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Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => General Discussion => Topic started by: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 17, 2017, 12:42:29 PM

Title: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 17, 2017, 12:42:29 PM
Hi,
I'm currently restoring my 28k miles all original 1967 Eldorado.
The car still has its factory applied paint in Grecian white. Unfortunately the paint is too far gone to save it. The Eldorado is now at the bodyshop where it gets completely disassembled and striped to bare metal. All the original paint will be coming off completely.
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2Ffiles%2F67eldo-before-img_9155.jpg&hash=11763e028fbf34c9b7b8f3b4b6aa5e8b26d78f39)
Here is my car in the shop - short before disassembly started.
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2Ffiles%2F67eldo1.jpg&hash=698d8f9e7eae70346db6d2f99c9bb8c377aaf023)
Atlantic Blue Firemist...

Originality has almost been the most important factor when I restored any of my cars in the past and until recently I would have never even considered a color change.
For me personally Grecian White is not exactly my favorite color and I think other colors fit the Eldorado better.
My Eldorado has a black interior so every exterior color was possible.
If I could go back to 1967 and order my brand new Eldorado, it would be one in "Atlantis Blue Firemist", like it was used in advertising.
Of course everybody has his/her favorite colors which cant be debated, and my rant here is more about to get your general thoughts about changing the color of a car and how much it hurts originality and the cars value, although I will never sell the car...

All work is done by one of the best restoration shops with no costs spared.

You can find a lot of pictures of the restoration here: http://www.eldorado-seville.com/files/67newpaint.php and here http://www.eldorado-seville.com/mycars/67eldo/restoration/

When cars are judged at the GN they do not get point deductions for color changes if it was a factory available color - is this correct?
Should I sacrifice some of the cars originality to get it in the color I like most? Or should I do everything to make it 100% correct again? (With a new paint job its no longer 100% correct anyways)

Thanks for your thoughts and input. I have a couple more weeks to decide which color it should get...
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of a car - my dilemma
Post by: collector on November 17, 2017, 12:51:31 PM
YES, change the color! If it's done well, you will never have any issues. I did it on two cars and could not have been happier. I did however paint them in single stage acrylic lacquer, so you couldn't tell if the car's had been repainted or not. I find most 2 stage paints to have more waves than the queen of England. I personally would never paint a car with a 2 stage process but you have to find an old school master, that knows how to paint with it. If done correctly, not even the judges at the CLC Grand Nationals will know. It's always worked for me! Good luck with you adventure.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 17, 2017, 01:36:55 PM
As stated, no deduction will be made for any color originally available on any given model within any given model year.

Only item left to consider is if/when it comes time to sell, the color change will be a turn off to some buyers.

Being the car is a 28,000 miles example and if the interior is in high grade condition, this is an issue that should be pondered carefully.

Some of the areas where original paint which could have been preserved (such as under the decklid) would also need to be color changed and whatever originality that could have been preserved will be permanently lost. 

If the project began with, for example, a well worn 100,000 mile car needing a full-blown restoration in & out, this would dramatically change the conversation.

A car with this kind of mileage - if well preserved otherwise - such a car is the last I would ever consider doing a color change to.

One man's opinion.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Scot Minesinger on November 17, 2017, 07:42:09 PM
Agree, change the color to what you want.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 60eldo on November 17, 2017, 08:01:57 PM
  White is georgious, DONT change the color,,,or spend 12,000 to change the color and loose 10,000 when you sell it
Title: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: bcroe on November 17, 2017, 08:05:08 PM
A real beauty all right; not my color.  Well broken in means past 200,000
miles here.  But it may need a trans (and brakes, and tires, and timing
chain set) refresh to be a reliable driver.  And get a controller for that
switch pitch trans.  Bruce Roe
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: savemy67 on November 17, 2017, 08:13:50 PM
Hello Gerald,

Your post includes three points that make me favor changing the color.

You state that: the original paint is too far gone to preserve, so originality is diminished once the paint is stripped; you will never sell the car, so resale value is not your top priority; you don't like Grecian White.

So what are you waiting for?

Christopher Winter
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: J. Skelly on November 17, 2017, 09:53:58 PM
I wish my Emperor Blue '68 (similar to Atlantic Blue Firemist) had paint half as presentable as what your '67 currently has.  If it were me, I'd look for an example in the color you want and sell this one to someone who appreciates it in white.  You might find one on the internet in a color combination you think you want, and that can help you decide before finalizing a color change.  However, when you go to sell it eventually when you get old or need money or lose interest, the color change will turn off some prospective buyers.  Mine has a white leather interior with blue dash and carpeting, and I really like the substantial contrast.  A guy I'm acquainted with had a '67 in Grecian Gold with white buckets and black vinyl top.  He really wanted a triple black car, and seriously considered repainting that car black.  I told him the contrasting exterior colors of the paint and top, with a contrasting interior, really made the car stand out.  Good luck with whatever you decide.   
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 18, 2017, 12:37:05 PM
Thank you all for your input! I can agree with everything said in this discussion.
I think I will honor the cars history and keep the original color.
Personally I would probably never buy a car where the color was changed during restoration and the value will be higher if the car still has the original color.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 18, 2017, 12:42:35 PM
A wise decision- and one that you will not regret.

Looking forward to seeing the final result.

I concur with 60eldo white is an attractive color for an Eldorado.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 76eldo on November 18, 2017, 03:46:46 PM
In CLC judging they do not look at paint codes on the data plate.
I'd stick with a proper Cadillac color and make the car the way you want it.

I'm in the same boat with a 66 Toronado. It's white with an excellent black deluxe interior.
It's going to need paint and I really like some of the other colors that Olds offered that year. When it gets painted it probably won't be white.

If you like 67/70 Eldos check out the thread on my 1970 I just got.
It's pretty nice.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: gkhashem on November 18, 2017, 06:15:31 PM
Quote from: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 18, 2017, 12:37:05 PM
Personally I would probably never buy a car where the color was changed during restoration and the value will be higher if the car still has the original color.

Actually you answered the question properly all by yourself. I also would never buy a car with the color having been changed from the original color unless I got a very very good deal on a car in excellent condition. Here you have a low mileage car with an excellent original interior. All you are doing is decreasing the potential buyers and the demand for the car.

A color change would only decrease it's value. There are many cars that are very original low mileage cars with colors I am not crazy about. But if I do not hate the color I can learn to love the car. If I hate the color, I will pass and keep looking.

Life would be easy if we could find the car exactly as we dream. I am more than happy to find a great original and marvel at how the car survived in such a state.

You made the right choice.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Chuck Swanson on November 18, 2017, 07:30:04 PM
Agree with George., Eric and other on orig color (I too generally avoid buying anything with color change).  They are plenty of '67s out there as I search all the time for anything 50s-73, so who knows, you may come across one in that color and buy it too, maybe a driver version with higher mileage :)  Chuck

Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Scot Minesinger on November 19, 2017, 10:13:52 AM
I do not agree that a color change diminishes the value on a 1967 Eldorado.  On a more expensive investor grade type of vehicle such as a 1959 Eldorado or V-16's of the 1930's this may be the case.  The 1967 Eldorado is awesome, but a frame off perfectly restored one is not in the price category where this would be a major issue.

The color of a perfectly restored car in the under $50k range (probably would not sell for more than that even it cost way more than that to restore it), is more important that it be appealing than original. 

I would change the color to one you like, but of course a 1967 Eldorado color.

While keeping this car the original color is claimed to keep your options open by retaining more value via original resemblance, a good color will keep more options open.

Color of a car is very important, no matter the car and condition, it would be very unusual for me to ever buy a car with a color I did not like, unless I planned to repaint it.  One time in 1997 I bought a 1995 RWD Fleetwood with a vinyl top for a daily driver with the idea of removing the vinyl top, and it cost a lot to remove and re-paint, but Wow!, so glad I did.

Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: gkhashem on November 19, 2017, 11:58:37 AM
OK say you want to change the color.

How much would it cost and cost to do it right? I bet at least  $6,000 maybe up to $12,000. (Let's leave out Maaco and the do it yourself crowd)

Nothing looks worse than a poor cheap paint job. You get that and you will immediately lose 10K in car value. You think white has no curb appeal how about a poor paint job? Especially on a dark color. It sticks out like a sore thumb.

Door jambs, ends, sills, hinges, firewall, bottom of trunk lid. Remove all chrome, emblems, side markers lights, etc, etc. 

Now keep in mind those in the group of leave it the same I think are thinking in the terms of an excellent, no rust, great interior, mechanically excellent, low mileage car. Not a total restoration candidate.

It defies logic to change it, but that's why we have vanilla and chocolate. Go for it and leave out about many potential future buyers.


Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on November 19, 2017, 12:20:24 PM
As I changed the exterior colors from 2 cars, I cannot blame you if you do it. However, I would not paint a car dark blue with a black trim.
As it seems that you will keep the original color, my last remark may not apply anymore.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Scot Minesinger on November 19, 2017, 12:56:41 PM
Whatever color you repaint it, get rid of the stainless steel door edge guards.  Those ruin the line of the car.  Look at the dark blue color in brochure and notice no door edge guards - part of the reason it looks great. 

Certainly agree it has to be a great paint job, or no sense in even bothering otherwise.  Yes a color change does cost more.  That saying "the quality will be enjoyed long after the price is forgotten", certainly applies here.  You are not restoring this car to earn money, there are way easier ways to do that.

Blue with black trim was popular in late 1960's.  Look at the 1968 Fleetwood brochure, dark blue with black top.  This car does not have a vinyl top, so should be less of an issue.  It would be period correct, as opposed to say a black car with tan interior - which is more of thing now.

BTW a slick top is so cool.  The great lines and rocker moldings will make just about any high quality paint job color look great!

Enjoy your Cadillac! 

Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: D.Smith on November 19, 2017, 02:30:09 PM
Quote from: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 18, 2017, 12:37:05 PM
Thank you all for your input! I can agree with everything said in this discussion.
I think I will honor the cars history and keep the original color.
Personally I would probably never buy a car where the color was changed during restoration and the value will be higher if the car still has the original color.

Well said!    :)
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 59-in-pieces on November 19, 2017, 03:42:27 PM
Gerald,
I agree with Scott
As he wrote, "I do not agree that a color change diminishes the value on a 1967 Eldorado.  On a more expensive investor grade type of vehicle such as a 1959 Eldorado or V-16's of the 1930's this may be the case.  The 1967 Eldorado is awesome, but a frame off perfectly restored one is not in the price category where this would be a major issue."

Scott is so polite - NO ONE - in IMHO - would ask for, or expect a $10,000 reduction in price simply because the color of this car was not consistent with its Data Tag, at at the end of the day - you can say NO.
I personally like the deep blue with the Firemist metallic, as the color and sparkle sets off the lines and design of the body- way better than white.

I do collect 59 Eldo Biarritz - one is now painted Seminole Red, a Cadillac color of 59 but not an Eldorado color.  The other 2 are both currently Olympic White, an Eldo color, which I intend to change one to Gotham Gold and the other to Kensington Green (metallic) - each a Cadillac color of 59, but not an Eldorado color.

I strongly believe in MY enjoyment of the cars, and certainly do not worry about what others may think, now or later - as I or my sons will "never" sell the cars.

You have made up your mind, and it would be presumptuous to think that anything I may say should change your mind.
Since when should living your life with personal enjoyment be driven by a consensus of opinions from folks you don't even know.

Have fun,
Steve B.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 19, 2017, 04:54:34 PM
There are different ways of enjoying the old car hobby. For some, it may come from personalizing their car to individual preference; for others, it is the satisfaction of preserving all original aspects of the car to the best degree possible.

In life there are benefits and penalties associated with most any major course of action and those factors must be reconciled according to individual preferences/concerns/priorities- both long and short term. In order to make and informed decision, the contingencies should be known.

It would be a disservice to the OP to ignore the facts - pro or con.

Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Quentin Hall on November 19, 2017, 05:06:00 PM
I've always loved the stylish 67 Eldos. I believe they were one of the most expensive Cadillacs to tool up for due to the crispness of the styling.
Ironically my first Cadillac was a white 57 , that I bought when I was 19, that was originally red, that I repainted dark metallic blue.
I've gotten older and learned to appreciate or rather honour the history a little more now.
I think white with a contrasting black interior is a sensational combo. I personally wouldn't change it during an expensive restoration. The colour it was ordered is part of the story and history of the car.
If it was a Ford or a Chevy I'd say do what you like.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: gkhashem on November 19, 2017, 05:37:04 PM
My comment on losing 10K was in reference to a poor paint job. I was making the point if your going to paint it do it right or you are surely making a mistake.

The cost of a cheap paint job and the loss in resale value.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Bobby B on November 19, 2017, 06:23:54 PM
Quote from: Quentin Hall on November 19, 2017, 05:06:00 PM
If it was a Ford or a Chevy I'd say do what you like.

:o
    Bobby
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 67_Eldo on November 19, 2017, 06:54:21 PM
I'm waiting for a local body shop to fabricate a new sheet-metal roof for my 1967 Eldorado. Mine is Grecian White too (and *had* a black vinyl top over its completely rusted steel).

I'm going to repaint the whole car with the original Grecian White not only because I won't have to worry about the necessary touch up in the hard-to get spots. I think that the Eldorado in white most closely resembles the way it must have in GM's design studio when they first carved the prototype out of clay.

I simply think that white allows the design -- which I consider to be the most beautiful of any American car in the post-WW2 era -- to shine through in its purest form.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 76eldo on November 19, 2017, 08:00:52 PM
I went on your website and took a look at the more detailed photos.

I really don't think you are going to devalue the car by painting it a different 1967 Eldorado color.  If it makes you happy that's the bottom line.  Dark blue with a black interior would have certainly been an available choice.

Brian
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 20, 2017, 08:17:22 AM
Thank you everybody who contributed to this discussion. I have to say that all your arguments are completely valid and I can't disagree with anything said here. Very interesting read indeed and great food for thought.

I wanted to add that the bodyshop doing the restoration is one of the very best. They deliver only world class concourse quality work and their goal is always to deliver perfect quality restorations. Cars going through their shop are some of the best out there. Of course this does not come cheap - but I wanted the very best.
The car is a very very nice original car with relatively low mileage at 28k. The interior is like new and the car has no mechanical problems whatsoever. I personally fixed everything in the past 9 years since I own it. The undercarriage is very clean and rust free. Besides the rear bumper, which will get re chromed, the original chrome looks fantastic. The car handles and drives like a new car. The shop will get into every notch any cranny and will leave nothing untouched on the cars body during the next approx 5-6 months  to guarantee perfect results. The car is in the disassembly stage and besides some rust around the rear window has no real rust.
Having this car repainted is a huge thing for me - especially financial wise  - and its is a once in a lifetime event for me. My goal is to have one of the very best 67 Eldorados ;-)

BTW - I think that the value of these cars will go up considerably in the future. There are always some to be found out there, but condition is not always the best... Here in Europe the very best cars can already sell north of 50k...

So thanks again to everybody who contributed to this discussion - its highly appreciated and a worthwhile read with great comments. Colors themselves are of course a very subjective matter and luckily everybody prefers some different colors over the other. It was great to pick your brain about the general thoughts of changing a cars color and therefore also a part of the cars history.
I once bought a car which color was changed by a previous owner and unfortunately it was not done as good as it should have been done, but that's another story and luckily no Cadillac was harmed but a L*ncoln Mark III...
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: V63 on November 20, 2017, 09:14:51 AM
I think color is very subliminal part of a sale. I have a friend that’s into 60’s Lincoln convertibles. Seems the only way they bring any money is in all black.

I would change the color to what pleases you. You are investing a lot,please yourself...and many others whom would do same.  I am not a fan of white, usually I’ll prefer  any color but white.

With the trend of slamming and customizing with 20 inch rims...color change seems insignificant anymore.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 20, 2017, 09:29:58 AM
Quote from: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 20, 2017, 08:17:22 AM
My goal is to have one of the very best 67 Eldorados ;-)

All the more reason for a "sympathetic" refurbishment.  ;)






Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: jdemerson on November 20, 2017, 01:53:19 PM
Quote from: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 17, 2017, 12:42:29 PM
Unfortunately the paint is too far gone to save it. The Eldorado is now at the bodyshop where it gets completely disassembled and stripped to bare metal. All the original paint will be coming off completely.

Originality has almost been the most important factor when I restored any of my cars in the past and until recently I would have never even considered a color change.
For me personally Grecian White is not exactly my favorite color and I think other colors fit the Eldorado better.
My Eldorado has a black interior so every exterior color was possible.
If I could go back to 1967 and order my brand new Eldorado, it would be one in "Atlantis Blue Firemist", like it was used in advertising.

All work is done by one of the best restoration shops with no costs spared.


This is an interesting post, interesting question, and lots of fascinating responses that differ from one another. So I'll weigh in too.

Some key issues about the context are these:
The originality of the paint is not an issue in this situation, and the color you choose has zero impact on judging. Given the complete stripping of all paint, the color you choose is not likely to have an impact on the subsequent sale price of the car. If it has been stripped and repainted, claims for originality of finish are lost. So given your context above, it makes most sense for you to paint the car in the color you really like. As long as it is an authentic Cadillac color for 1967 Eldorado (and it is!), i can't see an argument for making any other decision. Certainly not from the standpoint of a judge at a CLC Grand National...

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac Sedan  6219X
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 20, 2017, 02:01:43 PM
Paint inside of decklid is presumably not going to be stripped; paint in door jambs/ inner door skins may not need to be either. The more left original, the more to bear witness of condition prior to the respray. 
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 67_Eldo on November 20, 2017, 05:19:38 PM
I'm sort of surprised that, in judging, nobody checks the tag against the configuration of the car. It's the car that's important, I suppose. Not the code.

I ran across this site describing a *complete* teardown and rebuild of a (blue) 67 Eldorado. The workmanship is amazing and the final repair bill must approach the GDP of Lichtenstein!

http://rpm-styling.com/de/autos/1967_cadillac_eldorado/restauration_1
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: cadillac ken on November 21, 2017, 09:17:14 AM
I wouldn't do it.  Too nice a car to strip apart let alone change the color.  And I have a bunch of "modified" Cadillacs.

Just because you can doesn't always mean you should.
This car being a preservation candidate will almost assure you that you already have one of the nicest '67 Eldos out there-- no repaint color change necessary. 

IMO it's simply not a candidate for a "restorartion, color change" given the condition and originality and would be a shame to do this.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: D.Smith on November 21, 2017, 09:59:49 AM
Why is this still being debated?  The owner has already made his decision and it is already in the paint shop. 

Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 67_Eldo on November 21, 2017, 11:08:20 AM
The discussion goes on because all of this information will help him the *next* time he decides to repaint the car.  :)
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 35-709 on November 21, 2017, 07:34:17 PM
 ::)
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: WTL on November 21, 2017, 07:53:26 PM
Quote from: D.Smith on November 21, 2017, 09:59:49 AM
Why is this still being debated?  The owner has already made his decision and it is already in the paint shop.


And half of me is ripe with excitement over the new color...the other half is mired in a deepseated dread of the adulteration of the factory paint. 

At least we'll get pics!
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Andrew Wall CLC#10638 on November 21, 2017, 11:39:39 PM
Well, This has been beaten a little, but I have some perspective in that I owned a white 1967 Eldorado from 1991 to 1997, driven every day, and had the blue vinyl top removed to repair rust, and it became a "slick top" which I learned was not a great idea.  Navy leather interior.  I never liked the white exterior, so paint it what you prefer to paint it.  It's your money, and you should get exactly what you want.  IMHO, white is popular, but B-O-R-I-N-G.

Incidentally, You could order a Cadillac in 1967-8 with a custom color from any prior Cadillac year.  It's in the Sales Data Book.  That means you have a myriad of choices for "factory correct" for that year, not limited to that year.  I think the color code was "00". A local Cadillac dealer had all of his cars painted in the 1956 Arlington Green color through the 70's.  It's amazing this was possible in the land of 6 color choices today!! (Except for Fiat:-) )
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: cadillacmike68 on November 22, 2017, 09:46:45 PM
It's your car, and you aren't fond of the white, so choose any color you want! I've never had a white car, and I agree that they are boring, except for the newer pearls, etc. I's choose a dark blue preferably with firemist.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 23, 2017, 05:08:40 AM
Quote from: cadillac ken on November 21, 2017, 09:17:14 AM
I wouldn't do it.  Too nice a car to strip apart let alone change the color.  And I have a bunch of "modified" Cadillacs.

Just because you can doesn't always mean you should.
This car being a preservation candidate will almost assure you that you already have one of the nicest '67 Eldos out there-- no repaint color change necessary. 

IMO it's simply not a candidate for a "restoration, color change" given the condition and originality and would be a shame to do this.
Ken, very valid points. I really tried to live with the bad paint for the last few years and I considered leaving the car in the condition it is. I'm a huge fan of preservation - and these cars are the ultimate cars to own IMHO.
Luckily I own 3 Cadillacs which still have their factory applied paint - the oldest being my 58 Eldorado Seville.

Back to this 67 Eldorado. It looked great on pictures and from 10ft away, but there were a couple of serious problems unfortunately. The most severe problem was the rust around the rear window and the windshield. Also the car got a new right quarter panel sometimes in its past and a very small amount of filler was used to smooth the edges at the patch. This filler fell apart over the years and the paint was cracking in these areas.
I did not show this car very often and when I did I noticed that nobody appreciated the car being all original and everybody seemed to only point out the rust around the rear window.
On the roof the car developed some tiny rust bubbles underneath the paint as well.

I really tried to preserve the car - but it would have gotten worse over the years...

Surprisingly now that the original paint is already completely gone and the car totally stripped to bare metal and already in wash primer,  it is kind of a sad feeling knowing that the car is no longer original. It feels like with the striped paint it was also striped of its history and it became just another car. Suddenly I no longer see the point of painting it in its original white color all that clearly any more... Its really strange... Lot of things to think about...
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_8181.jpg&hash=2136f46a9cc4423b141981085a1c657e5084f119)
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: cadillac ken on November 23, 2017, 10:40:33 AM
Gerald: with your above post describing more detail of the condition of the paint and body, I can see how you could have come to the conclusion to repaint the car.  The color change doesn't bother me as I know, and has been brought up by others, painting it an original Cadillac color offered there's no point deduction should you choose to show it (CLC / AACA).

And of course, as the overwhelming consensus here is, it's your car and your path to enjoyment to choose. I'm all for that. 

I love the '67 eldos.  I had a 1970. Just wonderfully designed and comfortable cars.  I wouldn't say you made a mistake here.  If the paint was just the issue ("checking" or "thin") then I would have just left it and enjoyed it. As all non-metallic colors generally can be kept nice looking with care.
But when the rust and former repairs begin to rear their ugly presence then it's probably time. 

Great color choice.  One of my favorites.  And to be sure it will be a beautiful car.  Kudos for having the patience and conscience to do it "right". 
Get excited and enjoy the journey!

Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 67_Eldo on November 23, 2017, 10:51:24 AM
Your rear-window area looks great! I hope my local shop does as well on my car.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 23, 2017, 12:43:45 PM
Quote from: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 23, 2017, 05:08:40 AM
Suddenly I no longer see the point of painting it in its original white color all that clearly any more... Its really strange... Lot of things to think about...

Quote from: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 18, 2017, 12:37:05 PM
I think I will honor the cars history and keep the original color.
Personally I would probably never buy a car where the color was changed during restoration...

Seemed to me you had answered your own question; difficult to understand why the change of heart now... ???

It's your car - do as you wish.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on November 23, 2017, 03:33:13 PM
Quote from: Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621 on November 23, 2017, 12:43:45 PM
Seemed to me you had answered your own question; difficult to understand why the change of heart now... ???

It's your car - do as you wish.
Lots of mood swings lately. Seeing the car fully striped in bare metal and now in wash primer took some of the magic the car had away. It just did not feel like the same car any longer... I still have a couple more weeks for a final decision...
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: cadillac ken on November 24, 2017, 12:27:23 PM
Don't feel bad.  Do the color you want at this point.  I think most here were not really against the color change so much as the paint restoration.

Once you decided to address the body issues and rust, it's now time to enjoy the new color on the car you will undoubtedly enjoy for many years.

CHEERS, Ken  ;D
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Scot Minesinger on November 25, 2017, 12:59:58 PM
The darker colors seem to work best on these Cadillacs, they make it look longer and sleeker.  Go with the blue.  Also, don't forget to keep those door edge guards off, those really break up the lines of the car.  Note that the picture you sent on this post in blue did not have door edge guards.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on July 28, 2018, 10:17:42 AM
Just a little follow up on my 67 Eldorado restoration on this older thread.
The restoration is now finished and the car looks spectacular IMHO
Here are some pictures for you to enjoy:
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2Ffiles%2Fbestof---3.jpg&hash=418f96e61dc3700928775af62bf74d5260b3d44a)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2Ffiles%2Fbestof_67eldorado.jpg&hash=6f319650aa900cd6ea993fa0902321ccf554f58d)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2Ffiles%2Fbestof--_dsf3127.jpg&hash=154464448da99d7a55f89eb6614e5497c8316846)

And here is a video where my car can be seen in motion:
https://youtu.be/Ce5uqsDmvbg

The shop which painted the car did an outstanding job - I think its the best paint job I have ever seen.
I do have to admit though, that I sometimes think that I should have kept the original white ;-)
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 67_Eldo on July 28, 2018, 10:22:14 AM
Great job with the car, the paint, the pictures, and the video.

The color you chose is beautiful, but I think that my Eldo will remain its original Grecian White when repaint time comes (this year). :-)

Thanks!
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Scot Minesinger on July 28, 2018, 02:32:38 PM
Spectacular!!!!!!!!!

Great choice.  The color is so right because it is flattering to the car and blue is not a color used much today, so it stands out even more in modern traffic (safety and cool image purposes).  Also, noticed no door edge guards which makes the lines of the car even better than with the st st door edge guards.

Enjoy your Cadillac!
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Roger Zimmermann on July 28, 2018, 05:25:58 PM
Definitively, the car is more dramatic in blue than in white. Good choice!
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: Dan LeBlanc on July 28, 2018, 05:51:25 PM
Wow. Excellent choice!  Better than black in my opinion.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: cadillacmike68 on July 28, 2018, 08:40:16 PM
White is ok but its boring.

That Atlantic Blue Firemist looks Great.
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on July 29, 2018, 09:42:35 AM
Quote from: 67_Eldo on July 28, 2018, 10:22:14 AM
Great job with the car, the paint, the pictures, and the video.

The color you chose is beautiful, but I think that my Eldo will remain its original Grecian White when repaint time comes (this year). :-)

Thanks!
That's a great choice. Looking at the old pictures of my car when it was still white, I now see it differently and Grecian White is a nice choice. Go for the original color! On my car the color change was done without leaving a single trace of the original color anywhere. Even the inside of the trunk lid was striped and repainted. A perfect color change needs a ton of extra work if done correctly... Looking forward to seeing your car looking new again!
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2Fpicsvideos%2F67eldopics%2F67eldopics%2Ffiles%2Fpage67-1013-full.jpg&hash=bd4c31eea0eb43fe6a6ccc8dab90eab87483dc12)
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on July 29, 2018, 09:48:22 AM
Quote from: Scot Minesinger on July 28, 2018, 02:32:38 PM
Spectacular!!!!!!!!!

Great choice.  The color is so right because it is flattering to the car and blue is not a color used much today, so it stands out even more in modern traffic (safety and cool image purposes).  Also, noticed no door edge guards which makes the lines of the car even better than with the st st door edge guards.

Enjoy your Cadillac!
Thanks Scot!
Great that you noticed that I did not reinstall the door edge guards. It was your tip that made me think about them. Without your input I would have put them back onto the car. I restored them to perfection though - just in case - but it looks like I will never put them back onto the car. You are right - it looks much smoother without them and the brochure car did not have them as well...
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: savemy67 on July 29, 2018, 07:42:50 PM
Hello Gerald,

I add my compliments to the other's.  While there is certainly nothing wrong with Grecian White, I think you made a good choice.

On some cars, white can look spectacular.  On this series Eldorado, I think the darker colors make a good car look even better.  Well done - ausgezeichnet!

Christopher Winter
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: fishnjim on July 29, 2018, 08:22:52 PM
Hope U R happy.   Nice car either way.
If that first picture is original '67 paint, saying it was "too far gone", says something.   Unless the other side is rotted out, wrecked, or
something dissimilar to the shown side, gloss and coverage was real good.   Factory paint won't necessarily be as "good" as new from a
good painter with modern paints.   Apples v oranges.   Even with the robots, factory can have thin areas.   Another reason they are trending to powder.
Color is personal preference(eye of beholder), but if I was looking to buy, good original paint would be preferred, regardless of color.   I don't buy white,
generally, but I got a repaint white, that was once also blue, in the garage, that's begging to go back to original black...  So yours may see more colors in it's future.   
A lot depends on the style/period of the car.   The wide bodies always look better dark.   In white, this eldo appears wider below the belt line than in the dark blue to me. 
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: www.eldorado-seville.com on July 30, 2018, 03:14:39 AM
Quote from: fishnjim on July 29, 2018, 08:22:52 PM
Hope U R happy.   Nice car either way.
If that first picture is original '67 paint, saying it was "too far gone", says something.   Unless the other side is rotted out, wrecked, or
something dissimilar to the shown side, gloss and coverage was real good.   Factory paint won't necessarily be as "good" as new from a
good painter with modern paints.
I agree that my car looked great on the pictures. I polished it to a high gloss before I took the pictures and it looked great from a certain distance and on pictures. One had to look closer to see why the paint was too far gone. Unfortunately it was beyond repairable in some areas, while only very few could probably be saved.

I talked to a couple of professionals before I decided to do a complete re-paint. I asked them if there would be any possibility to save most of the original paint or only do some touch ups. Everybody I talked to said that it would make no sense, because there was not a single body panel which was not damaged in some way. People who knew my car only from pictures, and saw them in real life for the first time, always asked if this really was the same car ;-)

Here are some close-ups of the bad areas. After the paint was removed it looked even more severe:
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5537.jpg&hash=9eae8ccd9e7c8368e72b5680311591fc90a071a7)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5538.jpg&hash=fe0403d1db2814b9c9b69a1313f596a53e022f49)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5539.jpg&hash=eb3156152f4855c62469bba7407ebd717a426556)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5540.jpg&hash=962e5307b0ee5c0a9becd2cadeb6f662909aa4f2)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5541.jpg&hash=d9d970c2536891abd20c8570ffd7ad886f39f730)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5542.jpg&hash=359bd4e2825a6e7b5f6697bbc7d43101de114213)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5543.jpg&hash=40405087153250b4b1168087ebf05692c315e979)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5547.jpg&hash=3146b6fa82f7e29b360bb2f1bd07430b259c6cba)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5556.jpg&hash=3d130449b3f43de84431f9feeefbb7939ee3e39d)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5560.jpg&hash=d8ecc9d36b0a9e295188db0fcfc245f5afc5d992)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5561.jpg&hash=5c29637d0577743f0d3d9e0bb8cc307f57a0f86d)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5562.jpg&hash=23a9f168b1484123fad4f4ed40b2b1386c8ce4da)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5563.jpg&hash=d3c60a2734a8569ce1d338cb0f7790238f77497b)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5565.jpg&hash=3cad7f92cc1a0a6cf7f163cc5c89c0f7f8dd71b4)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5568.jpg&hash=918f78baa2e88c2b4187a548712ad2b5e75bf12c)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5751.jpg&hash=445b5db1608e269e473a88b07c30ca8c77e534ca)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5752.jpg&hash=e02a5b53844d28a2adfcdff9687eafa6565f3ee1)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2F67eldo-before-_MG_5764.jpg&hash=35468e4f004234cdf353efb7e1fe00ecbd3977d0)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7976.jpg&hash=9eec03b61b01573c4e92ed8b6059c02a51c092f4)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7978.jpg&hash=336eeb5f7f6b540605d532a29912bf4cfb6d304f)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7979.jpg&hash=0e17ae17aa4b57e0552b8bcfb762884b1f8f819e)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7980.jpg&hash=ce0816a618780ba1987a244c56d59d71864d0392)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7981.jpg&hash=b273257ba1801308cfcda8f214fee697da6cc4cd)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7982.jpg&hash=7ee64253c88f91c573132b1b061dadcd721683f8)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7983.jpg&hash=99c0b5dda3b9d04d26330d70d66e6e3fcad67780)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7984.jpg&hash=7e4f6e8788e5f6f1382ce8da4e6f04094c43c1f7)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7985.jpg&hash=d9f8c0cf5670bcbd6e98b9c02cfbe332904d63de)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7992.jpg&hash=d064e78cff469be57e11fffbb533e8c7cb36fdd0)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_7996.jpg&hash=466896fb6b6d1adbc07b5afbff71d61dbf65367e)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_8094.jpg&hash=2b8052ad850d3986ea9a08e10d7e649f1261d6e2)
(https://forums.cadillaclasalle.club/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eldorado-seville.com%2F67eldo%2F67eldoresto%2F67repaint%2FSAM_8096.jpg&hash=001f25fbaa9544c375520821124536ffd5310b0e)
and much more... all the pictures from the restoration can be seen here (warning - more than 500 pictures!http://www.eldorado-seville.com/mycars/67eldo/restoration/ (http://www.eldorado-seville.com/mycars/67eldo/restoration/) http://www.eldorado-seville.com/mycars/67eldo/restoration/
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: DeVille68 on August 07, 2018, 03:55:43 PM
Very nice! Gratulation Gerald!

In my opinion the dark blue looks better than the white. But in general I do like the bright colors better on Cadillacs, they bring out the lines better.

Best regards,
Nicolas
Title: Re: Changing the exterior color of my 67 Eldorado - my dilemma
Post by: 67_Eldo on August 07, 2018, 10:16:19 PM
A number of your photos look strangely familiar! :-)

I've still got to look into what I hope is a small group of rust bubbles on the metal below the lower driver's-side door hinge. It could be minor or it could be a real pain. I just got an endoscope that I can (hopefullu) poke in there and take some pictures.

Thanks again for all your photos and valuable documentation!