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The previous owner of my car went a little nuts with the buffer while he owned it. You can actually see through the paint to the primer underneath on the hood and fenders, and a spot on the roof where some bird crap sat for too long. Also, the edges of the door handles and the rain gutter have nearly worn through.
As such, I've only polished the paint by hand since I've owned it, to maintain the original paint as best as I can. Now that the value of these cars is starting to climb, is it worth it to do that on a car that isn't necessarily special, outside of its otherwise excellent condition? Once I paint it, I can't go back. Or, should I say forget it and just paint the panels that need it most? I can include pics if it helps.
Do you plan on selling it in the near future? If not, then paint it, if it's current condition is bothering you. To be honest, that might be true if you're selling it too, depending on the paint condition...
Can you post pictures of the hood and other areas you mention? I say, if it is still respectable in it's original form, then keep it original, but if it to a point that you don't want to park it in public, then it is time for a restorative paint job. If you do decide to paint, be sure to go all out in quality. No short cuts. And for me, I would always do the tasteful re-spray to the car's original color when the time came. Of course, like many people will tell you: Go with the color that you love!
It's definitely respectable, and I don't plan on selling it any time soon. I get compliments on the car all the time when it's detailed. I'm just torn between the 'survivor' aspect of the paint, or a respray. I tend to get nervous when I hear a car has been painted... but I don't know if that holds true for everyone else. Also, as far as the 'survivor' aspect goes, I've made slight modifications to the car like a PK tensioner, and plan on putting intake/valve covers that have been powdercoated a dark grey. The front bumper was also painted because the PO must have installed a bra that stayed out in the sun while wet and oxidized the clearcoat. I've switched the interior carpet from champagne to black, the front seats are restored, etc.
Just spoke with the owner, seemed like a nice guy.
Car is in Trenton ON but will be in Toronto on the weekend.
Car was hit in a parking lot, driver door and fender replaced. Complete re-paint.
Needs motor mounts, belt and pump, tires, AC etc. New brakes and alternator.
I passed due to the re-paint, but have not seen it in person.
FYI
This quote from another thread is a perfect example of why I'm hesitant to paint. However, this is the current state of the paint where it's at its thinnest. Please excuse the rain spots and sunroof seal... it's been raining here in Texas and I have a replacement seal ready to install. At least the sunroof doesn't leak!
Pictures of the car as a whole:
Original front bumper wear. Photo from original 'For Sale' listing when I purchased it.
Fresh wash:
Repainted front bumper... original paint elsewhere.
It appears to be black and only in a few areas. I would suggest going to a very good body shop that understands high end cars and paint match and just paint the needed panels.
I have had this question in my head for a while as well. It seems someone used a buffer on my paint and several spots where the edges you can see the primer.
Vanster, how would you go about qualifying a shop for such a job?
I would leave it alone, it looks respectable and it has patina
you will never match the original paint ,
and like you said once it has been painted you can never go back, the other option is to go full respray and take it down to the primer then recoat it.
still the factory paint is the best in the business
Yeah, I'm going to keep it as-is. I don't mind the patina on the car enough to compromise the originality.
If I did respray the panels that needed it most, would it be advisable to go with a 1-stage lacquer, like factory (If I can even find a shop that would use that), or a more modern 2-stage basecoat/clearcoat?
If that is original it is single stage, an experienced body guy should be able to easily match that.
It's the double stage metallic colors that are next to impossible to match.
Like my body guy said when I had the front fenders repainted on my black 79: "Black is black, no problem". It's also single stage and when time comes to paint it again (track car.....it's inevitable) I'll keep it single stage.
Yeah, I'm going to keep it as-is. I don't mind the patina on the car enough to compromise the originality. If I did respray the panels that needed it most, would it be advisable to go with a 1-stage lacquer, like factory (If I can even find a shop that would use that), or a more modern 2-stage basecoat/clearcoat?
You can go two stage or single stage. The single stage that is on there is not a lacquer but an enamel. Black being a base can easily be matched. My black 928 as some original panels and a few repainted. Some of it is single stage and some of it is two stage. Properly done and rubbed out you will not see a difference. Most other colors, yes, it will be next to impossible to match.
I still say, if it bugs you (it seems that it does) repaint it. If it doesn't, leave it. Who cares what some other thread from a guy looking to buy a car says? You have no plans to sell it...do what makes you love it more.
That car still shines. I would keep the patina for a few years, but like others have said, it is always good to take it to a pro and listen to options/estimates.
I believe that a car restoratively painted back to its original condition is worth reviewing.
Some might nose up on a "respray" as a personal preference, but collectors have been restoring with paint (as part of the process) and others are buying cars that have been "restored" with a good original spec paint job (as part of the restoration process) for many many years.
Someone on rennlist mentioned that this one (listed below) was repainted and it is listed as a PCA concours winner.
My 993 was original paint and was similar. I was obsessed and took the entire car apart for a full repaint in original color. Jambs and everything. It looked perfect when done BUT I wish I kept the original paint. They are only original once and as mentioned, nothing beats a factory finish for durability. I think in the overall scheme of things, the investment in new paint will not draw a return.
Now, another option is to attempt a panel or blend repair....
05-16-2016, 10:12 PM
Repaint or keep original thin paint
