Compatible with the following Dodges:

Models: All Other Models
Years: 1976

To determine if Carmel Tan Poly is the correct color, check your vehicle's color code. It should match the paint color code, which is U-3 (1976).

Paint Products in Carmel Tan Poly U-3 (1976)

Whether you’re repairing tiny rock chips, medium scratches, or larger damaged areas, we have the right product for you:

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Free Shipping on Orders $149+

Mixed fresh to order & shipped within 3–5 business days

Affordable DIY Repairs

Affordable DIY Repairs

Beginner-friendly products at a fraction of the cost of bodyshops

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American-Owned Family Business

Established in 1999 and trusted by 1,050,000+ car owners

Where to find Dodge color code

How to Find Your Dodge's Color Code

Older Dodge paint codes were placed on top of the radiator support, often obscured by engine grease and oil. Later models list them on the drivers door jamb. The typical format is BS/GBS, but only BS is the color code; it can also appear as QBS, PBS, TBS with the first letter as a confusing Year Code. The G in GBS is not part of the color code. BS corresponds to Deep Water Blue Pearl Clearcoat; lately codes are simply listed as BS.

More about Dodge color codes
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Custom paint for your Dodge

Skip Expensive Body Shops – Do It Yourself!

Whether you're an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional, you can achieve a high-quality paint job on your Dodge in the comfort of your own home.

PaintScratch proudly offers simple, beginner-friendly products in Carmel Tan Poly that do not require any fancy equipment. For the serious car fanatic, you can find ready-to-spray large-sized paints.

Your Paint Color Profile

Carmel Tan Poly

The Look

Carmel Tan is a definitive artifact of the mid-seventies, a period when Dodge moved away from the high-impact neon of the muscle era and toward sophisticated, earthy tones. It has a warm, desert-sand character that looks right at home on the long panels of a 1976 Aspen or a Royal Monaco. Because this color was used across the entire fleet, from utilitarian trucks to family wagons, it is incredibly practical. It hides a layer of road dust remarkably well, but it really comes to life in the sun when the underlying metal flakes catch the light.

Technical Details

This is a polychromatic finish, which is the vintage term for a metallic paint. Unlike a solid tan, this formula is packed with fine aluminum particles that provide depth and shimmer. The risk with any metallic is mottling, which occurs when the flakes cluster together into dark spots or stripes. This usually happens if you apply the paint too heavily in a single pass. To avoid this, you should focus on building the color through multiple light layers rather than one heavy soak, ensuring the flakes remain evenly distributed across the surface for a consistent glow.

Best Practices

You can typically find your paint code stamped on the metal fender tag located on the inner driver-side fender under the hood. Before you spray or dab Dodge Carmel Tan Poly (check for code U-3 (1976)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the metallic particles are fully suspended. Test the color on the included card to confirm the match and get a feel for the flow. Whether you are using a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from puddling. Work in the shade or a garage to keep the surface cool, and give the paint plenty of drying time between layers so the finish stays flat and professional.

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A difference you can see

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Laura C.
Nov 21

Will absolutely order from this company again.

After ordering touch-up paint from Lexus I was still waiting for it a month later. If they'd told me upfront it would take that long I wouldn't have ordered in the first place. Paint Scratch was recommended by a friend who restores cars. Easy ordering, fair price and fast shipping. The color match is great especially considering my car is a 2012. Will absolutely order from this company again. Reason I chose this business: Lexus collision repair and a local collision repair. Will use paint less dent removal and touch up chipped paint myself. Reason I chose this product: Spouse sideswiped passenger side of car while backing out of garage. Mostly plastic transfer from his wheel well trim but pressure creased and cracked the paint causing a bare strip 1/8 wide x 4” long below door handle. Scratches on door handle and a few small chips on both doors.

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Javier A
Nov 26

Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans

Used Paint Scratch metallic custom mixed spray cans paint on a hood panel with excellent coverage and texture over the surface. Metallic paint can be very unforgiving out of a spray can, sputtering pigmentation dots on the panel being sprayed and thus ruining the paint job. No such issues with Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint spray cans. Paint sprayed strong and evenly till the last drop of paint in the can. Shipping time was faster than expected. Reason I chose this business: Having tried other brands of custom mixed metallic paint with terrible results, sputtering pigmentation tint dots from the spray nozzle in spite of vigorously shaking of can prior to application and loss of propellant rendering the lower fifth of the can's paint useless, Paint Scratch custom mixed metallic paint sprays out beautifully and strong all the way to the last gram of paint in the can. Simply the best custom mixed paint in spray cans for automotive restoration. Thank you Paint Scratch.

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Matt M.
Sept 6

My highest rating With No Reservations. A+

I am a multiple time purchaser from this company. Each time they have provided me high quality products that are reasonably priced. The products come in a timely manner well packaged. The resources they provide have given me excellent guidance about how to use their products. I give this company my highest rating With No Reservations. A+ Reason I chose this business: There is no comparison possible. They are in League of Their Own as far as I'm concerned.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my vehicle’s paint code?

Your paint code is usually found in the driver’s door jamb, trunk, or under the hood. See our Dodge Paint Code Guide for detailed instructions.

Will this paint match my car?

Because your Dodge is older or uncommon, the most accurate option is custom matching where you mail in a small painted part for a hand match. Our paint technicians usually do a great job matching Dodge color code 'U-3 (1976)' but a perfect match cannot be guaranteed.

Do I need primer and clearcoat?

While primer is recommended on bare metal or plastic, clearcoat is essential: it protects the basecoat and restores factory gloss.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are mixed fresh and ship within 3–5 business days. Delivery takes 2–14 days depending on location.

Which touch up product should I choose?

 It depends on the size of the damage:

  • Paint Pen (½ oz) – Best for very small chips and fine scratches.
  • Brush Bottle (2 oz) – Great for medium chips or scratches up to the size of a quarter.
  • Spray Can – Ideal for larger areas and panels.
  • Professional Sizes (Pint, Quart, Gallon) – Designed for full panel and vehicle resprays using spray equipment.

Not sure? If it’s just rock chips or small scratches, start with a Paint Pen.

Can I return my order?

Yes! If there’s a color match issue, we’ll replace the product or give you your money back. You also can return unopened, non-custom accessories for a full refund.

How long will the paint last in storage?

Paint pens and bottles last about a year if stored cool and dry. Spray cans can last several years if the nozzle is cleaned.