[1970SSWHITE]

Posted this yesterday on Tech Forum and the thought was maybe this is a better location for this question.

I have a numbers matching, fully documented 70 SS that I have painfully been working on for about 5 years. I am close to paint and I am struggling with a possible color change. Car is originally white with black stripes and a black vinyl top. Car is being restored to original, i.e., engine specs, non-gauge, etc. I know that white is not a viewed as a desirable color but I feel if it's born white it should remain white and it appears to be a rare color choice in 1970 (maybe less than 10%). I should say that white is beginning to grow on me but I would consider Fathom Blue. I would love to hear the opinions of our resident experts on this dilema particularly from those with matching number, real SS cars.

Thanks- Pat

 

[70ss396survivor]

I think white with black VT looks great.

 

[DaleM]

If you're truly restoring it, keep it original color. I'd only change the color if you're restomoding or otherwise personalizing it.

 

[1970SSWHITE]

I am beginning to think that way Dale. I like the contrast of the white and black and the fact that you rarely see white helps the decision. I plan on keeping the car but would you think a color change decrease the value or would a color change to a more desireable color help the value. Maybe I answered my own question.

 

[droptop396]

If you don't like white, then don't paint it white.
Don't keep it white just for value. It's your car, and if white doesn't appeal to you now, I doubt it will ever grow on you. Why spend a bunch of money restoring and painting a car if you are not going to be happy with it?

 

[Beaux]

Is the goal resale or is the goal to keep it, drive it and show it?

I dont recall that being asked of you. Are you keeping it or just keeping it until its done?

 

[1970SSWHITE]

I am keeping it no doubt. A lot of swear and blood. Never bought it to sell it.

 

[704EVER]

Here's my take. If you're going to keep the car, paint it a color you like but stick to a 70 factory color. Somewhere down the road if circumstances change and you have to sell it, you may still be better off having changed the car to a more desireble color. It's a win win situation for you at that point. Let the next guy worry about the original color white if it bothers him. We can't own these cars forever, in reality, we are just caretakers for now until the next guy comes along. IMO, some colors hurt the value of a car, no matter how original the rest of it is. After all your hard work, enjoy it!!!!!!:thumbsup:

 

[Mike72ss]

If you don't like white, then don't paint it white.
Don't keep it white just for value. It's your car, and if white doesn't appeal to you now, I doubt it will ever grow on you. Why spend a bunch of money restoring and painting a car if you are not going to be happy with it?

Here's my take. If you're going to keep the car, paint it a color you like but stick to a 70 factory color. Somewhere down the road if circumstances change and you have to sell it, you may still be better off having changed the car to a more desireble color. It's a win win situation for you at that point. Let the next guy worry about the original color white if it bothers him. We can't own these cars forever, in reality, we are just caretakers for now until the next guy comes along. IMO, some colors hurt the value of a car, no matter how original the rest of it is. After all your hard work, enjoy it!!!!!!:thumbsup:

I agree with these guys!

Mike

 

[704EVER]

Pat, please don't misunderstand me here. I'm 99% about originality when it comes to restoring 70 Chevelles, until it comes to the color. My opinion has probably changed some what over the last few years but the final color on these cars IMO has become very important concerning any re-sale value. Certain 70 factory colors, even on a very nicely done restoration, will see their values fall off a cliff compared to a popular color. I've been there and done that. Enjoy your car and don't fret a color change, you won't regret it. :noway:

 

[Les Saville]

We don't see a lot of 70SS white with black stripes, I think it would really stand out at shows, plus it really looks good!

 

[unclehulka]

I'm in the middle or recreating my long-gone '70 LS-6. That car was white w/black stripes and black vinyl top. It was a very striking color combination, IMO. The car I'm building is a beautiful Black Cherry with tan (incorrect) sport stripes. Almost everyone that learns I am changing the color to WHT/BLK Stripes/BLK top react with surprise and dismay.....EXCEPT for those that remember my old car. They feel the current color is sweet, but agree there was just something about the White combo.

Just my own two-cents. Now with that being said, paint the car the color YOU want. You're the one who is spending the time, money and sweat-equity and YOU are the one who has to live with your decision.

Let us know what you decide to do and Pics are ALWAYS welcome!

Good Luck!

 

[IDvsEGO]

I like the idea of painting it what you want. Its your car, do whatever you want with it...but personally I love the look of the white and black with vinyl. Unique and stands out for sure. I like it just the way it is. Plus if you repainted you would have to change your screen name

 

[Alan F]

This IS the Restoration Corner "where originality comes first"...
Paint it white.
Opinions in other forums may vary.

 

[1970SSWHITE]

Guys-

thanks to all that weighed in. I can't disagree with the the rational behind supporting a color change, but I can't help but think I will regret the cahnge form the original paint color. Just visited the NY Auto show last night and was surprises by the number of white cars and how striking they were next to other color choices.

Lastly, if anyone reads Muscle Machine, look for the letter of the month in the June issue. That's me sitting in a 1969 Camaro Pace Car. 6 years old and officially hooked on cars.....

Thanks again gentlemen. As usually I can count on everyone here for sound advise. I will share pictures when I am complete.

 

[W.A.C]

Here's my take. If you're going to keep the car, paint it a color you like but stick to a 70 factory color. Somewhere down the road if circumstances change and you have to sell it, you may still be better off having changed the car to a more desireble color. It's a win win situation for you at that point. Let the next guy worry about the original color white if it bothers him. We can't own these cars forever, in reality, we are just caretakers for now until the next guy comes along. IMO, some colors hurt the value of a car, no matter how original the rest of it is. After all your hard work, enjoy it!!!!!!:thumbsup:

Very well said Mike and I agree with you 100%.
I think I would personally go Fathon Blue being in your situation and from the things you said. But I also like white with black stripes. Its not like you are going from a bad color in white. Meaning when or if selling someone can have the option to go back to a good color in white. But if the car were gold or one of the other lovely 70's colors then things would be different IMO.

 

[Krister]

Keep it white like the body tag says, especially if you have gone through the trouble of bringing the rest of the car to original specs. White will look real sharp. I spent 1.5 looking the a un-restored, driver condition, ’66 SS that I would be happy with when it was finished back to original specs including the color on the body tag.

 

[$uper$port]

My thrid attempt to put a pic up, ????

 

[SixActual]

My thrid attempt to put a pic up, ????

I have never been a big fan of a White color on any car, but after seeing yours, I have my doubts now. :beers: Niiiiiiice!

 

[AmericanMuscle]

Pat, I think that white with black stripes and a black vinyl top is a beautiful color combo. It is actually one of my favorites.

I know what it's like to struggle with color decisions, as my 70 was originally code 45 mist green with no vinyl top and a black interior. It was painted Camaro rally green with white stripes at some point. It is not #'s matching like the rest of my cars, but I fear the day when I have to decide what color to paint it, as I am the kind of person who loves originality, and has a very hard time painting a car something other than what the trim tag tells me to. I absolutely love the unusual colors, my "W" code is Midnight Bronze with a black vinyl top/interior, my "U" code is Cream Yellow with black stripes/interior/vinyl top,and my 69 is Burnished Brown with a parchment interior, a color combo that I wouldn't trade for anything.:noway: I just don't think I am going to be able to handle the mist green on my 70, so I will probably go with one of the gold colors with black stripes and vinyl top, we'll see.

I think you are very lucky to have such a stunning color combo, keep it.:beers: