COLOR CODETT-1 (1963) - Claret PolyChrysler Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color captures the transition of the early sixties from flamboyant fins to executive elegance. When you apply Chrysler Claret Poly (check for code TT-1 (1963)), you are reviving a deep, wine-pressed maroon that defined the 1963 lineup. It was a heavyweight choice for the Imperial and New Yorker, but it gave the Newport and 300 series a grounded, expensive presence. Because your car has spent decades exposed to the elements, the original finish has likely shifted toward a flatter, darker tone, so expect your fresh touch-up to look slightly more vibrant until it fully cures.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means the paint is packed with fine aluminum flakes. These flakes provide the depth and shimmer that make the color pop in the sun, but they are also heavy. If the paint is applied too thick in one spot, the metal particles will bunch together and create dark, blotchy patches known as mottling. To keep the finish even, you must avoid heavy "wet" coats. Building the color in light, thin layers ensures the flakes lay down flat and uniform across the surface.

Best Practices

Locate your paint code on the metal fender tag, which is usually screwed to the driver's side inner fender under the hood or on the radiator support. Before you start, shake your container for at least two full minutes to lift those settled metallic flakes off the bottom. Test the color on the included card to see how the metallic particles react to your hand speed. Whether you use a nozzle or a brush, keep the container moving constantly to prevent the paint from pooling. Work in a cool garage or the shade, as direct sunlight will shorten the drying time too much and cause the metallic flakes to stand up straight rather than laying flat.