Opinions on color to paint C3

[John G.]

I have a 1971 numbers matching 454 that I am restoring. Color code calls for Brands Hatch Green which might be OK but I really like a dark cranberry red for the exterior. The original interior color is green but I am considering changing it to sadddle tan. Would you paint it red and change the interior color to tan? And since the body has been media blasted should I apply a gel coat instead of some other type of sealer prior to painting? Thanks for your opinions!

[Bob H.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

Hi

I hate to see a numbers matching car be changed to a non matching numbers.

However, if you are going to keep the car a long time then have it your way and enjoy it!!.

With the cost to paint a car these days, chances are you will hurt the value when it comes time to sell the car. Therefore, keep it correct if there is any chance you will sell it in the foreseeable future.

Bob

[Patrick H.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

It's cheaper to find a different car than to switch interior and exterior colors.
Changing every bit of an interior is a major PITA. In addition, the green interior is relatively uncommon, so it's a nice thing to see in good shape if you still have original pieces. Even though my favorite is blue, I'd keep it green/green.

Patrick

[Scott S.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

I have a 1971 numbers matching 454 that I am restoring. Color code calls for Brands Hatch Green which might be OK but I really like a dark cranberry red for the exterior. The original interior color is green but I am considering changing it to sadddle tan. Would you paint it red and change the interior color to tan? And since the body has been media blasted should I apply a gel coat instead of some other type of sealer prior to painting? Thanks for your opinions!

Hi John,

As others have said, if there's any chance you might sell it, a knowledgeable buyer will probably expect a significant discount in order to compensate for the cost of making it "original" again (whether he ever actually does it or not). If you change the interior, of course save all the original parts: headliner, dash, seat-covers, door panels, molding, etc., and I'd save the carpet too, even if it's worn or not original, just to make it a 'complete' interior package.

If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, then re-sale value isn't really part of the equation.

Since you asked for an opinion, personally, if I was going to change the paint color, I would probably go with another Corvette color (e.g., 1971 Mille Miglia Red as opposed to dark cranberry red), or be prepared for people to ask "was dark cranberry red a factory color?"

It's not a big deal, just a thought, for consideration.

With all of that being said, if dark cranberry red with a tan interior is the car you've always dreamed of, it would look great... and if that would make you happy, and it would make you want to drive it all the more, then go for it. A great car like yours with a happy owner is the way it ought to be

[Jack H.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

What others have told you is TRUE, presuming you want to include the Corvette factory concours sphere of buyers in your potential resale market. Those who are into 'factory originality', as most NCRS member are, will preceive a car with exterior color change and interior color/fabric change as bascially worthless and a 'chore' for them to re-do and make 'right'.

So, this segment of the market will perceive the $$$ you've spent on paint and interior as bascially 'worthless' and a cost detraction during resale price negotiation(s). But, you can make the color change 'right' with a trim tag change...

However, reproduction trim tags are detectable and cars that have them and are marked up during judging are denied Top Flight status REGARDLESS of how the balance of the car scores during judging. PLUS, once a given car is observed to have been 'faked' in one category, the pale of doubt is cast over everything else pertaining to the car!

Now, there are non-purisit buyers out there who want the car the way they would have configured it IF they'd been the original buyer, and your change away from green/green WILL appeal to that market segement during resale. BUT, it will TOTALLY turn OFF other segments of the resale market.

That's essentially what the others who've posted in this thread are telling you and they're RIGHT! But, bottom line, the car is your asset and you're free to do with it as you please...

[Joe L.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

I have a 1971 numbers matching 454 that I am restoring. Color code calls for Brands Hatch Green which might be OK but I really like a dark cranberry red for the exterior. The original interior color is green but I am considering changing it to sadddle tan. Would you paint it red and change the interior color to tan? And since the body has been media blasted should I apply a gel coat instead of some other type of sealer prior to painting? Thanks for your opinions!

John------


I would not even consider changing an original color for a whole host of reasons.

First and foremost: do you know what it costs to paint a Corvette these days, not to mention change the complete interior? Then consider that, as others have noted, when you go to sell the car someday the buyers willing to pay the big $$$ for the car will consider the value of the paint and interior to be "0" and will want to reduce what they pay for the car by the cost to restore it to original color and interior. So, it will end up being a "double whammy"------you'll have $10,000+ in the paint and interior and the buyer will want to have about $10,000+ knocked off the price the car would be worth if it was original color and interior. The economics here just don't make sense, at all.

So, what about the guys that would be happy to just buy the car with it's new color and interior? They're out there, for sure. They're the ones with NO MONEY and wanting to know if "you'll take payments"?

[Roy V.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

Don't do it
Regards
Roy

[Graeme B.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John, you said you were restoring the car.That's not how it's done.

[Paul H.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

You will depreciate the value of the car at a level commensurate with what you spend to make the color changes. That is significant. I think Brands Hatch Green looks fine anyway, but it's not my car. As others have said, it would make more sense to sell it and find the color combo you crave.

[Dennis S.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John

You've come to the wrong place. Only fanatical original purists live here.

If you want to modify the car and receive approval, try the open Corvette Forum. There are people over there who think NCRS people over here are a bunch of weenies.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John

You've come to the wrong place. Only fanatical original purists live here.

Actually, there are plenty of modified cars here, along with those who appreciate them. However, that doesn't change the advice I gave - if he wants a red/tan car, the best and least expensive way to do it is to start with a red/tan car.

[Tom L.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John, I know someone who repainted his Brands hatch green '71 a few years ago, it is a beutiful shade of green. Nicer than just aboput all others, IMHO. I'm suprised Ken hasn't gotten to this thread and posted a picture. It may change your mind. Have fun!!!

[Scott S.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John,

I had a 1969 coupe (L46, M21) for 11 years, from 1996 to 2007. I sure wish I had known about this place (and the other forums) during that time, but I didn't. The original color was Monza Red with a black interior, but at some point it had been changed to a tan interior and a darkish sort of Monaco Orange paint. It looked very orange in bright sunlight, but it looked red when it was cloudy or in the evening.

I bought it thinking for sure that I would put it back to red on black some day. I was 29 at the time, so I had been thinking about getting a vintage Corvette for more than 20 years already. I think I was just so happy to actually own and be driving a 1960s Corvette that the orange really grew on me, and I wasn't expecting that. The paint wasn't in bad shape, and I never did change it. I miss that car, and I think orange C3's look great now, but I'm biased...

Have you considered that the Brands Hatch Green might grow on you, or have you had it that way for long enough that you already know the answer?

[Steven B.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

Actually, there are plenty of modified cars here, along with those who appreciate them. However, that doesn't change the advice I gave - if he wants a red/tan car, the best and least expensive way to do it is to start with a red/tan car.

I can't agree more. Patrick is correct.

The cost to properly change interior and exterior is great and you can probably buy a nice car the colors you want for less. I have repainted two numbers matching, original parts cars. Each time I was going to change the exterior colors to ones I liked much better and I was also going to change one of the interiors. After some thought I did not change either colors and I am very happy I did not.

Steve

[Kenny C.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

Hey the bottom line is that its your car and you can do whatever you want with it. The financial issues that everyone has pointed out are absolutely true but may not matter to you at all. I am just finishing my own car and although the black leather interior stayed the same and is correct I did change the paint color. Mine was Daytona yellow and I changed it to a Blue. I have spent tens of thousands on my car, way more than it would sell for even if the paint color were correct but I couldn't care less. I did it all for me an no one else. The car has been mine for more than thirty years and will never be sold as long as I live and after that I don't care. The car has sentimental value that exceeds any dollar amount at least it does to me. So if you have a similar situation and care less about what others think than what makes you happy then paint away. JMHO

PS. No disrespect intended to all the fine dedicated purists out there who keep the cars alive and well and original.