COLOR CODEX8 - BlackChrysler Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the ink-dark finish that anchored the Chrysler lineup during the mid-eighties. In the era of the boxy LeBaron and the very first Dodge Caravans, this shade provided a sense of weight and class to the sharp angles of the K-car generation. It is a deep, non-metallic void that looks just as right on a work van as it does on a high-trim New Yorker. Because your car has likely been on the road for nearly four decades, this black might have settled into a slightly softer character, but it remains one of the most straightforward colors to work with.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which means you won't find a single flake of metallic or pearl in the mix. The benefit is that the color is incredibly consistent and easy to blend into the existing panels of your van or sedan. However, solid blacks are notoriously opinionated about cleanliness. They act like a mirror, reflecting every minor ripple or piece of dust that finds its way into your workspace. Since there are no metallic particles to hide behind, you must be diligent about working in a clean garage or a patch of calm shade to ensure the final result is a smooth, deep reflection.

Best Practices

You can usually find your identification details on a metal fender tag located on the driver-side inner fender under the hood, or on a sticker inside the driver-side door jamb. Before you spray or dab Chrysler Black (check for code X8), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to make sure the heavy black pigments are perfectly distributed. Test the color on the included card first to see how it compares to the current state of your paint. When you begin, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling in one spot. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish builds up evenly without sagging or trapping texture.