Dodge Charcoal Poly (A-9 (1972)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Charcoal Poly is the refined, buttoned-down cousin of the loud High Impact colors Dodge offered in the early seventies. While the bright oranges and greens grabbed the headlines, this deep, smoky grey was the choice for those who wanted their Charger or Monaco to look sophisticated rather than rebellious. Because this was a single-year offering, you are working with a rare piece of the 1972 lineup. Since your car has been on the road for over half a century, the original finish has likely weathered into a slightly different shade, so your repair will need to account for that natural aging.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint is filled with tiny flakes that provide depth and shimmer. These particles are heavy and love to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not get them suspended properly, the repair will look uneven or blotchy. This "mottling" happens when the metallic flakes clump together instead of laying flat. Because it is a dark metallic, any inconsistency in how the flakes settle will be very obvious. You want a uniform layer to ensure the light hits the repair the same way it hits the rest of the body.

Best Practices

You will find your factory information on the small metal fender tag located on the driver side inner fender, usually near the battery. Before you spray or dab Dodge Charcoal Poly (check for code A-9 (1972)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to wake up those metallic flakes. Test the color on the included card first to see how the grey looks once it is dry. To prevent streaks, keep the container moving across the surface rather than staying in one spot. Give each layer enough drying time before adding the next so the finish stays crisp and level.