Dodge Dodge Truck Red (1418-G (1961)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This is the quintessential mid-century workhorse aesthetic. In 1961, Dodge trucks were tools first and transport second, and this specific red provided a high-visibility, professional look for the debut of the revolutionary Sweptline design. Since your truck has likely spent decades working under the sun or sitting in a shed, the original finish might have a slight matte or chalky character compared to a fresh coat. This shade is bold and lacks the orange undertones found in later decades, giving your vintage rig a grounded, heavy-duty presence that modern pickups cannot replicate.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish, which is excellent for a DIY project because you do not have to worry about metallic flakes settling unevenly or creating dark spots. However, red pigments are heavy and tend to settle at the bottom of the container. If you do not get a thorough mix, the color might look thin when it hits the surface. Because it is a solid color, it will show every surface imperfection, so make sure your prep work is smooth before you start. Before you spray or dab Dodge Dodge Truck Red (check for code 1418-G (1961)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure those deep pigments are fully suspended.

Best Practices

On these classic trucks, you can usually find your data plate attached to the driver's side door jamb or occasionally under the hood on the radiator support. Once you are ready to work in your garage or a patch of shade, remember to test the color on the included card to see how it matches your aged paint. Whether you are using a pen or a nozzle, keep the container moving across the surface to prevent the paint from pooling or sagging. Pay close attention to the drying time between coats, as rushing the process can lead to solvent bubbles. If you are working on a vertical panel, thin and frequent layers will give you a better result than one heavy pass.