The original lacquer paint is on my 68 SS and there are 30 nicks in the passenger door that have been touched up with a pen. I have taken it to paint shops and they say repaint the entire car with two stage because they could not match the paint by repainting the door.

The paint on 3/4 of the car is in great shape with some fine spider web scratches and about 10 other nicks that have been also touched up.

Some have suggested that the nicks can be sanded and buffed our but that is beyond my talents.

Any advice would be welcome.

IMO, a well painted car over a solid body is worth significantly more in appeal (for me) and value. While I like the survivor aspect of it, nothing puts a car on the map like a good paint job.

I'd document the metal underneath, as it sounds like it's in excellent condition, and the paint process, then get it painted.

If it means a lot to you personally as it is, then I'd attempt to touch it up as best I could. Bottom line, it's your car to do with as you please.

That's the catch! I like the survivor status but those little nicks are making me crazy.
At shows many cannot believe the paint is original until the trained eye gets to within 2 feet.
You make a good point about a new paint job and how it would improve its value and appearance. As you can tell by following the link below, the car does have some mods like wheels and exhausts.
Thanks,
Lou
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/showphoto.php/photo/7371/cat/500/ppuser/28065

IMO, a well painted car over a solid body is worth significantly more in appeal (for me) and value. While I like the survivor aspect of it, nothing puts a car on the map like a good paint job.
Mark and I may get flamed for this, but I agree. Yes, a car is only original once and the preservation of that car is paramount to some people in the hobby. However, I would want the car to be the way I prefer it and a survivor car just does not suit the bill for me. Just my very humble opinion.

my opinion. DO NOT TOUCH!
a car can be painted several times or even restored several times, but its only original once. If you take the orginal paint off you can never get it back :). and if the car looks as good as you say I would leave it alone.
Van

Some valid points indeed.
This is what I have been struggling with.
Trying to have it both ways.

While I was the Head judge for NCOA heading up the Original Unrestored class for Years I viewed lots of Original paint cars and yes they are only Original once. However we allowed some paint work and there is still lacquer paint out there. What color is your car??? I still have many quarts of paint. There are many talanted painters who learned how to spot in chips the size of a quarter to a whole panel and make it undetectable. At one NCOA event I studied a 65 Chevelle in the Original class for almost an hour finding its paint work . To the untrained and even the best it was hard to find the peel difference, and texture, your eyes can fight you on a 95 degree day to find that work in direct sunlight. After I was done the owner and I talked. It was truely a Beautifull red convertible and Original , he said I cant beleive You found those spots I spent thousand to make it look original !!!! It still won and did only have minor touch ups as any car would need from being driven. Leve the paint alone until you find some paint and spot only the areas that absolutely need it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim

It is LL code, Teal Blue and I have found a supplier (PaintScratch) who sent me spray can and pen samples that appear dead on in color when put on test metal.

It is encouraging to hear that maybe it could be touched up. The red 65 story gave me hope.

I'll continue to search for someone who is willing to take on the job.

Appreciate all the input.

Lou

Anyone who knows me or my car/s knows I like em restored!!! Survivors is nice and I know what I know about correctly restoring a 66 or 67 SS by years of going to those NCOA shows noted above and many others... and studying the untouched gems.. the blue prints to making cars even better then what they were intended to be... so, do I love survivors?? You bet.. but only to look at, never to own!! :noway:

My vote.. repaint that bad boy and enjoy it!!

If however you decide to not go that route.. I also agree with the above.. Lacquer... yep.. there are some VERY talented guys out there that will be able to work wonders with that car IMO.. not with pens.. but actual lacquer Paint!

Good luck

:secret:Repaint it

The good news is that the lacquer is available in quarts or gallons.:)
Bad news...finding someone to do a top-notch touch up.
Have to give it some more thought.

Lou

Find a new body man. Unless the original Laquer is extremely checked, a good body man can fog in just about anything.

If it's more than just the door and a few other spots, then paint the whole car.

Originality only holds any merit if the quality is of an "original" representitive example of it's form, function and or finish.

Originality in and of itself is meaningless without a decent degree of it's original quality.

They go hand in hand.

Without one, don't bother trying to salvage the other, however, if what you say is true that 75% of the car's paint is original and very good condition, you could be making an irreversable mistake by repainting it.

You may want to post some detailed photos and get a more in depth assesment of the car's "Survivor potential" as a whole before making any descisions.

If the rest of the car is no where near "Survivor" status for example, it would likely weigh in heavily towards the opinion to re-paint.

You will just have to broaden your search to a shop that has customers with these untouched original cars. They deal with people that buy the very rare and want them to remain a car that very few can own. Keep in mind these guys are used to working for the very rich and the $1000 it might take to get what you want done correctly may only be a $100 worth of work in an overall job.

I would lean more toward leaving it alone or getting small touch ups.

One question I would ask myself. What do I want out of the car? If the answer is trailered show car. I would paint it. If you plan to drive it, I would leave it alone. I would rather have a few nicks in original paint than the inevitable nicks that will show up in the new paint from driving it.

I would repaint it. " Survivor " cars are nice from a historical standpoint, but when the original condition has deteriorated to a point where it's starting to bother you, and maybe make you self conscious about the car, it's probably time to do something about it.

Like many others here, I like to look at 'em, but would never own one.

Lou, my question is how "original" is your car. If "nothing" has been replaced and I mean nothing then don't paint it. However if the tires, shocks, water pump, master cylinder, etc. have been replaced, paint it. But be aware there are $1k paint jobs, $10k paint jobs, $20k paint jobs, etc.

Lou, the wheels and exhaust are easily put back to stock. If the car is mostly original, I would keep looking for someone as mentioned by Jim.

Keep us informed on your decision. I really like original survivors.

Here are some shots of the finish. I had a paint and detail specialist look at it today and he does this type of work on a regular basis in addition to complete painting. He agreed to fix one small spot and see what I think before going forward.
Lou

I wondered this also but after seeing those pics, either dont touch it or have the spots repaired the worst thing you could do is repaint it.

DO NOT REPAINT

I've got to vote for "DON'T REPAINT". It doesn't look that bad according to the photos. I would at least let the paint guy give it a shot first. We have a Vette with the same issue and I am anxious to see how this works out for you. GOOD LUCK!!!

You can always lightly color sand the Vette...and then clear it!:D

You can always lightly color sand the Vette...and then clear it!:D

You're right, Good idea! After all, it's only a Vette...I would never treat a Chevelle that way! l:)


JK...that may be an option we look at. ;)

Mark and I may get flamed for this, but I agree. Yes, a car is only original once and the preservation of that car is paramount to some people in the hobby. However, I would want the car to be the way I prefer it and a survivor car just does not suit the bill for me. Just my very humble opinion.

I agree... Its your car, do what makes YOU happy... Its not like you are taking a perfect original paint job and painting some wild graphics, etc (of course, it still would be your choice)...

How is the rest of the car? Is everything else near-perfect and original?

I agree... Its your car, do what makes YOU happy... Its not like you are taking a perfect original paint job and painting some wild graphics, etc (of course, it still would be your choice)...

How is the rest of the car? Is everything else near-perfect and original?

With the exception of exhaust manifolds, smog pump, spark plug wires, wheels and tires and Hurst shifter, it is stock.

It being a Pa./Ohio car, the frame had some surface rust which I brush painted with POR15.

Rebuilt the motor because the rear seal was leaking and head and manifold gaskets were leaking. Car has $22k miles with Protecto Plate, build sheet, and all matching numbers.

Lou

It being a Pa./Ohio car, the frame had some surface rust which I brush painted with POR15.

Car has 22k miles with Protecto Plate, build sheet, and all matching numbers.

Lou

You may have commited vandalism if the chassis surface was yet untouched.

It's only original once!!! DON'T REPAINT IT!

Lou, my question is how "original" is your car. If "nothing" has been replaced and I mean nothing then don't paint it. However if the tires, shocks, water pump, master cylinder, etc. have been replaced, paint it. But be aware there are $1k paint jobs, $10k paint jobs, $20k paint jobs, etc.


That's what I was thinking, and what about the windshield wipers, exhaust system, brakes, air and oil filters, plug wires, headlamps (T-3). etc.:beers:
After all, "Original" means just that..."Original."



Respectfully,
John R.

Whoa! :sad: Opened a can of worms.

Original means first, before anything else.

The paint is original, the car as a whole is not because some of the first installed components have been removed or replaced.

Whatever!:rolleyes:

Appreciate all the comments.

We can't help it, L78 Survivors instill passion amongst us. :D

It sounds like a somewhat historically significant piece.

Now that they've opened up "Survivor" qualifications for all Chevrolet's it may have been possible to replace all of the non original components with NOS replacements if the car as a whole survived virtually untouched.

Having a Survivor certified L78 would be a thing of respectable significance in this hobby.

I'd like to see an engine/interior shot etc.

Sounds like a neat car.

We can't help it, L78 Survivors instill passion amongst us. :D

It sounds like a somewhat historically significant piece.

Now that they've opened up "Survivor" qualifications for all Chevrolet's it may have been possible to replace all of the non original components with NOS replacements if the car as a whole survived virtually untouched.

Having a Survivor certified L78 would be a thing of respectable significance in this hobby.

I'd like to see an engine/interior shot etc.

Sounds like a neat car.

You can view photos here.
Lou

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/showphoto.php/photo/11208/cat/500

Beautiful!!!! http://www.cantweight.net/haveit.gif

Beautiful!!!! http://www.cantweight.net/haveit.gif

Saw the pics of your cars. Great looking Chevelles:thumbsup:...the GSX though, must really draw attention.

Lou

Saw the pics of your cars. Great looking Chevelles:thumbsup:...the GSX though, must really draw attention.

Lou

You should see them in person. Im fortunate to live close enough to have a peek at them. I must say Wow nicest collection I have ever seen.

Lou,

I can't believe we live in the same town and I have never seen that car!

Based on what I see in the pictures:thumbsup:..don't touch it. They're only original once!

Greg

Saw the pics of your cars. Great looking Chevelles:thumbsup:...the GSX though, must really draw attention.

Lou

Thank you Lou, and yes, the Buick gets a 2nd look now and then. :D
That 68 of yours looks awesome - please keep that original paint! :yes:

You should see them in person. Im fortunate to live close enough to have a peek at them. I must say Wow nicest collection I have ever seen.

Nice of you to say, Jim...You know are welcome to come back any time...you still haven't seen the LS5. :)

If your car is any where as good as it looks in the pictures, I'd be having touchups done only. There is a local guy near me that is unbelievable at repairing nicks and scratches. He has a GTO that the guys thought would need a paint job. Not now. There is a paint supplier near us who scans the paint on your car then mixes the paint to suit. The car now looks like it had a complete paint job with the touchup paint mixed to suit blending in perfectly. Our son has a '65 Acadian Canso with mostly original paint. 38K miles and no winters. While it has had some blowins, he is more than happy to leave the paint alone. Our el Camino and Chevelle are both code 69 Cortez Silver. They are not quite the same. Different paint manufacturers and perhaps different coloured primers. Nice car you have there.

I have decided on using a guy who specializes in "Paintless dent removal...minor body repair...color matching".
He is going to work on one inconspicuous spot and let me judge his work.

I have decided on using a guy who specializes in "Paintless dent removal...minor body repair...color matching".
He is going to work on one inconspicuous spot and let me judge his work.

good, give that a try before a total repaint. I would (& am) leave the original paint too

There was just an article in the Sunday 8/3 Chicago Tribune Transportation section about "original cars" and that they are becoming more popular than ever. Once repainted - you can never get original back. The article went on about how "original", no matter what condition, is becoming a common class at car shows and in many cases considered more valuable than a completely restored to original specs car. Keep it original.

There was just an article in the Sunday 8/3 Chicago Tribune Transportation section about "original cars" and that they are becoming more popular than ever. Once repainted - you can never get original back. The article went on about how "original", no matter what condition, is becoming a common class at car shows and in many cases considered more valuable than a completely restored to original specs car. Keep it original.

That's encouraging:)
I'll see if I can find that on the Tribune site.

looks fine, why bother spending the money for a repaint?

Here is an update.
Long story but I got it touched up. Went to the detail guy and he painted a 1 foot square spot on the hood but could not match the color nor did he have the technique to blend the lacquer. It looked terrible! Not to mention he did not try a test piece first.:angry:

Afterward, took the car to Classic Auto Restoration Service in Columbus, Ohio and they did a masterful job. I hope this doesn't violate the commercial endorsement policy.

Had to study it for some time and in different light conditions to see the blend lines and minimal shade difference.

The attached shots can be compared with my previous post pictures showing the door nicks.

The painter took great pride in his work and is quite skilled with lacquer paint.
:)
Lou

Very nice job!!!

Thanks. I'm happy with it.
Proof, will of course come at judging time.

Thanks. I'm happy with it.
Proof, will of course come at judging time.


note to self.... remember where spot painting was done when judging this car......:D

Doh!

The good news is that the lacquer is available in quarts or gallons.:)
Bad news...finding someone to do a top-notch touch up.
Have to give it some more thought.

Lou


Additional bad news. Lacquer paint is NOT available in the State of NJ and it's illegal for a body shop to shoot it.

Respectfully,
John R.

Uhh...got to run...TSA is at my door!