VAZ 2105 modification "Safari" - one of the most memorable versions of the “five”, released in the late 1980s. This car was distinguished not only by its increased cross-country ability and plastic linings on the body, but also by its unique color scheme, which still arouses interest among collectors and retro car lovers. However, over the years, the original paint fades, and during restoration the question arises: how to accurately select Safari colorto maintain authenticity?

In this article we will look at the official shades used on VAZ 2105 "Safari", we will decipher factory paint codes, talk about the nuances of selecting modern analogues and give practical advice on painting. You will also learn what mistakes are most often made when restoring color and how to avoid them. The material will be useful both to owners planning restoration and to those who simply want to understand the history of the domestic automobile industry.

Official colors of the VAZ 2105 “Safari”: what the factory documentation says

Concern AvtoVAZ did not use the term “Safari” in official catalogs - this name has taken root among car enthusiasts. However, for modifications with plastic body kits (index VAZ-21059) there was a strict binding of body colors and linings. According to archival data, for Safari they used three main shades:

  • 🔴 Red "Safari" (code 302) - the most common option, often called “tomato” or “brick”. This color is associated with the classic image VAZ 2105 designed for off-road use.
  • 🟠 Orange "Safari" (code 318) - a less common, but no less bright shade, which is sometimes confused with “orange” color VAZ 2108.
  • ⚫ Black (code 101) - a rare variant used in later batches. More often found on machines intended for special services or departmental use.

It is important to understand that factory paint codes (302, 318, 101) correspond Soviet notation system, which differs from modern standards RAL or Pantone. For example, red 302 is not a pure Ferrari, but has a noticeable brownish undertone, which makes it difficult to reproduce with modern paints.

⚠️ Attention: On some copies VAZ 2105 "Safari" There are non-standard shades (for example, dark green or beige). This is due to experimental batches or repainting at component factories. These colors are not original!

Decoding paint codes: how to read factory markings

On the sign VAZ 2105 (usually located under the hood or on the A-pillar) the color code is indicated in the format XXX-YY, where:

  • XXX - base shade (for example, 302 for red).
  • YY — paint type index (for example, 13 for acrylic enamel or 21 for nitro enamel).

The following combinations are relevant for Safari:

Color Base shade code Paint type (YY) Notes
Red "Safari" 302 13, 21 The most common. Index 13 - acrylic enamel (late models), 21 — nitro enamel (early batches).
Orange "Safari" 318 13 Less common. Acrylic only.
Black 101 13, 21 Used for departmental vehicles. Gloss variations are possible.

Critical detail: on parts of cars 1989–1990. release red color could be marked as 302-15 is a modified enamel with the addition of anti-corrosion additives. This shade is 5–7% darker than the standard one 302-13.

📊 Which Safari color do you like best?
  • Red (302)
  • Orange (318)
  • Black (101)
  • Different shade

How to choose paint for restoration: from theory to practice

Selection of original color VAZ 2105 "Safari" - a non-trivial task. The problem is that Soviet paints had a unique pigment composition, and modern analogues, even with the same code, may differ in tone. Here is a step-by-step algorithm:

  1. Define color code according to the plate or archival data. If the plate is lost, be guided by the year of manufacture and typical shades for the batch.
  2. Compare with catalogs:
    • 📖 AvtoVAZ catalog 1988 - the most accurate source.
    • 🔍 Modern databases (for example, Dupont or PPG) may offer analogues, but adjusted for fading.
  • Order a sample from specialized suppliers (for example, "Autoenamel" or "Color"). Apply a test coat to a hidden area of the body (for example, under the hood).
  • Consider fading: the original paint could have lost up to 20% of its saturation over 30+ years. For precise restorative repairs, it is sometimes advisable to use a shade 1-2 shades brighter.

    • For red 302 considered a good analogue Dupont 72361 or PPG Deltaref 9302, but the final choice must be made based on a real sample. Orange 318 more difficult to reproduce - it is often replaced by RAL 2000 with gloss correction.

    Remove all plastic trims (they are painted separately)|Clean the body from old paint to metal|Prime with an anti-corrosion compound|Apply 2-3 layers of base enamel with drying|Coat with varnish (for acrylic paints)-->

    The nuances of painting plastic linings: why they fade faster

    One of the most difficult moments during restoration VAZ 2105 "Safari" — restoration of the color of plastic body kits (bumpers, moldings, arch extensions). The fact is that plastic not only fades over time, but also changes its structure: it becomes matte or, conversely, acquires an uneven gloss. Here are the key points:

    • 🔬 Lining material: used on Safari ABS plastic with added rubber for elasticity. It requires special soils (for example, Plastic Primer from 3M).
    • 🎨 Paint for plastic: ordinary car enamel is not suitable - compositions with increased adhesion are needed (for example, Mobihel Plastic).
    • 🌡️ Temperature: plastic is painted at +20…+25°C, otherwise the paint may crack.

    A common mistake is painting the linings with the same paint as the body. This leads to the fact that after a year the plastic becomes dull again, while the metal retains its color. For accurate results use separate tinting taking into account:

    • The original plastic had 10–15% matte texture (even if the body was glossy).
    • Red plastic (302) in the sun fades into a pinkish tint, and orange (318) - in yellow.
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    Before painting plastic, treat it with an antistatic agent - this will remove dust that can ruin paint adhesion.

    Typical mistakes when restoring color: what spoils the result

    Even with precise paint selection, the result may be disappointing. Here 5 most common mistakes, which are allowed during restoration VAZ 2105 "Safari":

    1. Ignoring the substrate: If you apply paint over an old coat without a primer, the new shade will show through, especially on red 302.
    2. Wrong varnish: for nitro enamel (302-21) you need a nitro-based varnish, and for acrylic (302-13) is a two-component autovarnish. Mixing types leads to cloudiness.
    3. Painting in direct sunlight: This speeds up the drying of the top layer, but the lower ones remain damp, which leads to cracks.
    4. Saving on tinting: cheap paints (for example, "Economy" series) do not contain lightfast pigments - the color will fade after 1-2 seasons.
    5. Neglect of plasticizer: without it, the paint on plastic covers becomes brittle and peels off in cold weather.

    A mistake with varnishes is especially critical: for example, if on red 302-13 apply nitro varnish instead of acrylic, after six months microcracks in the form of a “cobweb” will appear. This can only be corrected by complete repainting.

    ⚠️ Attention: There are “replica” paints on the market 302 under the brand "AvtoVAZ", released in the 2000s. These jars often contain non-original pigments - check the certificate of conformity!

    Where to order original paint: trusted suppliers

    Find accurate paint for VAZ 2105 "Safari" in a regular car shop it is almost impossible. Here is a list of specialized suppliers who can offer high-quality analogues or original formulations:

    Supplier Specialization Pros Cons
    Auto enamel Tinting to order according to archival recipes There are databases AvtoVAZ 1980s, possible correction according to the sample Long production time (up to 2 weeks)
    Color Premium automotive enamels Guaranteed color match, lightfast pigments High price (from RUB 3,000 per 1 liter)
    VAZ-Original Spare parts and consumables for retro cars Sometimes there are remnants of the original 1980s paints Limited assortment, risk of counterfeiting

    When ordering, please specify what paint you need. corrected for fading. For example, for red 302 You can request the recipe “302 + 5% saturation corrector”. Some workshops (for example, "Retro-Color" in Moscow) offer the service spectral analysis original paint from the body - this is the most accurate method.

    How to check the quality of paint before purchasing?

    Ask the seller for a certificate of conformity (for original paints this is GOST 9.407-84).

    Check the production date: paint older than 2 years may flake.

    Apply a test stroke to the metal plate - high-quality enamel should not drag on the brush.

    Pay attention to the smell: a strong chemical aroma indicates low quality solvents.

    Alternatives: When the original is not available

    If you can't find the exact shade, there are several alternative solutions:

    • 🎨 Tinting to order: some workshops (for example, "AutoColor" in St. Petersburg) can reproduce the color from a fragment of the original paint. Cost - from 5,000 rubles. for 1 l.
    • 🔄 Using similar shades:
      • For red 302 fits RAL 3002 (carmine red) with the addition of 10% black.
      • For orange 318 — RAL 2001 (red-orange).
    • 🖌️ Vintage effect: if the goal is not perfect restoration, but retro stylization, you can use paints with a light patina (for example, «Retro Matt» from Mipa).

    When choosing an alternative, keep in mind that plastic linings you will still have to paint them separately - their color should be 1-2 shades darker than the body in order to visually harmonize. For example, if the body is painted in RAL 3002, then it’s better to take plastic RAL 3003 (ruby red).

    💡

    Even if you did not find the original paint, a correctly selected analogue with correction for gloss and saturation can look authentic. The main thing is to test the shade in daylight!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the color of the VAZ 2105 “Safari”

    Is it possible to restore the original color without completely repainting it?

    Yes, but only if the old paint is 70% or more preserved. In this case you can use polishing with abrasive paste (For example, 3M Rubbing Compound) and subsequent coating with colorless varnish. However, this method will not return the original saturation - it will only remove cloudiness and minor scratches.

    Why are the plastic covers on some Safaris gray and not colored?

    This is a feature of the early batches (1987–1988), where the pads were made of unpainted plastic with the addition of graphite for strength. Such parts can be painted to match the body or left original - this is a matter of style.

    What kind of paint was used to paint Safari on the assembly line: acrylic or nitro enamel?

    Depends on the year of manufacture:

    • 1987–1989 - mostly nitro enamel (302-21, 318-21).
    • 1990–1992 - transition to acrylic (302-13, 318-13).

    You can determine the type of paint by the sign or by its appearance: nitro enamel cracks over time like a cobweb, acrylic peels off in layers.

    Where can I find archival photos of Safari for color comparison?

    Best sources:

    • 📚 Book "VAZ cars: from 2101 to 21099" (1990 edition) - has colored tabs.
    • 🌐 Retro car forums, for example, "Old Cars" or «VAZ Classic».
    • 📷 Archive "Autoreview" (issues 1988–1991) - reviews were published there VAZ 21059.

    Pay attention to photos taken in natural light—studio shots often distort colors.

    Should I use powder coating for restoration?

    No, for VAZ 2105 "Safari" Powder paint is not suitable for several reasons:

    • Requires heating of the body to +200°C, which deforms the welds.
    • Does not allow you to reproduce the original texture (especially on plastic).
    • It is difficult to choose the exact shade - powder paints are limited in palette.

    An exception is painting small metal parts (for example, wheel covers).