Dodge Dark Quartz Gray Metallic (HD9) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the ultimate late-eighties workhorse aesthetic. It was only available for a single year, making your Ram Van or Ram Wagon a bit of a survivor from a specific era of Chrysler design. It is a deep, smoky gray that was built to look professional while hiding the road grime and dust that comes with a life of utility. Because your vehicle has likely been on the road since 1989, the original finish has probably matured, so don't expect a perfect match right out of the gate-time and sun have likely shifted the shade of your existing panels.

Technical Details

This is a true metallic finish, which gives the gray its "quartz" depth but also makes your job a little more difficult. Metallic flakes are heavy and love to sink to the bottom of the container or clump together. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, those flakes will bunch up and create dark, blotchy patches known as mottling. To avoid this, you need to ensure the flakes stay suspended in the paint so they lay down flat and reflect light evenly across the repair area.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge Dark Quartz Gray Metallic (check for code HD9), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can usually find that code stamped on a metal plate located on the radiator support or the inner fender well under the hood. Since the metallic particles are so stubborn, shake the container frequently during the process to keep the mix consistent. Always test the color on the included card first to see how the flakes settle. When you move to the vehicle, keep the container moving to ensure the flow stays light and even. Working in a garage or the shade will prevent the paint from drying too fast, which helps the metallic transition look natural. Give it plenty of drying time between layers to prevent the solvent from trapping the flakes in a messy pile.