COLOR CODER54 - Maple RedDodge Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This red is a deep, earthy tone that perfectly captures the mid-eighties aesthetic. It was a signature choice for the Dodge Ram 50 and other import trucks, giving those compact workhorses a rugged, sophisticated character that stood out from the brighter, flatter reds of the era. Since your truck has been on the road for decades, the original finish has likely weathered and lost some of its depth. This color relies on its metallic particles to catch the light, so it looks its best when the surface is clean and the pigment is evenly distributed.

Technical Details

This is a metallic finish, which means it contains tiny flakes designed to reflect light and add dimension. Metallics can be temperamental because those flakes are heavy and tend to sink to the bottom of the container. If you apply the paint too heavily or fail to mix it well, you may see mottling, where the flakes clump together and create dark, uneven splotches. To avoid this, you need to focus on thin, consistent layers that allow the metallic bits to lay flat and uniform across the surface of your truck.

Best Practices

On these vintage import trucks, you can usually find your paint code on a metal identification plate riveted to the firewall under the hood or along the radiator support. Before you spray or dab Dodge Maple Red (check for code R54), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This step is mandatory to wake up the settled metallic flakes. Always test the color on the included card and let it dry completely to verify the match against your current paint. Work in the shade to keep the metal cool and keep the container moving while you apply the paint to prevent pooling. Give each layer enough drying time so the finish sets properly without runs.