Chevrolet Dark Blue (523 (1972)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Since your truck has likely been working hard or sitting in the sun for five decades, you should expect the original finish to have some character. This color was a staple for the 1972 C10 and Cheyenne models, often paired with a white roof for that iconic two-tone look. It is a deep, honest blue that looks just as good on a restored show cruiser as it does on an unrestored farm hand. It provides a heavy, masculine presence that defines the end of the second-generation C/K series.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means it does not contain the tiny metallic flakes found in other era-correct options like Medium Blue Poly. While solid colors are generally easier to apply without creating streaks or tiger stripes, dark pigments are notoriously unforgiving. They show every ripple in the metal and every speck of dust that lands during the process. Because the original paint on your vehicle has probably faded since the Nixon administration, the new Chevrolet Dark Blue you are applying might look richer and deeper than the surrounding panels.

Best Practices

Open your glove box and look for the Service Parts Identification label to confirm you have code 523 (1972). Before you start the repair, shake the container thoroughly for at least a full minute to ensure the heavy blue pigments are fully mixed. Test the color on the included card to see how it matches your current level of fade. When you are ready to work, make sure you are in a garage or the shade rather than direct sunlight. Keep the container moving in steady, rhythmic passes to prevent the paint from pooling. Give the paint plenty of drying time between layers to ensure the finish hardens correctly and stays level.