X-9 (1975) - Formal Black Chrysler Touch Up Paint

The Look

In 1975, Chrysler used this specific pigment to define the height of American luxury. It was the era of the Cordoba and the massive New Yorker Brougham, where a deep, inky finish was required to complement all that chrome and vinyl. This is not a charcoal or a soft charcoal; it is a heavy, commanding black that feels like a tuxedo for your car. Because your vehicle has likely spent decades facing the elements, the original finish might have a slight patina or oxidation, so you are looking to restore that deep, mirror-like depth that made these cars stand out in the showroom.

Technical Details

This is a classic solid finish. There are no metallic flakes or pearl additives to hide behind, which makes it an honest but demanding color to repair. Solid blacks act as a high-gloss mirror, meaning they will highlight every ripple, sand scratch, or bit of dust left on the surface. Before you spray or dab Chrysler Formal Black (check for code X-9 (1975)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. If the pigments are not fully integrated, the repair might look slightly brown or grey against the deep factory panels. Since there is no flake to orient, your main goal is achieving a flat, level surface that allows light to bounce off perfectly.

Best Practices

To verify you have the right match, look for the metal fender tag usually located on the driver side inner fender or the radiator support; the code will be stamped on the bottom row. Before you touch the car, test the color on the included card to see how it sits against your aged paint. When you are ready, work in a cool garage rather than direct sunlight to prevent the paint from drying too fast. Apply multiple thin layers rather than one heavy coat. If you are using a can, keep the container moving to avoid puddles, and if you are using a pen, use light dabs to build the level. Give each layer enough drying time to ensure the finish remains hard and durable.