Opinions on color to paint C3

[Don L.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John, depending on how long you've owned your Green/Green coupe and/or the circumstances that cause you to have this car, you may be in love with her and unlikely to consider a trade.

But, as you contemplate a modification, consider the value most everyone else in this thread has offered. See the attached link for a view at what it might cost to just trade cars vs trade colors.

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/find/vehicle/vehicleDetail.xhtml?adId=190492&actionMethod=find%2Fvehicle%2FvehicleSearchResults.xhtml%3AuShipController.init&conversationId=185178

I spent only about 2 minutes searching my bookmarked sites and found this car. Ackowledging this particular car is a LT1, not the BB car you currently have, it has lots of appeal and collectable value, being a LT1 and 1970 is the only year between '70 and '72 that was offered in the dark red you mentioned. There may be some '70 BB cars available too. I stopped looking when I found this one.

I am not endorsing this car. I know nothing about the particulars, including whether or not is a real maroon/saddle car. I went to the seller's web site and found the listed/asking price to be $39,500. What would a color change cost to do and undo?

[Terry M.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

I have a 1971 numbers matching 454 that I am restoring. Color code calls for Brands Hatch Green which might be OK but I really like a dark cranberry red for the exterior. The original interior color is green but I am considering changing it to sadddle tan. Would you paint it red and change the interior color to tan? And since the body has been media blasted should I apply a gel coat instead of some other type of sealer prior to painting? Thanks for your opinions!

John,
I am not a fan of the Green/Green C3s. In fact, no offense, but I think they are downright ugly -- not withstanding the fact in 1969 I wanted a Green exterior, and my first Corvette was a new 1969 with Green exterior but a black interior. On the other hand, I now think the best C3 color option was a 1970 Maroon/tan leather convertible with a tan soft top. I saw an LT1 once in this one-year combination and almost fell in love -- but it turned out to be lust.

My personal opinions aside (but you did ask), I would NEVER change interior or exterior color of a car to suit my desires. As Patrick and many others have pointed out, it is far easier and a lot more economical to start with a Corvette with the color combinations you want than to change an existing car. Have you seen the 1970 Maroon saddle combination? BTW: Matching the color of that Maroon will be a formidable challenge, but that is another story.

[Rich P.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John,

If you do change interior colors I would suggest to find original parts as the repro parts don't fit woth a darn. I will never use repro interior parts again!!!! I just did a 69 saddle interior with all repro parts and I am now looking for good original parts to replace the repro junk with!!!

Rich

[Sandra H.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

Hi John,
It being your car and all, of course you can do with it as you please.
But.....a numbers matching car? Oh no, please don't.

My car is non-numbers matching so I feel free to do whatever I want with it, and I think many of the members would agree.

If your car is in pretty good shape, then you are close to the holy grail.
Sell this one if you need to keep it a one-Corvette garage.....to someone that can take it on to glory.

It's terribly expensive to go the route you propose.....consider getting another car that you can play with.

And, of course, feel free to ignore any foregoing advice.
Sandy

[Michael D.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

Brands Hatch green is a beautiful color. My fiancee's '71 convertible is Brands Hatch. I'm willing to bet the green interior with Brands Hatch will be a prettier combination than it sounds.

[Pat M.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

On the other hand, I now think the best C3 color option was a 1970 Maroon/tan leather convertible with a tan soft top.

You've got great taste Terry! (although mine's not leather or an LT1)

By the way, the second picture shows you (directly under the rear tire with the brown shoes, I think) ripping my car apart in Kissimmee '08. I've liked you ever since!

[Reba W.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

And what is wrong with a green car, Terry?

[Steven B.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

The late summer of '76 I looked at two prospective cars to buy, a '70 Green/Green LT-1 convertible with white top and a '69 Black/Black leather 435 HP, 4 speed, 3.70, black soft top, black hardtop, factory side exhaust. Bought neither but both were very nice. I didn't like the green interior then, but would give alot for that car now---I wouuld have to give alot for that car now.

[Roy V.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

And what is wrong with a green car, Terry?

I'm with you, Reba !!

Not my car, but a gentleman from Florida with an original paint 71 Brands Hatch green with green interior. I like it.

[Reba W.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

I always thought the green/green combination in 1971 was striking. My Elkhart 1972 has black as green was not available that year.

[Jack C.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

It's only original once, but if you have to paint it, keep it the original color.

[Michael W.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

And what is wrong with a green car, Terry?

Exactly- and how else would you get to name a car 'Kermit'

[Terry M.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

And what is wrong with a green car, Terry?

I know you like it, and aparently others do too. That is fine. I don't now, but I did in 1969. Although I must point out that there are several shades of green between 1969, 1970 and 1971 -- both the interior and exterior colors.

I think it should be obvious to those who know me what color I like now, and I could have had a more or less Maroon/Tan combination on the 2008 if I had wanted.

[John G.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

Hey - thanks for all the input! I'll probably stick with the original Brands Hatch Green exterior. The pictures helped a lot and seeing a completed green interior has me leaning towards that as well.

[Jim M.]

Re: Opinions on color to paint C3

John, It's your car, I say do what you like and enjoy.