Chrysler Deep Crimson Cry Pearl (HF/FHF) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is a rare one. Since your 2009 Aspen or Town & Country has likely been on the road for over a decade, you have probably noticed how this shade shifts in the sun. It was a one-year-wonder for Chrysler, offering a dark, sophisticated cherry tone that actually made those larger family haulers look quite upscale. It is much deeper than a standard fire-engine red, carrying a bruised-fruit intensity that hides road grime surprisingly well. Because it was only available for a single model year, you are driving a bit of a time capsule.

Technical Details

This is a true pearl finish, which is both a blessing and a curse for a DIY repair. The benefit is that deep, shimmering glow that gives the paint its name. The risk is that pearl pigments are heavier than standard color pigments, and they love to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not mix them thoroughly, you will end up applying mostly red dye without the mica sparkle, making your touch-up look flat and dark. Since reds are also the most prone to fading from UV exposure, your existing paint might be a hair lighter than it was in 2009.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chrysler Deep Crimson Cry Pearl (check for code HF/FHF on your driver's side door jamb), you need to shake it for a full 60 seconds. You want to hear that mixing ball working hard to suspend those pearl flakes. Always test the color on the included card first to see how the metallic settles. When you move to the vehicle, work in a cool garage or the shade-never in direct sunlight. Apply the paint in thin, light layers and give each one plenty of drying time. If you are using a can, keep the container moving to prevent the pearl from pooling in one spot.