COLOR CODEDDD (1958) - Midnight Blue PolyChrysler Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This color defines the sophisticated "Forward Look" era of the late fifties. Since it was available for all 1958 models, you might be looking at this deep, dark blue on anything from a high-finned Imperial to a Saratoga. It carries a regal weight that looks nearly black in the shade but wakes up with a sharp metallic shimmer when the sun hits those broad panels. Because your Chrysler has likely been on the road for over six decades, the original paint might have shifted or faded, so this fresh pigment will look its best when you focus on light layering rather than one heavy coat.

Technical Details

The "Poly" in the name stands for polychromatic, which means you are working with a metallic finish. These tiny metallic flakes are heavy and love to sink to the bottom of the container. If you apply the paint too heavily or without enough mixing, the flakes will bunch up and create dark, uneven patches. This is called mottling, and it ruins the depth of the blue. You want to avoid any pooling; instead, focus on building the color with thin, even layers to let the metallic particles lay flat and uniform across the repair area.

Best Practices

Before you spray or dab Chrysler Midnight Blue Poly (check for code DDD (1958)), you must shake the container for at least a full minute to wake up those settled flakes. You can verify your paint code by looking at the data plate usually located on the driver's side door pillar or on the radiator support under the hood. Test the color on the included card first to get a feel for how the light catches the metallic bits. When you are ready, keep the container moving at a steady pace to ensure the flakes distribute evenly. Allow for plenty of drying time between each light pass to prevent the finish from looking muddy.