Paint Code: Prime

[Edward M.]

Re: Loren...

I agree with Loren. I remember this debate from about 10 years ago. I even went so far as to send the National Judging Chairman a letter suggesting a possible solution to this issue.

My suggestion was to allow any color on a PRIME car, so long as the color and type of paint was available at the time of manufacture. It did have to be a solid color (no flame jobs, heavy metal flake, etc.). Then judge the car as if it had the original color paint on it.

I recall a really nice 73 convertible that was ordered by the dealer for his wife in primer. The dealer did not like the shade of yellow that was available in 73, so he ordered the car in primer and had his body shop paint it Daytona Yellow. Beautiful car. Tha car in primer would look awful. And it wouldn't get driven much like that. This is a case where we don't encourage the owner to drive the car.

Now, how do we handle a car with a paint code of SPEC? The owner has to prove what color the car was when it left the assembly plant?

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: Paint Code: Prime

Mike,

------There is a pretty well known 66 big-block with AC in northern Ohio that I believe was in the special Collection one year restored in primer. Originally it was painted a Cadillac firemist color. The same as you feel, the fella that restored it thought it would be interesting to do. I believe it sold for a large figure for the time and he recently reaquired it. If primer is so ugly how come so many of these "Rat Rods" are getting so many pages in the magazines lately. All in the eye of the beholder............Bill S

[Michael H.]

Re: Paint Code: Prime

Bill,

That's excellent! That's exactly what I was hoping to hear from someone on this "PRIME" thing. I agree, it's not for everyone, especially people that have only one Corvette that they drive but for a show only car that's not driven, I think it's far more interesting than all the "cookie cutter" restorations that all look the same. Now, if there was only a "NONE" paint code so someone could show one in bare glass. (remember my 64 that I stripped and then reasembled?)

Bob Jorjorian currently has a grey primered 65 396 conv with side exh that is completely reassembled and he drives it. Has a real set of old original American wheels and is the baddest lookin critter in town. I have a picture but I better ask Bob before posting it.

Michael

[Dick W.]

Re: Paint Code: Prime

Bill, an excellent answer. I had mixed emotions about the rule when it came about, but if you read Dipsticks reply, it makes a lot of sense.