Dodge Safari Red (R73) Touch Up Paint

The Look

If you are working with this color, you are likely reviving a piece of 1980s history. This was the era of the Mitsubishi-sourced Dodge imports, and this specific shade was the face of the sporty Conquest and the utilitarian Ram 50 Import Truck. It is a bright, unapologetic red that defined the look of the Vista Wagon and the nimble Colt. It is not subtle, and it was never meant to be. On a clean Conquest, it screams performance; on a Vista Wagon, it adds a much-needed pop of personality to the daily commute.

Technical Details

This is a classic solid finish, meaning there are no metallic flakes or pearls hiding in the mixture to help mask imperfections. While a solid red is easier to match in terms of depth, it presents a unique challenge for older vehicles. Since your car has been on the road for decades, the original finish has likely oxidized or faded into a lighter, chalkier version of its former self. Before you spray or dab Dodge Safari Red (check for code R73), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Because there is no flake to break up the light, any uneven thickness will show, so your goal is a perfectly smooth, level application.

Best Practices

Finding the identification tag on these older imports can be a hunt. Usually, you will find the metal plate riveted to the radiator support or the firewall under the hood, though sometimes it is tucked away in the driver's side door jamb. Before you start the actual repair, test the color on the included card to see how much the sun has changed your car's original hue over the years. When you begin, keep the container moving to ensure the pigment stays balanced. Use thin, even layers rather than one heavy coat. Solid reds have a high pigment load and can run easily if you apply them too thick, so patience between layers will save you from a messy cleanup in the garage.