COLOR CODE714A/740 (1960) - Cardinal RedGMC Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the quintessential mid-century work color. When GMC launched this red for its 1960 truck lineup, they weren't aiming for subtle elegance; they were building a visual identity for the most capable pickups on the road. It is a deep, honest red that lacks the orange undertones found in later decades. Because your truck comes from an era when utility was king, this color works best when it has a high-gloss finish to contrast against the heavy steel of the grille and bumpers. It turns a vintage GMC into a centerpiece rather than just another piece of farm equipment.

Technical Details

You are working with a solid finish, which means there are no metallic flakes or pearls hiding in the mixture. This makes your job much easier because you do not have to worry about the direction of the "flop" or the flakes settling unevenly. However, solid reds are notorious for fading after decades of exposure to the sun. Since your GMC has been around for over sixty years, the original paint may have shifted toward a flatter, chalky pink. This creates a challenge for blending, as the fresh paint will naturally look more vibrant than the aged sections. For the best result, you should clean the surrounding area thoroughly to remove any oxidation before you begin.

Best Practices

To find your confirmation plate, check the driver-side door pillar or the inside of the glove box door. Before you spray or dab GMC Cardinal Red (check for code 714A/740 (1960)), you need to shake the container for a full minute. Red pigments are heavy and like to settle at the bottom, so mixing is the most important step for color accuracy. Test the color on the included card to ensure the shade matches your current level of fade. Work in the shade, keep the container moving to prevent puddles, and allow plenty of drying time between thin coats. Building the color slowly will give you a much more durable finish than trying to cover a scratch in one heavy pass.