Dodge Dark Red Poly (TT-1 (1964)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the color that gave the 1964 Dodge lineup its backbone. Whether it was on a Polara cruising the strip or a Dart parked in a suburban driveway, this shade offered a level of maturity that the bright, "look-at-me" reds lacked. Since your car has likely been on the road for sixty years, the original pigment on the body may have shifted slightly from its factory state. This is a deep, rich red that defines the mid-sixties aesthetic without being overly aggressive. It is sophisticated, but it demands a perfect match to look right against aged surrounding panels.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which back in the mid-sixties was often labeled as a "Polychromatic" or Poly paint. Metallics carry a specific risk: the tiny metal flakes are heavy and love to sink to the bottom of the container. If you don't keep the container moving, you will end up with mottling, which looks like dark, uneven clouds or stripes across your repair. This happens when the flakes cluster together instead of laying flat and even. To get that consistent shimmer, you need to ensure those flakes stay suspended in the liquid throughout the entire process.

Best Practices

Start by finding your fender tag, which is usually located on the driver-side inner fender near the battery, or check the door hinge pillar if you are driving an 880 model. Before you spray or dab Dodge Dark Red Poly (check for code TT-1 (1964)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to get the metallic flakes to distribute properly. Test the color on the included card to see how the hue compares to your current finish in the natural light of your garage. Apply light, thin layers rather than one heavy coat to prevent the paint from sagging. Between coats, give it enough drying time to become tacky so the next layer bonds firmly without disturbing the flakes below.