Dodge Russet (DT3418 (1976)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If you are working on a 1976 D-Series or a Power Wagon, you are dealing with one of the most honest colors of the mid-seventies. This shade is a deep, autumnal earth tone that defined the era of rugged utility. It is not quite orange and not quite brown, but a heavy, saturated clay color that looks right at home on a truck bed or a flared fender. Since your Dodge has likely spent decades working under the sun, the original finish has probably shifted toward a flatter, more matte appearance. Your goal is to bring back that rich, harvest-time warmth without making the repair look like a bright patch on an old garment.

Technical Details

This is a solid, non-metallic finish, which is a blessing for your restoration. You do not have to worry about metallic flakes standing up on end or creating dark shadows if your technique varies. The challenge with a solid color like this is depth; it relies entirely on the pigment to do the work. Before you spray or dab Dodge Russet (check for code DT3418 (1976)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Heavy pigments in these 1970s shades tend to settle at the bottom of the container, and if they are not fully incorporated, the color will come out looking thin or slightly off-hue.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint information on a metal Equipment Identification plate located on the radiator support under the hood or occasionally on the driver's side door jamb. Because these trucks are nearly fifty years old, the existing paint has weathered significantly. To ensure a match, always test the color on the included card before you touch the truck. When you are ready to apply, keep the container moving in steady, even passes to avoid piling up the paint in one spot. Ensure you give the surface plenty of drying time between layers. If you apply it too thick too fast, you risk trapping solvents which can dull the shine as it cures in your garage or in the shade.