Dodge Dodge Red No.3 (C-7021-E (1957)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the definitive face of the 1957 Dodge D100. It is a bold, industrial red that lacks the orange or brown tones of modern utility paints. When Dodge introduced the Power Giant lineup and the rare Sweptside bed in the mid-fifties, this color served as the primary uniform for the hardest-working trucks on the road. Since your truck has likely been out in the elements for decades, you should expect that the original finish has shifted toward a lighter, chalky appearance. Applying this fresh paint will restore that deep, post-war punch that defined the 1957 model year.

Technical Details

This is a single-stage solid finish, which means it relies on pure pigment rather than metallic flakes to create its depth. Solid reds are the most prone to oxidation, which is why your old paint might look dull compared to the fresh contents of your container. Because there is no sparkle to distract the eye, your technique is the most important part of the job. If you apply it too heavily in one spot, the color can appear slightly darker or create a run. Avoid heavy layers and focus on building the color slowly to ensure the new red sits flat against the old panel.

Best Practices

You can find your color plate on the driver side door pillar or sometimes mounted to the radiator support under the hood. Before you spray or dab Dodge Dodge Red No.3 (check for code C-7021-E (1957)), you need to shake the container for at least sixty seconds. Red pigments are heavy and settle quickly, so thorough mixing is the only way to get the correct hue. Test the color on the included card to see how it looks next to your existing paint in the shade. Keep the container moving at a steady pace to maintain a consistent flow from the nozzle, brush, or pen. Give the surface plenty of drying time between layers to prevent the paint from sagging.