Dodge California Red (R52/PR5) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive "captive import" red of the late eighties. Whether it is on a Colt or a Ram 50, this shade represents an era where Dodge and Mitsubishi joined forces to create punchy, reliable workhorses. It is a bright, honest red that lacks the pretension of modern pearls. Since your vehicle has been on the road for several decades, you should expect the original finish to have shifted slightly. Red pigments are the first to surrender to the sun, so your existing paint might look a bit more orange or pink than the fresh liquid in your hand. This color was designed to stand out in a parking lot, and it still does.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which is excellent news for your repair. Because there are no metallic flakes or pearl particles involved, you do not have to worry about the "mottling" or tiger stripes that plague silver and gold cars. The pigments are heavy and dense, providing great coverage, but they are also prone to oxidation. If your car has a chalky feel, you must clean that oxidized layer off first, or the new paint will sit on top of the dust instead of bonding to the surface. Solid colors like this are the most forgiving for beginners because the final look depends entirely on your preparation and patience rather than complex flake orientation.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge California Red (check for code R52/PR5), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can usually find this code on a metal plate riveted to the firewall under the hood or on the driver's side door jamb. Always test the color on the included card to see how the new pigment reacts compared to your weathered panels. When you start the work, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. Work in a shaded garage rather than direct sunlight to prevent the metal from getting too hot. Apply several thin layers, allowing enough drying time between each one, until the old scratch or chip is completely hidden.