COLOR CODEOO-1 (1962) - Embassy RedChrysler Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Red on a 1962 Imperial isn't just a choice; it is an event. This was the final year of the Virgil Exner era, and your car represents the peak of American luxury before the designs moved toward the more conservative mid-sixties. While most owners chose formal blacks or muted blues, this red was for the person who wanted their two-and-a-half tons of steel to be noticed. Since your Imperial has likely spent plenty of time under the sun, the original finish might look a bit different today than it did in the showroom. This is a deep, authoritative color that demands the chrome around it be polished to a mirror to truly work.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which is actually a blessing for your repair. Unlike the temperamental metallics of the early sixties that like to stripe or mottle, a solid red provides a consistent depth. However, red pigments are notorious for fading and oxidizing into a chalky pink over decades. Before you apply Chrysler Embassy Red (check for code OO-1 (1962)), take a look at the surrounding area. If the old paint feels rough or looks dull, you need to clean that oxidation off first, or the fresh paint will look too dark against the faded original surface.

Best Practices

On your 1962 Imperial, you can usually find the paint code on the data plate located on the right-hand side of the radiator yoke under the hood. Once you have your color, shake the container for at least a full minute. Red pigment is heavy and settles at the bottom, so skipping the shake means you get a translucent mess. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your current level of fade. When you start, keep the container moving to avoid puddles and build the color in thin layers. Give each layer enough drying time so the surface isn't tacky before the next pass. Work in your garage or a patch of shade to keep the metal cool while you work.