Original styling, or custom paint and parts?

[Nine Ball]

I've been racking my brain for a few months now, still undecided on which direction I'll go with on my convertible '69 Camaro SS. I've had a rendering done which looks great, and shows the more modern hood and the Trans Am spoiler, with a custom paint scheme. BUT, I also like the traditional and original styling of the car. So, this brings me to a decision point, since the car needs a repaint anyways.

1. Keep the original body parts and paint styling, change back to retro styled wheels
2. Add the custom hood, spoiler, wheels, and custom paint

If this car were a clone, I'd have no question and go with #2. But, the car is an authentic X55 code SS, and also an original code 72 hugger orange car. That makes my decision more difficult.

Right now, I'm leaning about 60% in favor of keeping the factory styling and original DX1 stripes. I'd probably sell the iForged wheels and go with a different wheel that matches the traditional styling. I'm beginning to see too many "customs" and am thinking the fad might wear off. At least we know the factory styling is timeless.

What do you guys think?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/11/162364-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=364)

or

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=489)

Tony

[ALLFAITH]

I vote for the modified. The rendering looks great, you are keeping the classic parts-houndstooth, color etc. and just adding your flair-like you old car which was an amazing PT car.

Big plus-you will enjoy the PT car more using it especially when you compare it to some of your other rides.

Idea- have both hoods/spoilers (old and new style) painted at same time-ensure color match and you can always bolt off the modern stuff.

Just my 2cents.


Brad

[Nine Ball]

I vote for the modified. The rendering looks great, you are keeping the classic parts-houndstooth, color etc. and just adding your flair-like you old car which was an amazing PT car.

Big plus-you will enjoy the PT car more using it especially when you compare it to some of your other rides.

Idea- have both hoods/spoilers (old and new style) painted at same time-ensure color match and you can always bolt off the modern stuff.

Just my 2cents.


Brad

Good idea Brad, I guess it wouldn't cost much more to have the original hood and spoiler painted and stored away. Either "theme" will still be a pro-touring car though. I'm building a 427ci LSX with a 6-speed, 6-piston Wilwoods, etc... for it. My red one had an original styled body, just had wheels on it. I guess I'm just concerned that the custom modified bodies might fade out, since I know the original styled cars will always look good.

[ALLFAITH]

I hear you, but it seems the mod trend is here to stay. I sold my #'s matching cars to go PT route and I love it so much more. In fact my 69 Judge will be getting some PT upgrades shortly-wheels, suspension stroker, keeping it upgraded but not destroyed, like you.

Now that i know you motor combo, I definitely think the modified version. Maybe just change the wheels to a more retro look-billet magnum 500's ? or something like a Salt Flat ? But then again with those brakes you may want to show them off a bit.

Brad

[6'9"Witha69]

I say modern look. Really nothing that can't be changed back.

[hdesign]

I like the rendering better than the chop (#2) personally. I don't forsee the PT trend going away anytime soon due to the huge advantages and drivability over stock.

Great idea to keep and paint both sets incase you want to return the body to a more stock appearance!

Awesome rendering by the way.

[trapin]

The only thing I don't care for on the modified version is the wing spoiler, I would just do a stock spoiler instead. Othere than that I think the rest of the car is killer. It's a great design, Tony.

[jy211]

mix the two...

[J2speedandcustom]

Good idea Brad, I guess it wouldn't cost much more to have the original hood and spoiler painted and stored away. Either "theme" will still be a pro-touring car though. I'm building a 427ci LSX with a 6-speed, 6-piston Wilwoods, etc... for it. My red one had an original styled body, just had wheels on it. I guess I'm just concerned that the custom modified bodies might fade out, since I know the original styled cars will always look good.

I really like your car Tony! Timeless combination...

Since your going with newer motor, brakes, driveline, etc keep the rest of the car up to par as well. As long as you don't do anything that couldn't be changed back. You'll always have a X55, 72 color coded 69 vert! Don't forget the interior all that new styling you'll need some updating on the inside as well.

[parsonsj]

Original styling takes no imagination or guts. Sure it looks fine, and might be timeless in some sort of "museum piece" sort of way, but you'll just be another guy with a numbers-matching car. Ho-hum. Be sure you find the exact right trim piece for the rear quarter window, the right cad plating for the brake line holder, etc.

Now, if you want to "build" a car, take a few risks, and turn out something that's yours, that's what life's all about. :cheers:

jp

[Damn True]

You could always ship the car to me and start over on something less vexing.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I thing JP nailed it. I think there are plenty of updated stock interior. stock exterior cars with drivetrains, suspensions and wheels / tires. I do not think you are taking a huge leap changing the hood and spoiler. You probaby would not keep it long enough to be dated anyway. Build for the monent!

[Whistler]

What Frank said. The custom look will eventually become dated, but realistically how long are you going to have it.

[Ralph LoGrasso]

Although that is a pretty cool factory stripe, I vote modified. If you were keeping the numbers motor/tranny I'd say go stock, but since you're going with a 427 LSX, go all out.

[RobM]

i like the factory stripes, hardly any custom paint job looks good 5 or more years down the road

[4MuscleMachines]

I say mod it only if you can change it back to original . You will get more $$ out of it when you change it back to original. Remember, there is nothing bland or dated about an original looking car with a LS427.

What is your gut feeling?

[MuscleRodz]

I can see your heartache Tony. Being an original X55 vert, the car has a lot of value stock. I like the DX stripe and it is different than anything else out there, you just don't see it being used on customs. I would install all the bolt-ons and enjoy the car. I don't think I would minitub, smooth the firewall, or anything that would require extensive re-work to put back stock.

pro-touring customs are going anywhere. Done right they are a vehicle that is able to perform as well as they look. I would paint it back original, bolt all the goodies on it, spare it from any surgery mods, and enjoy the hell out of it!

Mike

[Bill Howell]

Original styling is hard to improve in my opinion. Do all the bolt on things but stick with the original styling. I guess this is why I just can not do a camaro. If I was to do one and make changes, they would have to be suttle changes like Jonny51's car.

[Nine Ball]

Interesting discussion, mixed crowd in here!

Some guys would think a hugger orange convertible with the DX1 stripe needs no further customization to attract the eye. Some guys think each car needs to be all-out custom everything. I'm somewhere in the middle I suppose.

Maybe I should add the custom hood, but keep the DX1 stripe instead of the single stripe up the middle. Then I could slap on the stock hood at any time and it would match up too.

[nancejd]

If you're worried about the value, why not sell it and buy a less desirable car from a numbers matching standpoint and mod that? I would bet you could find a nice non-original convertible and pay for your engine for what you could sell the numbers matching car for. Having said that, I don't think how it's painted is going to change how much it's worth, after all it will be a repaint one way or another, it's not like your changing an original paint car or something.

[6'9"Witha69]

Interesting discussion, mixed crowd in here!

Some guys would think a hugger orange convertible with the DX1 stripe needs no further customization to attract the eye. Some guys think each car needs to be all-out custom everything. I'm somewhere in the middle I suppose.

Maybe I should add the custom hood, but keep the DX1 stripe instead of the single stripe up the middle. Then I could slap on the stock hood at any time and it would match up too.Sounds like the right way to go.


Original styling takes no imagination or guts. Sure it looks fine, and might be timeless in some sort of "museum piece" sort of way, but you'll just be another guy with a numbers-matching car. Ho-hum. Be sure you find the exact right trim piece for the rear quarter window, the right cad plating for the brake line holder, etc.

Now, if you want to "build" a car, take a few risks, and turn out something that's yours, that's what life's all about. :cheers:

jpI am surprised you would suggest cutting up a car!!:poke:

[Bow Tie 67]

Tony I like your last thought, the original styling of your particular car is great as it is. To enhance with subtle styling is fine, just dont try and overdo it, I think Chevy actually got this one right.

And if you decide to sell those rims, please contact me I'm looking for something different.

[DJ Mabe]

I agree with some of the other guys. I don't know what it's like where you live but, in my area I see a ton of 69 Camaro's in stock trim. You can't go wrong if you keep the original hood and deck lid. I have a buddy of mine with an original 1970 LS6 Chevelle that he customize. He has the original motor and tranny sitting on a shelf. Along with a ton of other original parts. He put a 6pd and a crazy motor in it to go along with a non traditional paint scheme.

You own the car, the car doesn't own you. Make it what you want and drive the piss out of it. Either way, it's a beautiful car and I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[Steve1968LS2]

Original styling takes no imagination or guts. Sure it looks fine, and might be timeless in some sort of "museum piece" sort of way, but you'll just be another guy with a numbers-matching car. Ho-hum. Be sure you find the exact right trim piece for the rear quarter window, the right cad plating for the brake line holder, etc.

Now, if you want to "build" a car, take a few risks, and turn out something that's yours, that's what life's all about. :cheers:

jp

True.. keep the OEM trim and a "factory like" custom paint job.. that way it will never go out of date or style.

Classic look with modern tech.. yea baby.. :bananna2:

[mtuck]

I always say that anyone can restore one, it takes a man to cut one up. I have seen some people pay crazy money for correct, original motors.

And by the way ...happy birthday.

Matthew

[19topless69]

I had the same issue with my 69 vert, but mine was a base model thank
god. I tried keeping in stock 60's style vintage 45's, 01 seats in houndstooth, 7oor4, the next thing you know LS2/T56, big brakes, intro wheels and so on and two tone paint next month. Didn't like my car being like all the other 69's at the shows and wanted the performance of my last C5 but in the body of a 69 camaro.
I actually have the hockey stripe in the box and never used it.
After watching ebay 69 verts w ls engines are bringing big bucks
and lots of bids. Make it the way U want it. I like it custom but not
to crazy ,so people know it's your car like Year Ones Innovator. I would
recognize that car anywhere. Your drawings look great go for it.

[Nine Ball]

Good points made by all. I guess I'll decide the day I take it to the paint shop. There are tons of '69 Camaros at shows here, but I haven't seen a hugger convertible yet. Decisions...decisions...