COLOR CODEP51/PCT - Dark Plum PearlChrysler Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Since your Sebring has likely been cruising since the late nineties, this deep purple has a story to tell. Chrysler Dark Plum Pearl (code P51/PCT) was only available for a single year, making it a rare sight on the road today. It is a moody, sophisticated shade that shifts from a dark, near-black violet in the shade to a rich plum when the sun hits the mica flakes. Because it was so short-lived, it gives the car a more custom, era-specific look that stands out from the typical silvers and whites of the time.

Technical Details

This is a pearl finish, not a simple solid color. That means the paint contains tiny mica particles that reflect light at different angles. Pearls are notorious for being picky about how they are applied. If you apply the paint too thick in one spot, the repair will look like a dark bruise rather than a match. If you go too thin, the coverage will look weak and transparent. You want to build the color in light layers so the mica flakes lay down flat and uniform. Because your car has likely seen a lot of sun, the original finish might be slightly lighter than the factory-fresh paint in your container, making thin layers even more important for a successful blend.

Best Practices

You can find your paint code on the driver's side door jamb or on the radiator support under the hood. Before you open your paint, you must shake the container for at least sixty seconds. Those pearl particles are heavy and sink to the bottom, so they need a thorough mix to ensure the color is right. Test the color on the included card to see how the light interacts with the pearl before you touch the car. When you begin your repair, keep the container moving to prevent the mica from bunching up in one area. Work in your garage or the shade to keep the drying time consistent, and remember that this finish requires a clearcoat to bring out the depth and protect the repair from the elements.