Daytona Blue Paint

[Frank D.]

I have a very original '63-340 Daytona Blue convertible that is in need of paint. The body is straight with very good panel fit. The current paint is believed to be original. I am considering letting the guy who painted two cars for my brothers and two previous vettes for me paint the car in the original color. He will use lacquer if I want but suggests base/clear. I drive this car and enjoy it.
I would appreciate your comments / suggestions. Thanks, Frank

[Jack H.]

Re: Daytona Blue Paint

The two step BC/CC process is what most painters 'want' to use because you wind up with a more durable finish that doesn't require periodic waxing to retain a DEEP reflective lustre. However, that's NOT the way the factory painted these cars and you'll wind up with a HEALTHY originality deduction IF you intend to have the car judged.

So you're at a cross road point where you need to decide IF that aspect of factory originality is important to you... In most driver applications, it's not as important as the looks and durability of a modern BC/CC finish with modern lacquer substitute paint(s).

That's the nutshell of pro/con on the subject....

[Stuart F.]

Re: Daytona Blue Paint

I had my 63 repainted in 1976 due to checking on the flat surfaces, and back then I thought it was wise to enhance it's value. The car was painted with Zac Lac Laquer. It has held up well to this day. It gets waxed only once a year and it looks as good as most fully restored mid years - and that's not just my opinion nor that of my room full of show trophys. Of course, it has only been driven about 12k miles since then, and mostly in ideal conditions - only once or twice in rain, etc.

Most importantly, it looks like it did when it was new - not necessarily better, but as good as.

Stu fox

[Gary C.]

Re: Daytona Blue Paint

Frank, don't know how well C2's hold up without gell coating, but it's a necessity on C1's especially if lacquer paint is used. Gary....