COLOR CODE514 (1969) - Light RedGMC Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the quintessential working-class hero. Used exclusively during the 1969 production run, this shade defines the face of the classic GMC truck era. It is a bold, unapologetic red that was designed to stand out on the job site or the farm. Because your truck has likely been braving the elements since the late sixties, the original finish has almost certainly shifted toward a flatter, more orange-red due to decades of sun exposure. When you apply fresh paint, it will appear significantly more vibrant and deeper than the aged surroundings, so keep your repair areas small to help them disappear into the vintage character of the metal.

Technical Details

This is a solid finish, meaning there are no metallic flakes or pearl particles hiding inside. While that makes the color easier to work with because you do not have to worry about "tiger stripes" or uneven sparkling, solid reds are notorious for being transparent. Before you spray or dab GMC Light Red (check for code 514 (1969)), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. Because the pigment is heavy, it likes to settle at the bottom. If you do not mix it thoroughly, your first few marks will look thin and pinkish rather than that deep, rich crimson you are expecting.

Best Practices

On a 1969 model, you will usually find your paint information on the Service Parts Identification sticker. Open your glove box and look for the white paper label on the inside of the door; the code 514 should be listed there alongside the other factory options. Since this is a solid red, it requires multiple thin layers rather than one thick coat to get full coverage. Test the color on the included card first to see how it reacts to your specific lighting. When applying, keep the container moving in steady, overlapping passes to prevent the paint from pooling. Give it plenty of drying time between layers to ensure the finish remains hard and durable against future chips.