COLOR CODE714A/740 (1961) - Cardinal RedGMC Touch-Up Paint

The Look

Cardinal Red is the quintessential workhorse color from the dawn of the sixties. It was designed for the 1961 GMC truck line to be visible and bold on the job site. This is not a subtle or deep burgundy; it is a bright, honest primary red that gives your truck a rugged, factory-fresh appearance. Since your truck has likely been on the road for over sixty years, the original paint might be slightly flatter or cloudier than what comes out of your new container. However, this specific shade is remarkably resilient and defines the era of classic utility.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning there are no metallic flakes or pearls hiding in the mixture. Solid colors are much friendlier for repairs because you do not have to worry about particles laying at the wrong angle or creating "tiger stripes." The biggest challenge with a classic red like this is the way it ages. Red pigment is historically the first to fade under UV rays. If you are touching up an original 1961 panel, the new paint might look slightly darker than the sun-bleached areas around it. Because there is no flake to worry about, you can focus entirely on getting a smooth, level surface.

Best Practices

You can usually find your paint information on the service plate located inside the glovebox door or on the driver's side door pillar. Before you spray or dab GMC Cardinal Red (check for code 714A/740 (1961)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds to ensure the heavy red pigments are fully mixed. Test the color on the included card first to confirm the match against your current finish. When you are ready to apply the paint, keep the container moving to avoid heavy build-up and runs. Work in your garage or shade and allow for plenty of drying time between light coats to ensure the finish stays level and smooth.