Dodge Black (TX9/DT4004) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the quintessential deep black that defined the Dodge utility lineup throughout the mid-to-late eighties. Whether you are dabbing a chip on the fender of a Rampage or covering a scrape on a long-wheelbase Ram Van, this color brings back the heavy, industrial weight these vehicles had when they first rolled off the lot. It is a no-nonsense shade that lacks the modern sparkle of metallic flakes, which is exactly why it looks so right on a square-body Pickup from this era. Because these trucks and vans often lived hard lives on job sites, your original paint has likely faded into a charcoal-like gray, but this pigment has the richness to restore that lost authority to your body panels.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish, which is the most honest type of paint you can apply. There are no metallic particles or pearls to worry about, so you do not have to fret over the "flop" or how the light hits the flakes. However, solid black is notoriously unforgiving. It will reveal every tiny ripple in your bodywork and every piece of dust that lands while you are working in the garage or under the shade of a tree. Before you spray or dab Dodge Black (check for code TX9/DT4004), you must ensure the surface is as smooth as possible. The reward for your patience is a mirror-like depth that modern colors simply cannot replicate.

Best Practices

Your first step is to locate the metal ID tag, which is usually found on the radiator support bar under the hood or on the driver-side door jamb. Once you have confirmed the match, shake your container for at least sixty seconds to get the pigment moving. Test the color on the included card before moving to the vehicle to see how it reacts to your specific lighting. When applying, keep the container moving at a steady pace to avoid any pooling. It is better to apply three or four thin layers than one heavy one, allowing for a short drying time between each pass. If you are using a brush or pen, resist the urge to glob the paint into a chip; build it up in thin stages until the repair sits flush with the surrounding surface.