Hello again all! I have discovered the original color of my 72 as the lime green they call yellow. I like it ok, but was thinking of either blue or grey for my project. I am still months away, but I thought I would ask....would you admire a z that stayed true to colors available at production, even if the car wasn't restored back to original? I will have 4 wheel disc, l28/e31 combo, 17 inch rims, etc.

Thoughts?

If you were doing a stock resto for car shows or value, or if it was a Z432 or a black gold 280ZX, it would be dumb to use a non-stock color. Otherwise it's your car so do what you like.

I am not doing a stock resto, but I still have a thought that original colors are best. I may just flip a coin...

I like the #112 lime color and I'm sure it's a pain to change the color of the engine bay. http://www.zhome.com/History/ZColorGallary/112Yellow2.jpg

And, YES, I admire an original color painted car, especially those '70's colors.

Edited June 9, 201311 yr by siteunseen

A color change can be a difficult thing to pull off well. As mentioned above, there is the glaring issue of the big honkin' engine bay. Complicating things are all of the gaskets and seals for the doors, windows, hatch, ..etc., and all the hardware bits on painted surfaces such as door locks, sill plates, light switches, ... it goes on and on. Spend some time slowly walking around your car to spot these points. Perhaps visit a body / paint shop and talk to the painter about what might be involved. Bottom line: its your car and you need to be happy and satisfied with its appearance. If you think a new color is what it will take, go for it and do the best job possible. And... don't forget to keep us all updated on your work. Everyone on this forum lives vicariously thru the efforts of others.

Changing color will be no problem.all seals are gone, and the original was buried under at least three coats of white, red, or green. I only got to the original after grinding with a 60 grit wheel on the floors. Whatever I do, it will be a full on color change no matter what, but I can do that too. Will be self painted in a self built booth. I will do it all myself, if I can. Motor is built, 260 hp, 230 lb/ft 4.11 diff, zx power rack, 4 wheel disc, etc.

I am all for doing it yourself. I am also planning on painting my Z at home in a self made booth. Booth is just about finished. Just be careful as some of the paints are very hazardous for your health. You really need a fresh air system to prevent exposure to isocyonates (?). Respirators don't normally get all of it and can leak if fitted poorly and they also can only absorb so many VOC's. Also be careful with your vent fan. Explosions are bad

Charles

I am all for doing it yourself. I am also planning on painting my Z at home in a self made booth. Booth is just about finished. Just be careful as some of the paints are very hazardous for your health. You really need a fresh air system to prevent exposure to isocyonates (?). Respirators don't normally get all of it and can leak if fitted poorly and they also can only absorb so many VOC's. Also be careful with your vent fan. Explosions are bad

Charles

Will do. I have looked up plans for a booth, but haven't started yet. My plan is to put the car together mechanically, make sure everything works, then take it back apart for paint.

I am not doing a stock resto, but I still have a thought that original colors are best. I may just flip a coin...

Original colors are cool, especially considering the retro American cars coming out now with old school colors (e.g., Dodge).

Paint it what ever you like, it's your car. After removing 6 layers of other owners colour choices I certainly wasn't going to repaint in the original orange, now it's my car.