To paint or not to paint

If I still had my Lusso I would not paint it. A "survivor" is always more desirable. I wish I could speak to the 308 market but, I can't. My 360 had a lot of "road rash." I removed the front bumper and refinished it with computer matched paint. I doubt anyone will ever know. Perhaps some of the other guys can give you some insight.

 

If you do a show quality paint job you may find you hardly ever drive it. A driver with a driver paint job seems appropriate for any older car. I considered painting my car too (1972 Lotus); it's also a 7 out of 10, but now I appriciate the patina and I think it makes the car seem more "real".

Ken

 

I have the same problem with a Daytona. The car has lots of patina, crazing and cracking.

I am electing to paint about 10-20% of it. Mostly the most offensive heavy alligator skin, which is not original paint.

I have heard the warnings about not wanting to drive a perfect car and fearing the first stone chip. I plan on driving the car plenty.

You can't unpaint the car. Take your time about making the decision.

I am starting to like "authentic" cars alot when I see them. Maybe because I empathize. Every time I see a perfect Daytona it kills me.

 

I would just buy a trailer queen but then that isn't that attractive on further consideration. Probably because then I would really fear the chip and never drive it.

Would you really want that car? I've decided against it.

 

You should do what YOU want to do.

I have an 84 308 that is metallic black. That is a bit rare for that car, at least according to FNA. I want to paint it red with the correct black on the a-pillar, ect. like the 308's up to 83. Want to know why I would do it?

Because it is my car.

As soon as I can stand to be away from the car long enough I'll do it.

 

LOL I know the feeling! I've been working on a new dash all winter, and now it's just about ready to swap out with the old one. But it's about 20 hours to do the swap according to those who've done it, and that means no driving for about a week, if I'm lucky. I sure hope we have one more late season snowstorm! Today it's over 70 here in Chicago so I'm not even THINKING about getting started on the dash. I'm going out for a spin!

Ken

 

Not discounting your skills at all but truthfully 308s are pretty hard to paint properly..

Glass out, roof rail trims removed and reriveted.... tons of niggling like that....

drive it awhile, as stated original paint only lasts one time, you can respray forever after that........

 

I think one of the reasons "survivor" paint is preferable, is that you can't really HIDE anything like you can after a paint job. Buyers want to know exactly what they are getting, not what has been repaired and now hidden. (like rust or body damage)

 

Two ways to look at it, as you can see from the posts. If you like the patina, like having the originality and you are just looking to enjoy driving it, than just drive it. On the other hand, if you grew up enjoying having the car look perfect, and you have the skill to do it, why not do it? It won't stop you from driving the car, because if anything happens like paint chips or scratches, you know how to fix it and make it perfect again. IMHO, it is not an issue about effecting the value of the car. A really nice paint job will sell the car faster than a ratty, weather beaten paint job any day.

So, your choice. Let us know what you end up deciding. I know what I'd do -- if I had the skill, I'd repaint mine. Just be really careful on the color match so it looks original.

 

If you have the needed talents to do a fine paint job, do it!

Would one not repair an engine to keep it running?

Forget what others think and do what you feel. With your talents you'd add value to that car.

 

I understand, I think. As a car, to look at my '78 one would say "paint it". But, I appreciate the general (not perfect) originality of my car and hate the idea of painting it. Though, I probably will. So many other parts of the car (mainly emissions) have been gutted I don't see why not.

Hemmings this month has an article in which they define their terms in this regard. "Original" is strictly original down to the oil filter, etc. They are willing to give a little for wear items if you save the true originals while servicing. If you paint in any way then you are in "Refurbish" territory.

Do what you think is right.

Seamus

 

tell you what; come down to houston and re-paint my red 308GT4 and see how it feels to you. If your're grossed out or it feels sacreligious, then you haven't touched your car, if not, you can do yours. And I won't even charge you for the privilege of resolving your dilemna.

with due respect, it's not a DaVinci painting. It's a car, and unless I'm mistaken it's not a one of. paint the damm thing if it will make you happier to drive it around in a new paint job, especially since you're the kind of guy who can do a good job yourself.
(offer to paint my car still stands in case you're still hesitating)

 

first thing i did to mine was fix all the rust spots and re paint with the same color. it's nice and shiny and looks alot better than it did when i bought it. if you're able to diy like i did, go for it.

 

My '84QV car is a repaint, and you'd never know it if I didn't tell you. The car was special ordered as a metallic maroon. The original purchaser decided he didn't like it, and told the dealer to take it apart and paint it Ferrari red! So the paint is essentially as old as the car, but not factory. But it's been VERY well maintained -- even before I bought it 14 years ago -- and I've had sections repainted as needed (pre-paintless dent removal technology), and I *much* prefer it to 308's with an "aged" look.

 

(As Mike well knows) to see if your 308 is the original color, just peak under that little secret black flap in the back that only about 0.0042% of 308 owners know exists.

 

Its funny, but in the end it seems that old well cared for original paint is worth as much or more than the best paint job money can buy. The old saying holds true, its only original once. And regardless, any car nut will never look down thier nose at old original paint. If its good enough to keep it on a 60 year old multimillion dollar Ferrari, it should be sufficient to keep it on a 30 year old $30K Ferrari. In the end you have to do what you want, but dont expect it to make the car worth anymore than its worth now, and most likely it will be worth less. At the very least it wont be worth any more and you will just be out the equivalent of a $20K paintjob. I think it would cost that much to put a factory quality finish on one of these cars if you were paying to have it done.

 

I understand the quandry you are in. I had a perfect body 1975 911S that had good paint except for the numerous rock chips and a few light scratches. Many times I considered a repaint because I like things to be perfect. But then I wondered would it really be as good as original, obviously you can never go back. Finally had a real talented guy do some airbrushing and what a difference that made. Doesn't sound like touch up will cure your problems but you get what I mean. It's like getting a ding or scratch, drives you crazy even though your the only one that notices.

Do what you want but a 7 I'd leave alone.

Jeff

 

Show some pics, that would help.

 

My 2c. A car is original only once. My 308 is 28 years old (maybe a 7 or 8 out of 10) and has some battle scars but I enjoy telling people when asked that it's original paint. My interior is red with stains and faded areas...just patina and it looks "rich" that way to me. I don't think it would look correct stripped and redyed. When I was searching for mine I passed by the repaints because I wanted an original Ferrari and couldn't help wandered what else might be redone and why. I'd just enjoy it as is or if you can't stand to see some bad areas then touch them up. Bottom line though it's your call.

 

Right,

You can register you r ownership with the Factory Site and put your VIN in the My Garage section there....

Glad you decided to leave 'as is'....