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One of the larger of decisions I will make over the next 12 months is whether or not to have my '73 repainted back to it's factory Silver Color (trim code 914). While the Repaint to the 910 Classic White is well done, the front bumper needs to be redone and under super close inspection the hood could use a respray to eliminate some imperfections in a very small area. Personally I like both White and Silver and could easily live with either. But I also probably prefer the paint to be correct to the trim tag for proper factory originality.
This is a no hurry up decision as the is a super nice '73 as it sits, but I'll probably seek out some estimates....
Car in current White form:
Example of a 1973 factory correct 914 Silver.
What would you do?
Last edited by C5VetteDen; 11-23-2014 at 02:01 AM.
My car is the victim of a repaint. Unfortunately they removed the trim tag to try and cover it up. I have no idea what color my car was when it was built. I had planned to get it painted its original color when I bought it and my offer to the PO reflected that. After owning it for several months I have decided I really like it for what it is and will not repaint or try to get a replacement trim tag. Only you can decide what is right for you, good luck with your decision.
I also probably prefer the paint to be correct to the trim tag for proper factory originality.
What would you do?
That`s my thought as well. We`re the third owner of our 71 coupe. It was a very faded red when we got it, but we chose to put it back into it`s original Steel Cities Gray.
In your case, I`d go with the silver, just because I like it, AND it`s "correct".
Since the color change to white was well done and the condition of the existing paint is still very good/excellent, I'd leave it white and just repaint the bumper and hood. High quality paint jobs for these cars are expensive!
Since the color change to white was well done and the condition of the existing paint is still very good/excellent, I'd leave it white and just repaint the bumper and hood. High quality paint jobs for these cars are expensive!
I think the white looks good .it has been popular since 1953 on vettes.
The choice is really up to you but as everybody has said it all depends what you are going to do with the car. I do like the white but I'm partial and glad to see another 73.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
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If you're going to spend the money to paint the car you might as well do it in the original color, especially if you like silver. It will enhance it's value to be painted the original color.
The myriad of replies favoring going with the Silver paint job thus far really encompasses much of my feeling. The paint would be the biggie of my to do list in terms of anticipated cost, which the list is nothing more than bits here and there to make the car as perfect as I can get it from it's already high level of originality and proper functionality.
While I am not looking at the resale aspect as I have no intention of selling, I do like the look of the C3 in Silver as much as I do in White, and with the trim tag being a 914 Silver color code, I honestly feel an obligation to put it back to it's factory Silver color at some point. For now, I'll put the paint on the checklist while I get estimates and look at various painters' other work on Corvettes of this ERA in my region.
For many, this car is already in a "done" condition, but I just have that desire to take it further back to it's originality. I suppose it's not a dilemma to just enjoy the car as I work my way through the checklist.
Last edited by C5VetteDen; 11-23-2014 at 10:17 AM.
Since the color change to white was well done and the condition of the existing paint is still very good/excellent, I'd leave it white and just repaint the bumper and hood. High quality paint jobs for these cars are expensive!
This is the #1 reason I feel no urgency to rush to get the car painted, but just have it on the list of things to do while I enjoy the car in it's current White color.
Does it bother you enough to spend $10,000 to correct it? You have no obligation to put it back to silver other than to do what makes you happy.
I don't think much of anything to to do with Corvettes "bothers" me, save for one being neglected. I agree, no obligation to do anything at this point except to enjoy a beautiful '73!
As I mentioned subsequently, no rush to do anything with the white color either. As a matter of fact, what I thought was small paint flaw on the hood, disappeared with a buffing wheel and some polish. So at this point even less of a reason to do anything with the color, save for some crazing on the front bumper which is easy enough to address. If the quotes I get down the road approach $10k just to change colors, I'll certainly pass. But if I can get a quality job for far less, it will remain a consideration.
When needed, would be the time to decide color choice until then enjoy the white.
Yes, I think this is where I am at now. The White color has actually received many of compliments both online and in-person.
What really had me look at this from another perspective is when I was asked offline if I was buying the Vette new, would I pick White or Silver? That actually made me think about this subject a little differently as I didn't hesitate in answering "White". So I now know I will go ahead and have the crazing on the front bumper fixed and resprayed in it's current classic White, and keep this '73 with it's very nice Classic White color format for as long as it lasts... After that, I'll cross the bridge in making a color change decision.
11-22-2014, 11:24 PM
Repaint back to Factory Color?
I think the white looks good .it has been popular since 1953 on vettes.
