Dodge Warm White (W61) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your vehicle represents a unique slice of automotive history from the brief window in 1981 when the captive import era was in full swing. Whether you are touching up a Challenger, an Arrow, or a hard-working Import Truck, this color defines that transition from the loud palettes of the seventies to a more sophisticated decade. This isn't a sterile, cold white you would find on a modern kitchen appliance. It carries a creamy, ivory undertone that gives these Mitsubishi-bred classics a softer profile. Because your car has likely seen over forty years of sun and road grit, the original finish has probably shifted toward an even warmer parchment tone, making a precise touch-up vital to keep it from looking patchy.

Technical Details

This is a traditional solid finish, which is a blessing for anyone working in a garage or under the shade of a driveway. Without metallic flakes or pearl additives to worry about, you won't have to struggle with the color looking different from various angles. However, solid whites are notorious for revealing poor surface preparation. Any hidden rust or grime will bleed through the pigment quickly. Before you spray or dab Dodge Warm White (check for code W61), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the heavy white pigments are fully suspended. Since it lacks metallic particles, your main goal is achieving a smooth flow without creating a ridge where the new paint meets the old.

Best Practices

To find your confirmation tag, look toward the firewall at the back of the engine bay or along the radiator support bar, as these import models placed their ID plates differently than domestic Detroit steel. Before you apply any paint to the vehicle, always test the color on the included card to see how well it matches the current state of your aged finish. When you start the repair, keep the container moving to avoid puddling. If you are using a brush or a pen, apply the paint in thin layers rather than one heavy glob. Give the area plenty of drying time between coats to prevent the finish from becoming soft or gummy.