Ford Astra Blue Metallic (R-TRUCK (1971)) Touch Up Paint

The Look

Your 1971 Ford truck carries a color that defines an era of rugged transition. This isn't just a work-truck blue; it has a depth that sets it apart from the flat, utilitarian shades common on the job site. Since your truck has survived over half a century on the road, the original finish has likely developed a character of its own through age and sun exposure. This blue provides a sophisticated edge to the F-Series or Bronco, looking especially sharp when the light hits the body lines of the hood and fenders.

Technical Details

This finish is a true metallic, which means it relies on tiny suspended flakes to create that signature shimmer. Metallic paints are temperamental compared to solid colors because those flakes want to clump together if the paint goes on too heavy. If you aren't careful, you might end up with dark, blotchy patches or uneven streaks. Achieving a uniform look depends entirely on how those flakes lay down. You want them to sit flat and even so the repair blends into the surrounding panel rather than looking like a distinct dark spot.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Ford Astra Blue Metallic (check for code R-TRUCK (1971)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. You can find your official color code on the metal warranty plate or sticker located on the rear face of the driver's side door or the door pillar. Test the color on the included card first to make sure the metallic particles are thoroughly mixed. When you begin the repair in your garage or a patch of shade, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. Use light, thin layers and respect the drying time between each one to ensure the flakes stay exactly where they belong.