The eternal paint question!

[pabster]

Howdy, folks! Washed Avocado Gold the other day (it was already clean but I needed to get out of the house and BREATHE a bit ) and I noticed all the little scratches, nicks, chips in the paint. So once again I'm starting to think about getting it painted. And here's the issue that I'm sure many of you have wrestled with.

Do I get it repainted its original color (J6) or not? If not, what color should I go with?

I like J6, but I obviously don't love it so much that I'm not considering changing up. Yeah, it's a unique color, VERY 70's, but do I really want to drive around in a car the same color as a 39 year old refrigerator? I'm a huge fan of Plum Crazy, and it's definitely a contender even though it wasn't offered in '74...

Now before you all weigh in, keep in mind that I have no intention of ever selling this car. I have the space for it, my wife is not trying to convince me to get rid of it, and it's my favorite car I've ever owned. So I don't care about changing the color as far as lessening its value.

I also am aware of the "It's your car, do whatever you want to it, who cares what others think?" argument, which I agree with much of the time. And in the end, I will do whatever I want to it. But the reason I'm asking is because I'm really not sure, and I value opinions of others who have much more time and energy invested in their cars than I do. If you went though this, what did you do? What color did you go with? How much did it cost?

Any tips, ideas, opinions, pictures are much appreciated, and it's a good excuse to look at car ****. :headbang:

Below is my Charger in its current state. Thanks for the input!

View attachment 88351

 

[Northwest]

With that black vinyl top - I think F8 Ivy green would look sharp, stand out and retain that vintage musclecar look.

It wasn't offered after 1970 - but I think these big b bodies wear it well. I'm planning to go this route with my 71 GTX, but without the vinyl top.

 

[mattsinger]

what color is your interior??

 

[pabster]

what color is your interior??

 

[mattsinger]

View attachment 88359

well, that makes your selection much easier.

 

[wannadrag]

I like it as is.Too many plum crazy and and sublime ones already.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I like the green, too. I've always liked your car. It's cool as all hell. If it was mine, I would not change it.

 

[tpodwdog]

if it were me.....i would compound the scratches out of it.....after all...YOU DO DRIVE IT.

if i were to paint it...it would be a lot cheaper to paint the same color for obvious reasons i dont need to mention...(jambs...etc etc )

if you want to change the color.... well...thats your choice......your interior is black and will go with any color! nice car BTW !.

 

[70redbee]

I would not change the color. If you change it then there will be a lot of extra expense and work. The trunk, engine compartment, door jambs and many other things will need to be changed as well to keep it looking good. I see nothing wrong with the present color plus you don't see a lot of cars this color. The decision is yours but I would not. It's great that you have no plans of getting rid of the car and that you think this highly of it, where a lot of people only think of value. Enjoy the car and good luck with whatever you decide, I know you will make the right decision for you. If you want a different look try different tires and wheels.

 

[mattsinger]

I like the current color

 

[Meep-Meep]

I think it looks good the way it is, however, I will add another perspective. You say everything is fine until you wash it. No, I'm not suggesting you stop washing it, but rather you only notice the flaws when you are 2 feet away or closer. What do people see in the parking lot? Do you think they know all the little scratches? I bet 90% of the people are just happy to see your car out on the road. Only you can pick it apart but I'll say again, few people will actually notice and fewer will say "you really need to get that fixed". So now I will interject economics to the equation. How much will you spend on a paint job to fix something that isn't really broken? If it's the color change you're after that's one thing, but if it's the current condition, I'm finding it difficult to justify spending $8K or more on a paint job.

 

[mopwrd340]

I would leave it alone if any thing take it to a detail or body shop and see if they can buff it out to make it look better . back in the late 90s i had a 73 se 440 and petty blue it was a nice car i had to sell it though needed the money i still miss it ,

 

[Ron 73]

I always really liked your car with this color green, but with so many out there im glad its you picking one if different. Black is great, triple black Charger would look good, hard to go wrong with it.

 

[alleyoopmgv]

If you were to repaint it, I personally would keep it the same color. It looks like a nice car!

 

[sublimegtx]

Personally I'm a brighter the better person, but I have to say I really like the color you have!

 

[Budnicks]

You probably don't care what I think...LOL... I would buff the minor stuff out with some compound, if the paint is decent & not too thin you could even "block it out", Liberally wet sand w/2000 grit or something the imperfections out, stay away from the edges & sharp body lines/contours, then Conservatively re-polish/buff her back to her former glory, make her as pretty as she can be in her original paint, she looks great as is & a little "buff job" never hurt anyone... Maybe you could have it clear coated, if the minor stuff buffs out OK, or maybe even add a "go-wing" or a black graphic on the either the hood, side &/or trunk or something... theres many ways to spiffy her up... then drive the hell out of her

 

[b-star69]

PABSTER That car looks great i would not change a thing. infact i wouldn't even paint it. it photographs very well and it has a period look. or you could sell it to me.

 

[Bruzilla]

I'll give you my opinion, but I warn you... I am biased! I hate all green and blue cars and think B5 blue is the worst color ever... which will earn me the scorn of many. If I owned your car, it would look like the red RT in the desert in the ad above. I would have it painted the brightest rip-your-eyeballs-out-as-I-go-by-and-drag-them-behind-me-for-miles red I could find and have a ball with it. If I want something that's avocado green with a light that comes on when I open the door, I'll start using my grandma's refrigerator.

 

[pabster]

Thanks for all the replies, guys! I get into my bubble of focusing on only my car, it's great to get perspective from others on it. I forget sometimes that it's in as good shape as it is, and that J6 stands out from the crowd.

Budnicks, I most certainly do care about your opinion. And thanks for the great pictures! :headbang:

Bruzilla, gotta hand it to you- even in regards to cars you disagree with me. "If I want something that's avocado green with a light that comes on when I open the door, I'll start using my grandma's refrigerator." If I want something that's black with yellow highlights that says Steelers all over it when I drive down the street, I'll just buy a Terrible Towel and hang it on my antenna!

 

[Ron 73]

Sounds like you made your decision Pabster, It really is a nice looking Charger and to be honest, the pictures show it to look like its in great shape! Try some Mothers Gold on it, its good stuff that will really bring a great shine, i couldn't believe what it did to the paint on my Ram, really made it look newer.. Ive used other wax's but this stuff is really quick and easy and made a difference even on my trucks old paint.