I have been reading here about restoring a car and keeping the original color. I understand that on a older car it has a higher value to it. But what about a wagon like mine a 86 model which isn't worth that much. Is it better to repaint back to original or does it really matter?
Depends on how you see yourself. You're the King-Pin behind your wheels. For instance, King Eddie the 8th's 1935 Buick (he didn't think the Rolls-Royce was as nice) went for $185,000. and a 1904 Rolls went for $7.5 million. Download the Video for a good picture of the Buick. http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/12/04/abdication-car.html http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/12/03/abdication-car.html
Norm's right. You're the boss when it comes to your car. If you are trying to completely maximize the value of your wagon, then I believe that the original color is the way to go. Especially so that the paint codes match the actual color. If the paint codes don't need to match the color, but you want the car to look stock, then look for a color that was available for the car (and compatible with the interior) and the car will end up looking like it was built that way. If your goal is to simply change the color of the car and significantly increasing the value is not what it's all about, then you're free to do whatever you like with it. All in all, your car is your baby and you should do what makes you happy. Think about what your vision is for your car and follow your dream...except maybe for the teal colors that came out on cars in the 90's...no dream should go there.
Just think what it will be worth in 20 more years, the problem is, nobody has a crystal ball to see far into the future! Most high dollar old wagons you see for sale are the original colors, interior etc. Did ANYBODY think an old '51 Country Squire would be worth over $50,000 30 years ago? I'm keeping mine stock! JMO, Clark
Who cares but you. Paint it anyway you want. Don't worry about originality especially if you don't like the current color. Enjoy it for yourself. If you sell it the buyer can restore it to originality if that's what he/she wants. I've seen many late prewar and early post war cars sell for amazingly high dollars that are not original. I think it's already been said but the advantage of painting original is it always easier than changing colors. On an 80's vintage car there will be much more disassembly to change colors. Especially if the door jambs and exposed interior metal is in good condition. Many like mine are body color under the hood as well. A real pain to paint without first removing everything. Stormin Norman took a worthless car (oops maybe $500) with a blown engine and restored it to a 3-4 thousand dollar car. It's much much more valuable to him and his wife than creating resale value. And although it looks fantastic it's not original. They will be out enjoying the fruits of his labor. It won't be up for sale at Barrett-Jackson! I think...right Norm?
I'm doing it for myself and my wife. Its such a simple car to maintain and tune, and now that I've had it apart, I could coach any of today's "R N R" mechanics (Replace Not Repair) to do it right. I'll tell ya that the Rustoleum/Tremclad Chestnut Brown looks like a Champagne color without the tarp over it. I'm really happy with it. I saw a Ford mini-van (early 2000's) with that color about a month before I finished rolling it. Mine's nicer! Like a creamy mocha chocolate. And it goes well with the original interior color scheme. Mine had about 80,000 miles on it when I dropped the bolt in it and blew it. This new six had about 3,000 miles since the tranny and engine were rebuilt. I've got until April 2009 for the Dealer Warranty or 17,000 miles. It's mine, and as Sinatra would say, "My Way".
I agree with you, in principle. The older cars had style. They were art in motion, but most post-70's cars were throw-aways. A framed car has a better chance of staying around for 56 more years, like that '51. Mine might have 15 more before it melts from the roadsalt. The Reb probably has a better shot at making his survivable for many more. Now, he's gotta talk to a Las Vegas odds-maker to see if it would bring him more value/dollars as a stock machine or not. Doesn't help the dilemma, much, eh?
man o man....there is soooo many variables to this question!!!!:confused: and these are my semi professional opinions if you plan on keeping it forever(or close to it)...then do what you want!! if your doing it as a investment..then restoring(all original) is the best route! if your not sure wether your keeping it...then leave it alone!! ..a car is worth more unmolested!! ....or another way to look at it...is...you'll have a better chance of not losing your shirt.. but inevitably...like the boys said...its yours!!do what you want!
