My '69 Riviera needs a paint job, it was originally Twilight Blue (kind of almost navy blue) but my wife wants to paint it a lighter blue (original '69 Riviera paint color, just not original to the car). Since the car is going to be a driver, not a show car, how much would you think the value is going to be affected if the paint doesn't match the trim tag? My inclination is to paint it a color we like and not worry about the value, but I just wanted to get someone else's take on this.
For a driver: paint it the color you want around you when driving. I didn't settle for the original green interior/exterior of my 67 when I was given the choice, and I don't regret it for a minute. Unless there's concern for keeping the vehicle factory-original for some hard-core judging event, paint it whatever color you desire. Second-generation Rivieras don't fetch top dollar, anyway...so what's the harm of modifying a few things? I actually prefer driving a vehicle I like that's not a prime target for theft.
It's mine, I'll paint it any color I like. If somebody wants to paint it original, it's on them to do if they buy it from me...or not, just because it's not the factory color.
No real difference in value by changing color especially if its a color offered that year. Sometimes going from a not so pleasing color to an eye-popping one will increase value only because when the car is sold, it appeals to a larger buying pool which increases chances of getting more $$$. I have to admit light blue isn't usually my favorite but I saw a stunning 68 or 69 owned by a woman at the ROA national in Monterey last year and it really caught my eye and I came back to see it a few times. (shown in one of the pics here towards bottom in right hand column)http://rivowners.org/features/annualmeet/Monterey12/index.html Car had a black vinyl top and really appealed to me. In summary, definitely paint the car a color you like. I made the mistake once by repainting to match the body tag despite it not being close to one of my favorites. I won't make that mistake again.
I just bought a 66 Skylark GS that is mostly original. Actaully I am flying out Friday to see it before signing the papers. The car was painted about 20 years ago a different color that is on the tag. The car is supposed to be Astro Blue, but it is currently Black(don't know if it is technically Regal Black or not). When I was negotiating with the guy I mentioned it wasn't the original color. His response was, "well it needs a paint job anyway so now would be a good time". He had a point. It really doesn't matter what color the car is, cause it needs to be repainted anyway. I like having everything match up, but when it comes down to time to paint it, I am going to have to make that same decision myself. Do I leave it Black, or do I go back original? It's going to be a tough decision. But like the others have said, paint it what color makes you happy, especially if you have no intentions of selling it in the near future. I don't think it would be a deal breaker for a potential buyer down the line as long as you paint it a color that was available that year like you said.
Unless you are restoring the car to original to show in national events where it might matter, just paint it whatever color you want. Don't get caught up in worrying so much about your investment that you don't enjoy the car. There are too many people so caught up in the value of their cars that they're not having any fun with them.
I think you would be wise to paint it the color your wife likes. A color change wont change the value and a good paint job will, of course, increase the value.
Paint it the color of your choice - my repaint was a different color (...almost a '69 Riv only), and we just love it compared to the paint code original !! It just brought the car to a new level of appearance, and appreciation, and we never looked back. Remember that a total color change, to be done correctly, requires a fair amount of additional work to ensure any of the original color does not appear in any portion of the car. :TU:
my '72 gs was factory flame orange. it was then repainted silver, then red in 20009?). I repainted the car in '09, fire red. love the red. paint the car the colour want/like..
I've always felt that it's my car, I'll paint it whatever color appeals to me. Since we live in Riverside CA where summer temperature approach those of the surface of the sun, a lighter color is a plus. The car's not going to be a 100 point show car by any stretch of the imagination, it'll be my wife's daily driver. So whatever makes her happy greatly improves the quality of my life!
I had alot of complements on this color combo for years on my Harley so I decided to do the same to the 65 Rivi same PPG paint and Clear, when all is said and done its all what you like when driving or cruising around in. This one is for keeps! "eight cylinders all mine"
Geographic location certainly can be a factor on color choice. Light colored cars simply look and fit better in places like Florida or CA. As they old saying goes. HAPPY WIFE = HAPPY LIFE
Wife's daily driver, she chooses color, in the long term you are happier! This is a simple equation to solve. :grin:
I agree with all of the above. Paint it whatever color you like. I went way out of the norm with mine and I get compliments everywhere i go.
