Chrysler Light Champagne Metallic (HV3) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This shade is a time capsule of late-eighties luxury. It was the go-to choice for the Chrysler New Yorker and LeBaron, offering a refined, warmer alternative to the cold silvers of the era. Because it sits right between a tan and a silver, it is one of the best colors ever made for hiding road grime and dust. Since your car has likely been on the road for over thirty years, you will find that this color ages gracefully, though it may have shifted slightly toward a warmer yellow if it spent a lot of time sitting in the sun.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which means it relies on tiny aluminum flakes to catch the light. Metallics are notorious for being temperamental. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will sink and create dark, muddy patches. If you apply it too lightly, the finish will look dry and rough. The goal is a uniform layer that allows those flakes to stand up and reflect evenly. Before you spray or dab Chrysler Light Champagne Metallic (check for code HV3), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure those heavy metallic particles are fully suspended in the mix.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint code on a metal plate located on the driver's side door jamb or fastened to the radiator support under the hood. Once you have the right match, do not rush the process. Test the color on the included card to see how the metallics lay down before you touch the car. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish doesn't get soft and move around on you. If you are working in your garage, make sure the lighting is bright so you can see the flake orientation as it dries.