View Poll Results: Patina or perfection?
Patina
38
76.00%
Perfection
12
24.00%
Voters: 50. You may not vote on this poll
Patina or Perfection?
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 930
Likes: 79
From: South Jersey/Florida
Patina or Perfection?
70000 miles, original paint, 3rd owner, 10 years of records, 4 option (or 6 depending on what you read and who you believe) RSA. I love this car.
Some road rash here and there, stone chips, faded tail lights, body seals hardened, etc.
Do you get it touched up....or.... do you not touch it?
Thanks in advance,
Some road rash here and there, stone chips, faded tail lights, body seals hardened, etc.
Do you get it touched up....or.... do you not touch it?
Thanks in advance,
Race Car
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 10
From: Virginia Beach, Va.
Yeah, drive that thing like ya stole it now and then...trust me, it will like it. 
...and by all means, keep it as clean/shiney as reasonably possible, forget the "perfect" - it'll drive you nuts!
...and by all means, keep it as clean/shiney as reasonably possible, forget the "perfect" - it'll drive you nuts!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
From: Derbyshire, England
"who're you saving the 'patina' for?"
That's the real issue. If you are asking because of the effect on the RSA's value and future re-sale, re-painting the nose section to be rid of chips and replacing the rear lights will surely only add to that value. If the imperfections annoy you that much, get them fixed, even if you are using it as Dr. Porsche intended. I have OCD and spent plenty of time and money sorting out paint and trim imperfections. It is my DD and has already picked a few chips on the nose, but it still looks way better than it did and makes me glow when I park it up and take that furtive look back at it as I walk away
A nose re-spray and new rear lights aren't bankrupting and I think are worth it.
That's the real issue. If you are asking because of the effect on the RSA's value and future re-sale, re-painting the nose section to be rid of chips and replacing the rear lights will surely only add to that value. If the imperfections annoy you that much, get them fixed, even if you are using it as Dr. Porsche intended. I have OCD and spent plenty of time and money sorting out paint and trim imperfections. It is my DD and has already picked a few chips on the nose, but it still looks way better than it did and makes me glow when I park it up and take that furtive look back at it as I walk away
A nose re-spray and new rear lights aren't bankrupting and I think are worth it.
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 252
Likes: 2
From: Sawbridgeworth, Herts, UK
I just plan on giving my car a little treat every now and then. I'd rather have some patina than a pristine car I'm afraid of driving. Some of the prices tho' - especially the 'pretty' bits!
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,346
Likes: 4
From: New Jersey
For me there needs to be a middle choice, and it sounds like others here would go there too. I would improve the simple stuff, drive it every chance I had, but forget "perfection".
I owned a '61 Roadster that had won at Porsche Parade a few years earlier with the PO. It was likely better than originally in '61. My wife was afraid to drive it (I had mostly bought it for her), even though she has never dinged a car. Everyone wanted me to show it, and stop driving it on weekends. I sold it a few years later when a collector made me an outstanding offer. I like to drive my cars.
I owned a '61 Roadster that had won at Porsche Parade a few years earlier with the PO. It was likely better than originally in '61. My wife was afraid to drive it (I had mostly bought it for her), even though she has never dinged a car. Everyone wanted me to show it, and stop driving it on weekends. I sold it a few years later when a collector made me an outstanding offer. I like to drive my cars.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 1
From: bloomington, IN
Mine is clean, but far from perfect. I find that when I go through and detail it fully, for a while I find excuses to drive whatever daily car I have. I'ts raining, it might rain, it might snow, etc. If the car is clean, but not perfect, I find I drive it more. A quirk of mine sure, but I would hate to have a garage queen that I never drove. So my vote is patina. Touch the chips up when they come, fix the lights if they are broken, just don't make it too nice to enjoy. Of course, ymmv.
Professor of Pending Projects
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 9,898
Likes: 35
From: Ocala, FL
I would have the engine clean and all mechanicals set to perfection... on the exterior, some detailing (cleaning, wax, polish, on the outside and under the fenders) and just drive the hell out of it... rinse and repeat...
