COLOR CODETA3 (1981) - Burnished Silver MetallicChrysler Touch-Up Paint

The Look

In 1981, Chrysler was in the middle of a massive identity shift, transitioning from the heavy cruisers of the seventies toward the lean, angular lines of the K-car era. This specific silver offered a bridge between those worlds. It was a sophisticated choice for a flagship Imperial or a New Yorker, but it looks just as right on a first-year LeBaron. Because your car has survived over four decades of road wear, the original finish has likely developed a bit of character. This shade is excellent at hiding light dust and road grime, but it requires a clean, intentional application to revive that executive eighties feel.

Technical Details

This is a traditional metallic finish, meaning the paint is packed with tiny aluminum flakes that provide its signature "burnished" depth. Metallics can be moody. If you apply the paint too heavily in one spot, the flakes will pool together and create dark, cloudy patches known as mottling. It is the difference between a repair that looks like factory metal and one that looks like a bruised piece of fruit. Before you spray or dab Chrysler Burnished Silver Metallic (check for code TA3 (1981)), you need to ensure those flakes are perfectly suspended in the liquid so they lay down flat and uniform across the surface.

Best Practices

On a 1981 model, you will typically find your identity tag-often called the fender tag-screwed into the driver's side inner fender wall or the radiator support bar under the hood. To ensure you have a match for your aging finish, always test the color on the included card before touching your car. Shake the container vigorously for at least a full minute to get the metallic particles off the bottom. When you begin, keep the container moving to maintain an even flow. Use light, overlapping passes and respect the drying time between layers. This patience prevents the metallic particles from sagging and keeps the repair from looking like a dark stripe on your fender.