COLOR CODETM9 (1981) - Baron RedDodge Touch-Up Paint

The Look

You are working with a piece of 1981 history. This red does not try to be fancy; it is a bold, straightforward shade that defined the era of the early K-cars and D-Series trucks. Because it only lived for a single year, your Dodge carries a specific look that disappeared as quickly as it arrived. It has a rich depth that looks honest when clean, though it can look tired if the sun has been beating on it for four decades. Since your car has likely been on the road for a long time, this color will bring back that factory punch it had in the early eighties.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, which is a blessing for your repair. You do not have to worry about metallic flakes settling unevenly or creating dark spots in your finish. The challenge with a solid red is matching the brightness of the original factory color to the weathered paint on your Dodge. Red pigment is historically the first to fade and turn chalky, so your repair might look slightly more vibrant than the surrounding panels at first. Deep reds like this can also be transparent, so ensure your surface is a uniform color before you start your work.

Best Practices

You will find your paint code on a metal plate attached to the radiator support under the hood or occasionally on the driver side door pillar. Before you spray or dab Dodge Baron Red (check for code TM9 (1981)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures the heavy red pigments mix for a consistent match. To avoid drips or heavy buildup, keep the container moving and apply several thin layers rather than one thick coat. Between each layer, give the paint enough drying time so it does not sag. Always test the color on the included card to see how the pigment settles in the shade before you touch the car.