Hot Rods PAINTING OVER A REMBRANDT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I have a 1962 C/MP corvette you have seen on the H.A.M.B. in other threads. I acquired it 15 years ago. I removed the body and had ROBERT NERIZ build the car safer and fresher. I installed the body that has not been touched for 30 some years. I have been to drag races and car shows with it. I have old times tell me how cool it is, and younger guys ask me when I am going to paint it. I am trying to keep it the REAL DEAL. The old timers remember the car and like it the way it is. I have won trophies for original car, but not for the way it looks. I want to make it cooler but I don't want to paint over a MONA LISA. Money is not an issue of painting it, we have plenty of money.

 

I am not sure I would call it a Rembrandt or a Mona Lisa but appreciate the history to it. If you want to give it more pizzazz maybe you could repaint it with a red that has some more pop to it (maybe a fine metal flake) and then have it re-lettered exactly like it is now to retain the history aspect of the car.

 

I wouldn't paint it at all, but that's me. You could always just paint it exactly like it is now.

 

Screw the young guys. Leave it.

 

leave it as is. Who cares what the young guys think. They're all fucking know it alls anyway.

 

Honestly though 30 years was like MC Hammer/ Debbie Gibson era... If it was Larry Watson it would be a different issue. I think Gene Winfield still paints if you want to turn this dilemma on its head

 

It's not original underneath as you have stated so whether you change its looks on the outside is your own call. I doubt it has a 291" under hood but if it does along with the 4 speed that was probably there when built the I would leave it alone.
The purest is your only problem, not me for sure; do what you like....

 

I would leave the paint that's on it. Not gonna be the same if you repaint and re-letter it.

 

If you can paint, do it. If not, it doesn't look $6K bad to me.

 

yes the drivetrain, engine, rear diff, are all original to the car. nothing was changed but the frame was redone for safety. 291 cubic inch motor is the original motor.some say leave it, some say paint it. I will check back in a few weeks and read posts. you guys are awesome.

 

I can provide you an excellent argument to support either postion. Personally, I endorse procrastination: You can always paint it later, but you can't un-paint it.

 

its your car
if ya like it, buff and detail it
if not, paint it how ya like
or split the difference and repaint it to look like it is now
I vote candy and boat flake 60s gasser style

 

Leave the paint, spend the money on some old school wheels. Takes years to get the look of original patina, takes a day to eliminate the history.
I have a 59 with old red paint. I always get asked when am i going to paint it. The answer is always the same, I like it this way. Lots of restored 59's, not so many worn like mine, not so many still willing to drag......

 

You could get a pro to repair/restore the original paint...

 

I vote like these

 

Me, I'd leave it as is. But you have to live with yourself.

 

I wouldn't touch it.

 

second the motion!

 

I mean no disrespect, but I don't see it. It's a back halved car with weld wheels. I appreciate history as much as anyone, especially with old race cars, but it screams 1995 to me. That could be the next big craze, but I would paint that mutha.

 

I think you should give it away, since "we have plenty of money".

 

I'd also leave it as it is, but it's your car, so do with it as you wish. I'd just maintain it, wouldn't 'restore' or 'freshen' it. Once you repaint, it's just another car with a story that might be true or might not.......

Just my 2¢

 

1964countrysedan. I am going to like your thread. VERY VERY FUNNY.

 

So far all answers are just what I am looking for. keep them coming. I am liking all of your answers.

 

Don't touch nuthin'... except change out the wheels.

 

I'd say leave it and since "we have plenty of money" send some that my way and spend some on the original build wheels.

 

honestly, if the car was painted by a person I was close to (relative or friend) or if it was painted by someone famous like von Dutch, Larry Watson ..........I would probably leave it
if not, feel free to do what ever floats you boat .......(definitely change the wheels, those will be traditional in another generation )

 

Very cool car, no matter the era!

I'd put those wheels in storage and throw something a little more classic looking on. You can always put them back on when the 1980's "look" comes around and these trendy TROG guys move on to their pastel shirts with loafers.

Seriously though, cool car!

 

Personally , I 'd leave the paint as is; you can't rewrite history.Don't know what wheels you ran back in the day; but I would go back to them. If the rear wells have been enlarged..they made some pretty huge x large Hals , that would look just plain wicked on her.

 

If money's no object, buy a nice pretty Corvette that's just like all the other nice pretty Corvettes. There's only one '62 like yours and you own it.

 

If you like it the way it is, don't paint it. Who cares what someone else thinks. Sounds like the majority says the same.

It earned the right to wear those blemishes.