I need some advice.........

[Jim Thompson]

I am trying to decide if I need to repaint my engine or not. My car was painted in either 1969 or 1970, I can't remember which, but is otherwise an unrestored car. The paint is still glossy but has some cracking and checking here and there. I really don't want to do a restoration on her as it would take away a lot of the character of the car. The engine is clean, leak free and in good shape. There is still some of the green color on it but most has burned off over 63 years. Should I just leave it alone, or repaint? Advice is appreciated.

[CadZZilla]

I'd leave it as is, it helps show the originality of the car

[homeonprunehill]

JIM T,I'AM between leaving it as is and new paint. Either one wiill go good with a car that old.  If you decied on painting be sure to get the correct color green and be sure  to paint the acc. and bracket. JIM

[D.Yaros]

I am trying to decide if I need to repaint my engine or not.  Should I just leave it alone, or repaint? Advice is appreciated.

I am going to go with the leave it alone crowd.  Fresh paint will look out of place & character with the rest of the car.  It will look like a "tweener;" is it being restored, or isn't it?  She should be allowed to display or vintage status with grace!

[Jim Thompson]

I'd leave it as is, it helps show the originality of the car

Thanks for the advice. So far, 3/4 of the folks I have polled here locally say I should leave it original.

[Jim Thompson]

I am going to go with the leave it alone crowd.  Fresh paint will look out of place & character with the rest of the car.  It will look like a "tweener;" is it being restored, or isn't it?  She should be allowed to display or vintage status with grace!

Dave-
I am not going to restore it. I want to leave it as original as possible. The paint still has very good gloss  for being 40 years old even though it has some crows feet. She still shows well and the chrome and stainless are great (stored indoors almost its entire life). I just wasn't sure if there would be any benefit to an engine repaint. Thanks for all of the advice.

[D.Yaros]

Dave-
I am not going to restore it. I want to leave it as original as possible.

Jim,

I knew from your earlier posts that you were NOT going to restore it.  What I intended to convey in my msg was that painting the engine would send a mixed message on the question of restoration.

Personally, I would much rather see a well-cared for 63 year old ride, than a 63 year old trophy/trailer queen.  As much as I enjoy the AZ auto auctions, it is obvious the sellers have those cars, not because they like them, but because they can make them money.

A car that is appreciated by its owner has character.  A car that is not is a commodity to be bought/sold & bought/sold.

I realize it is only a pic, but the paint looks darn good in it!