Dodge Light Cashmere (ST1 (1981)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

This shade is a pure time capsule from 1981. It belongs to that family of earthy, desert-inspired tones that Dodge used to define their trucks and sedans at the start of the decade. It is a highly practical color because its warm, sandy undertone does a fantastic job of hiding the light dust and road salt that usually ruins a darker finish. Since your vehicle has been on the road for over forty years, the original paint has likely developed its own character through sun exposure, so expect the fresh pigment to look a little more vibrant than your weathered panels.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish. The lack of metallic or pearl particles is a huge advantage for a home repair because you will not have to deal with flakes bunching up or looking blotchy in the sun. The challenge with a solid cream like this is the edge. If you apply the paint too heavily, you will create a noticeable ledge where the new paint meets the old. Stick to thin layers that allow the color to build up slowly. This approach keeps the repair flush and prevents the finish from looking too thick against the factory metal.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Dodge Light Cashmere (check for code ST1 (1981)), you need to shake it for at least 60 seconds to fully wake up the pigments. You can usually find your paint code on the metal body plate located on the radiator support bar under the hood or tucked inside the driver's door jamb. Always test the color on the included card to confirm the match against your specific car. When you begin, keep the container moving to maintain an even flow across the surface. Let the paint have plenty of drying time between layers so the finish sets hard and smooth.