COLOR CODEDT- 3116 (1971) - Toreador RedDodge Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the color of a truck that worked for its living. Found exclusively on 1971 models, this shade defines the end of the Sweptline era with a deep, soulful character. It is not a bright, loud fire-engine red, nor is it a dark maroon. It sits right in that sweet spot of a rich, traditional workhorse crimson. Since your truck has been on the road for over half a century, the original finish has likely developed a personality of its own, but this pigment brings back that factory-floor dignity.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning you do not have to worry about metallic flakes settling unevenly or creating dark stripes. The beauty of a solid red is the depth of color you can achieve, but the challenge is the pigment itself. Red is a heavy hitter that likes to sink to the bottom of the container. If you do not mix it thoroughly, you will end up with a translucent pinkish hue instead of a rich red. Because it lacks metallic particles, the match is usually very forgiving, provided you build up enough layers to reach full opacity.

Best Practices

Locating the official tag on a 1971 Dodge truck can be a scavenger hunt. Check the driver side door jamb or the radiator support under the hood, but do not be surprised if the plate is missing on a vintage rig. Before you spray or dab Dodge Toreador Red (check for code DT- 3116 (1971)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This ensures those heavy red pigments are fully suspended. Test the color on the included card to see how it looks against your weathered paint. When applying, keep the container moving to avoid puddles and give it plenty of drying time between layers. If you are using a pen for stone chips, dab the center of the chip and let the paint flow to the edges naturally.