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914World.com _ Originality and History _ Color Change: Good or Bad?
Posted by: Bullethead Mar 30 2022, 11:29 AM
In early 911 circles color change can be a viewed as a negative in most cases, but acceptable for a tribute or outlaw.
What's the consensus in 914 World? I'm nearing the paint stage for my 6 which was originally Safety Orange... but it's a GT replica build and there are some tempting paint choices.
Am I being too careful sticking with the OG paint color or could choosing something more personal affect future resale? Thanks for your replies.
Posted by: Cairo94507 Mar 30 2022, 12:27 PM
I think it really depends on how you change the color. If you media blast the entire chassis so no original color remains and then paint it another factory, period correct Porsche 914-6 color, I do not see the harm. I color changed my original '71 914-6 from Gold to Irish Green. I have never regretted it in the slightest.
Now going with a non-original 914-6 color is another step removed from stock and may alienate some. But let's face it, there are some absolutely crazy beautiful colors out there that would great on a flared 914-6.
Since your car is already slightly modified to resemble the GT look, even less of an issue as it is no longer stock anyway. You will always find the wine/cheese purists who will turn their noses up but I really do not concern myself with their opinions. It is your car and the bottom line is when you walk into your garage and see it, it should make you smile.
Good luck and enjoy.
Michael
Posted by: brant Mar 30 2022, 04:24 PM
I hate color changes..
I did one in the 80's...
not fun to live with
even done correctly I'm a big negative around color changes..
your car
do what you want
but know there are many out there like myself who will walk away when the day to sell your car arrives... likely at least to reduce the pool of buyers if not reduce the price.
Posted by: Cairo94507 Apr 13 2022, 09:30 AM
Hi Brant - I am curious as to why your color change was "not fun to live with"? 
Posted by: mepstein Apr 13 2022, 10:59 AM
The hot rod builds are bringing strong money on bat. Personally, I’ve always felt it’s more important to do it right than worrying about what’s original. You have to be happy with the car when you open up the garage door and look in.
If I was to build a car that I loved and enjoy driving it so much that I wore it out, I would consider it a success.
Posted by: 914werke Apr 14 2022, 12:17 PM
BAD~
Posted by: Bullethead Apr 14 2022, 12:53 PM
Love tangerine and sure was tempted, but gonna keep the car safety orange. Since it's a GT clone, maybe paint the bumpers two-tone... thanks for the responses.
Posted by: brant Apr 14 2022, 01:36 PM
Hi Brant - I am curious as to why your color change was "not fun to live with"?
I still have the car
I color changed it from Tangerine to black in the mid 1980's
jambs. trunks, and all. We had the car stripped down to a wire loom, no glass installed
to this day I still find orange paint peeking through each time the color is scratched..
including under the floor pan, including inside the wheel housings, etc.
I did not have the car blasted at the time.
in hindsight.. I wish I had... but was a lot less experienced in the mid 1980's
brant
Posted by: Robarabian Apr 24 2022, 09:14 PM
I just "Color changed" back to the original color. The Original Owner painted it from silver metallic to black. I tore the whole care apart, removed anything black, and now it is back to silver. It is glorious. As long as it is done right, then you will be good to go.
Posted by: davep Apr 26 2022, 07:19 PM
I would never do a color change again. You cannot get it perfect without a complete strip to bare metal. Top dollar to the original paint.
Posted by: sixaddict Jul 4 2022, 08:05 AM
I feel your 911 comment tends to lead you to the answer. If you want to consider resale as a factor, then stay original. If not do as you please.
As for resale, original trumps just reduces buyer pool to some degree.
And as you see opinions on this are like belly buttons…….we all have one but always a fun debate. ![popcorn[1].gif](style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)
Posted by: ClayPerrine Aug 26 2022, 11:09 AM
I did a color change on my car. It was delphi green metallic, but the paint was long gone, and two drunks painted the car rattle can black.
So when I flared it, I changed the color to bahia red. I did everything, the trunks, the underside, the dash frame, everything. The car had so much bodywork done that it was no where near original, so I wasn't really hurting anything.
I have never regretted it. It is the color I wanted.
Now on the factory six, it will be taken back to the original metallic blue. Because the trunks and underside were never repainted, and it is original other than that. And it sucks because we both love the Boxster blue that is on it now. But it is a numbers matching six, so it gets put back to original.
So I guess my opinion depends on the car.
Clay
Posted by: Bagpype Dec 8 2022, 07:53 AM
I did a color change on my car. It was delphi green metallic, but the paint was long gone, and two drunks painted the car rattle can black.
So when I flared it, I changed the color to bahia red. I did everything, the trunks, the underside, the dash frame, everything. The car had so much bodywork done that it was no where near original, so I wasn't really hurting anything.
I have never regretted it. It is the color I wanted.
Now on the factory six, it will be taken back to the original metallic blue. Because the trunks and underside were never repainted, and it is original other than that. And it sucks because we both love the Boxster blue that is on it now. But it is a numbers matching six, so it gets put back to original.
So I guess my opinion depends on the car.
Clay
I have an original Bahia Red 1970 and I love the color. Granted, it had a respray from someone at some point but it was done very well in the original color. As for the topics question I think on any classic car a color change isn’t bad for some but bad for others. It’s always safe to keep it as original as possible if you see yourself ever selling it.
Posted by: Type 47 Dec 18 2022, 09:41 PM
Just my opinion...
If it is not bone stock, do what you want. Period.
I did a color change, and you would not be able to tell the difference, if it weren't for some small detail around the labels/tags.
Of course, you have to take the car apart.
Also...if you like the new color b/c it looks better; the market will like it too. If it's not bone stock and it's a mediocre color make it look cool!
Posted by: 76-914 Dec 19 2022, 10:15 AM
FWIW, for value sakes I'm sticking with the original color as this car will be sold after completion. I chose to take it down to metal so that the next owner could "see" they weren't buying a "Scotty Boy" "Polished Turd"! 
Posted by: windforfun Dec 31 2022, 11:17 AM
I would never do a color change again. You cannot get it perfect without a complete strip to bare metal. Top dollar to the original paint.
Posted by: Bullethead Dec 31 2022, 01:57 PM
Started the thread because I was sorely tempted with Tangerine. To answer my own question, no color change on the Six... kept Safety Orange and very pleased with it. 
Posted by: Van B Dec 31 2022, 03:19 PM
I keep my P-cars painted original and then wrap it whatever I want.
Posted by: StarBear Dec 31 2022, 03:36 PM
I keep my P-cars painted original and then wrap it whatever I want.
Brilliant!
Posted by: wonkipop Dec 31 2022, 05:56 PM
fortunately all the original colours are now beyond the terms of fashion dictates and can be enjoyed by all - in their original splendour - and be regarded as charming.
i do remember a time with mine in the 90s where all i got was negative comments about the phoenix red and brown interior being so.........70s. and awful. "you need to paint it silver mate - and redo the farken interior, its like your sitting in s#$t!"
i used to just grin and bear it.
not a negative comment has been said for years now.
in fact young girls giggle and squeal when they see it out on the streets.
they love it. the brown interior is generally admired and nobody sees anything scatalogical in it anymore. 
i say go with original color. its all part of the unique design charm.
Posted by: mlindner Apr 10 2023, 06:42 AM
Original is nice but. Most of these cars need rust repair, GT mods, paint that is too gone etc. At that point paint it any color you like. Mine was red for 40 years, now Signal Orange. Best, Mark
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