Chrysler Salsa Red Pearl (E5/WE5) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This color is a time capsule from the turn of the millennium, specifically tied to the debut of the Chrysler PT Cruiser. It captures that early-2000s energy where car design shifted toward retro-futurism. Because it only stayed in production for a single year, your car is part of a very specific club. It is a deep, spicy red that feels more sophisticated than a standard flat scarlet, though after two decades on the road, the original finish has likely deepened or faded depending on how much sun it has seen.

Technical Details

Since this is a true pearl finish, the paint contains translucent ceramic crystals that reflect light differently than a standard metallic. This creates a sense of depth, but it makes your repair a bit more technical. The pearl flakes can settle at the bottom of the container or bunch up if you apply the paint too thick. If the flakes clump, you will see dark spots or "mottling" that makes the repair look uneven. The goal is to apply thin, even layers to let the light pass through the pigment and hit those pearl particles evenly.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chrysler Salsa Red Pearl (check for code E5/WE5), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to fully suspend those pearl crystals. You can usually find your paint code on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb or occasionally on the floor under the passenger seat. When you are ready to work in your garage or the shade, always test the color on the included card first to see how the pearl lays down. To avoid heavy spots, keep the container moving constantly and don't try to cover the damage in one heavy coat. Several thin passes with a five-minute drying time between them will give you the most consistent match.