COLOR CODEPP-1 (1962) - Festival RedChrysler Touch-Up Paint

The Look

The year 1962 was a turning point for Chrysler because the towering fins of the fifties finally vanished. To make up for the loss of those architectural rear ends, the factory leaned into bold, commanding colors that could carry the car's weight on their own. Whether you are working on a Newport or the legendary 300H, this red is a pure mid-century statement. It is a bright, punchy shade that lacks the orange undertones found in later decades. It looks best when surrounded by the heavy chrome common on these models, as the reflection of the trim helps give the flat color more depth.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning there are no metallic flakes or pearl powders to worry about. While that makes your job easier because you do not have to manage flake orientation, red is notoriously sensitive to UV damage and age. Before you spray or dab Chrysler Festival Red (check for code PP-1 (1962)), you need to look closely at your existing finish. If your car has spent decades in the sun, the original paint has likely drifted toward a lighter, chalkier shade. A solid red is easy to apply, but it is unforgiving if your surface preparation is not smooth, as the high gloss will highlight every ripple or scratch you leave behind.

Best Practices

You can usually find your code stamped on the metal fender tag located on the driver's side inner fender or the radiator support. Red pigments are physically heavy and will settle at the bottom of the reservoir faster than other colors. Shake the container for at least two full minutes to ensure the color is uniform. Test the color on the included card before touching your car to see how well it matches the current state of your 1962 finish. When applying, keep the container moving to prevent the paint from pooling or sagging. Give each layer plenty of drying time in the garage or a bit of shade, as rushing a solid red can lead to solvent trap and a duller final shine.