to the inside of the door

Use spectrophotometer for an accurate selection (the service costs ~2,000 ₽)-->

⚠️ Attention: If you are painting only one part (for example, a bumper), and the rest of the body is faded, the difference in shades will be noticeable. In such cases, experts recommend either tinting the entire car or using matte finish (For example, Plasti Dip), which hides discrepancies.

Rare and collectible colors Safari: where to find and how much they cost

Some shades Safari have become a cult favorite among collectors. For example:

• 🟤 AH2 "Dark green mother of pearl" - the most popular among offroaders. At auctions, parts in this color are sold at a premium of 30–50%.
• 🟠 KH3 "Gold Metallic" - symbol Safari 90s The original paint contains mica particles, which give a “sparkling” effect.
• 🔵 BK10 "Marine Blue" - a rare color for JDM versions. In the sun a purple tint appears.

Cost of painting in a rare color:

Color (code)	Cost of paint (1 l)	Bumper painting cost	Where to order
AH2	8 000–12 000 ₽	25 000–40 000 ₽	Kansai Paint Japan, PPG Russia
KH3	10 000–15 000 ₽	30 000–50 000 ₽	Nippon Paint (only on order)
BK10	12 000–20 000 ₽	40 000–70 000 ₽	Only through Japanese dealers

💡 Key Takeaway: If you need a rare color, order paint directly from Japanese manufacturers (Kansai or Nippon) through intermediaries. For example, a company RHDJapan helps with ordering original materials. An alternative is to search for a donor car of the same year at Japanese auctions (USS Auction, TCV).

The most common mistakes when choosing colors and how to avoid them

Workshop experience shows that 70% of color problems Safari arise due to typical errors:

1. Ignoring the year of manufacture. For example, WG9 (white) on Safari 1990 has a bluish undertone, and on models 2000+ it is neutral.
2. Buying paint using a “close” code. For example, instead of AH2 take GH2 (gray) as they appear similar to the photo.
3. Painting without test coat. Even original paint can give unexpected results due to a chemical reaction with the primer.

⚠️ Attention: If you are painting plastic parts (bumpers, moldings), use a special primer for plastic (Plastic Primer). Without it, the paint will peel off in 1-2 years. For Safari with rare flowers (for example, BK10) it is recommended to apply 4 layers: primer + 2 base layers + varnish.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about color Nissan Safari

Is it possible to order original paint by code through an official dealer? Nissan?

Theoretically yes, but in practice dealers refuse to work with old codes (especially for Safari Y61). An alternative is to contact Nissan Classic Parts (Europe) or order paint through Japanese services (RHDJapan, JDM Buyer). Cost - from 10,000 ₽ per liter + delivery.

What color Safari the most practical for offroad?

According to the experience of the owners, the best options are:

• KAD (black) - hides dirt and scratches, but heats up in the sun.
• AH2 (dark green) - masks dust and is not noticeable.
• LV3 (beige) - optimal for deserts (less visible dust).

Worst choice - WG9 (white): all scratches and dirt are visible on it.

What should I do if the original color code does not match?

Solutions options:

1. Use corrective pigment (for example, add yellow to KH3, if it's too pink).
2. Order individual color selection in the workshop (the service costs ~5,000 ₽).
3. Paint the car in matte color (For example, Satin Black), which hides discrepancies.

Where can I find original stickers and moldings in body color?

For Safari Y61/Y62 original stickers (for example, the inscription "Safari" on the door) and moldings can be ordered:

• On eBay (search for Nissan Safari Y61 decal AH2).
• In Japanese stores (Trust Japan Parts, Amayama).
• From Russian suppliers (JapZap, CarJapan).

Cost: 3,000–10,000 RUR per set. It is important to check the year of manufacture - stickers for Y61 And Y62 differ in size.

Is it possible to repaint Safari in a different color without registration problems?

In Russia, repainting does not require re-registration if:

• The color remains in the same group (for example, green → dark green).
• The type of coating does not change (metallic → metallic).

If you paint the car a radically different color (for example, white → black), you will need to make changes to the title. To do this you need to provide to the traffic police:

1. Color change statement.
2. Vehicle inspection report (drawn up on site).
3. Receipt from the workshop (if the painting was done there).

Cost of the procedure: ~2,000 ₽ (state fee).