Dodge Import Truck Paint Info
The Color Breakdown
Back when Dodge was importing their compact trucks, they didn't just play it safe with grays and whites. They really went for it. With 57 recorded colors, your truck might be sporting anything from the high-energy Spitfire Orange and Sanmarino Yellow to the more rugged Tone Down Green. Whether you have a single solid shade or one of the classic 80s two-tone setups like Silver Metallic over California Red, these trucks were designed to stand out in the driveway.
What to Watch For
Since these trucks were built to work, their paint often tells a story. You'll want to start by finding your paint code, which is usually stamped on a metal plate located on the firewall (the metal wall behind the engine) or tucked onto the radiator support. If you're driving a Raider, check the passenger side floor pan or the door jamb.
Keep an eye on the horizontal surfaces; these trucks are known for sun-fading on the hood and roof, and the clear coat can eventually start to peel if it's spent too many years under the sun. You might also notice small paint bubbles starting near the door handles or along the rocker panels. Don't worry-catching these early with a touch-up pen is exactly how you keep a small spot from becoming a big project.
Driveway Repair Tip
If you're working with one of the many metallic shades-like Caledonia Blue Metallic or Eiger Silver-patience is your best friend. Those tiny metallic flakes like to settle at the bottom of the bottle, so shake your touch-up pen or brush for at least 60 seconds before you start. When you apply the paint, think "thin and light." Instead of trying to fill a chip with one big glob, dab on a tiny layer, let it dry for fifteen minutes, and then add another. This keeps the repair level with the rest of the truck and ensures those sparkles sit just right.
