Chrysler's Most Coveted Paint Code: Unveiling The Secret

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Chrysler's paint codes are typically three characters long, including both letters and numbers, and usually start with the letter P. The first letter of the paint code indicates the year the colour was introduced, with “E standing for 1969, “F for 1970, and “G for 1971. The second letter indicates the colour base, for example, “Y stands for yellow, while the third digit, a number, indicates the shade. While the location of the paint code may vary depending on the model, it is typically found on a white or black manufacturer's sticker, often on the driver's side door jamb. Over the years, Chrysler has offered a range of sought-after colours, including Plum Crazy/In-Violet (FC7), Bright Green/Rallye Green, and Prowler Purple Metallic (PH7).

Characteristics Values
Most sought-after paint colour Plum Crazy/In-Violet (FC7)
Paint code format Three characters, a mix of letters and numbers
Location of paint code Sticker on the driver's side door jamb, core support, or elsewhere
Sticker colour White or black
Paint colour options Over 545 colours, including metallics, solids, and pearls
Matching paint Solid colours are the easiest to match, while metallics are the hardest
Paint maintenance Scrapes and dings are more visible on some colours, and some colours show dust and dirt more quickly

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Where to find Chrysler paint codes

The Chrysler paint code is usually located on a white, black, or silver manufacturer's sticker. The code is written underneath the barcode and shown next to the "PNT" heading. You will only see the code, such as GW7/PW7/W12, and not the description, Bright White.

The location of the sticker depends on the Chrysler model. For instance, for the Chrysler 200, PT Cruiser, or Sebring, the sticker can be found on the driver's side door jamb or the core support.

Chrysler paint codes are three characters long and contain both numbers and letters. For example, PDM is the code for Mineral Gray Metallic, which is commonly found on the Chrysler 300.

The first letter of the paint code indicates the year the color was introduced. For instance, "E" stands for 1969, "F" for 1970, and "G" for 1971. The second digit indicates the color base. For example, "Y" stands for a yellow base color, as in Citron Yella and Top Banana (FY6). The third digit, which is a number, indicates the shade.

One of the most sought-after Chrysler paint codes is FC7, which is a vibrant purple coating known as Plum Crazy or In-Violet. Introduced in 1970, it graced the first-generation Dodge Challenger and third-generation Plymouth Barracuda. Despite being discontinued after only two years, it has developed a cult-like following and can add a premium to the vehicle's value.

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Interpreting Chrysler paint codes

Chrysler paint codes are typically three characters long, with a mix of letters and numbers. The first letter of the paint code indicates the year the colour was introduced. For example, "E" stands for 1969, "F" for 1970, and "G" for 1971. The second character indicates the colour base. For instance, "Y" stands for yellow, "J" for green, and "K" for orange. The third character, which is a number, indicates the shade.

Chrysler colour ID tags are usually white, but they can also be black or silver. The paint code is written beneath the barcode, next to the "PNT" heading. You will only see the code, such as GW7/PW7/W12, and not the description, which in this case is Bright White.

Chrysler paint codes can be found on a white or black manufacturer's sticker. The most common locations are on the driver's side door jamb or the core support.

It is important to note that Chrysler, like other manufacturers, uses the same colour across multiple models, but each model may have a different name for that colour. For example, BS is called Deep Water Blue Pearl Clearcoat, but it could also be called Blue Clearcoat or Ocean Clearcoat. This is why understanding paint codes is crucial for ordering the correct paint.

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Most sought-after Chrysler colours

The Chrysler Corporation introduced the High-Impact colour palette in 1969, at the height of the hippie movement. These colours were a big hit and adorned every muscle car with Dodge or Plymouth badges. Bright Green, also known as Rallye Green or Spring Green, is one of the first four High-Impact colours introduced by Chrysler in 1969. It was only available for a limited time in the spring of that year, making it one of the rarest and most desirable High-Impact colours.

Plum Crazy/In-Violet, which debuted in 1970, is considered the most popular colour from the golden muscle car era. It was available on the first-generation Dodge Challenger and third-generation Plymouth Barracuda. FC7, the colour code for Plum Crazy, was discontinued after only two years, but it has since developed a cult following and is highly sought after by collectors.

Other notable High-Impact colours include Go Mango, Butterscotch, HEMI Orange, and Top Banana, which all feature a yellow base. Chrysler also offered a range of solid colours, such as Roman Red Poly (TT-1) and Frost Turquoise Poly (KK-1).

When it comes to modern Chrysler models, certain colours are harder to match than others. For example, the 2016 Chrysler 300 colours are known to be challenging to match, as are less popular colours like Cinnamon Glaze Metallic. Metallic colours, in general, can be more difficult to match and may cost more to repair if the vehicle sustains significant paint damage.

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Repairing scratches on Chryslers

While Chryslers are known for their durability, like any other car, they are susceptible to scratches. These scratches can occur in various ways, from rocks and road debris to parking lot mishaps or even intentional keying. Regardless of the cause, it is essential to address scratches promptly to prevent further issues and maintain the value of your Chrysler.

The first step in repairing scratches on your Chrysler is to assess the damage. Run your fingernail across the scratch to determine its depth. If the scratch is deep enough to catch your nail, it is likely a clear coat scratch. While these scratches can be repaired at home, they require more extensive treatment than superficial scuffs.

For clear coat scratches, begin by cleaning the area with soapy water and a towel to remove any dirt or debris. Next, tape off the scratch to clearly mark the affected area. You can then proceed to apply a car polish or clear coat product using a microfiber cloth in gentle, circular motions. Alternatively, a clear coat pen or spray can be used to fill in the scratch. Once the scratch is filled, polish the area with a fine polish using a swirling motion, and then remove any excess polish with a microfiber towel. Finally, add a layer of wax to protect the clear coat and enhance the shine.

If the scratch has exposed the primer or metal of your Chrysler, the repair process becomes more complex and time-intensive. In these cases, it is recommended to seek professional assistance to ensure a proper correction and touch-up. A professional body shop will strip away the existing paint and apply a fresh coat, restoring your Chrysler to its original glory.

To prevent scratches on your Chrysler, regular maintenance and care are key. Keep your car clean and consider using a car polish or wax to protect the paint. When parking, try to choose well-lit areas with ample space to reduce the risk of scratches from other vehicles. Additionally, be mindful of potential hazards on the road, such as rocks or debris, which can cause chips and scratches over time.

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Metallic paint challenges

Metallic paint, also known as polychromatic paint, contains small aluminium or metal particles that create a shiny effect and add depth to the surface. It is a popular choice for those looking to give their vehicles a unique and premium look. Chrysler, one of the "Big Three" manufacturers in the US, has offered a range of metallic paint options for its vehicles over the years.

While metallic paint can enhance the appearance and market value of a vehicle, it also presents several challenges. One of the main challenges with metallic paint is the complexity and difficulty in matching colours during touch-ups or repairs. The repair process is more time-consuming and may require professional expertise to correct any imperfections. This is because metallic paint exhibits a flip-flop effect, where the alignment of the metallic particles within the coating film affects how light is reflected and, consequently, how the coating appears. As a result, the viewing angle significantly impacts the perceived colour, making it challenging to achieve an exact match.

Another challenge with metallic paint is the application process. Achieving a mirror-like finish requires careful attention to detail, proper environmental control, and a well-controlled application environment. Common issues include colour inconsistency, orange peel texture, and dust or debris settling on the wet paint. The cost of metallic paint is also a consideration, as it tends to be more expensive than traditional paint due to the intricate manufacturing and application processes.

Furthermore, the variety of shades and colours available in metallic paint can make it challenging to select the right base colour. The choice of base colour influences the final appearance, with darker shades enhancing the reflective quality. Additionally, the type, amount, size, and colour of the metallic particles can be varied to produce different effects, further complicating the selection process.

Overall, while metallic paint offers a visually appealing and protective finish for vehicles, it comes with challenges related to colour matching, application, cost, and selection. These challenges highlight the importance of careful consideration, proper techniques, and professional expertise when working with metallic paint to achieve the desired results.

Frequently asked questions

Although there is no conclusive evidence of which paint code is the most sought-after, some sources suggest that the most popular colours are Bright White (code: GW7/PW7/W12), PDM Mineral Gray Metallic (code: PDM), and Dark Garnet Red Pearl (2001 Chrysler Concorde).

In 1969, Chrysler introduced 10 High-Impact colours, including Bright Green, Go Mango, Butterscotch, and HEMI Orange. These colours were launched during the hippie movement, when people were chasing individuality, and they became a big hit.

Chrysler's paint code is a three-digit code that consists of letters, numbers, or a mix of both. You can find the code on a white or black manufacturer's sticker, most commonly located on the driver's side door jamb or beneath the hood.

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