Need to make a decision about the 79

[Taurus]

Been a while since there was a thread started so here's a new one. I have a 1979 L82 17,000 mile survivor with a very low production number if you believe the Corvette Registry. The option mix along with the factory CB radio is fairly uncommon. Having said that it's a 79 and they built over 53,000 so not all that desirable.

My issue is the paint, it looks great from 5 feet an even upon closer examination there are no swirls, scratches or lacquer check at all, absolutely pristine.................. except. The car sat under a car cover for 24 years in Florida and has thin spots in the paint on the back bumper cover and driver's roof line. The only thing keeping the car from being absolutely perfect are these few spots where some gel coat shows through.

The question I struggle with is spending some big bucks to repaint the entire car or leaving the patina as it is. This will never be a high dollar car, is it better as is or with fresh paint?

[Aerovette]

Wow, that's clean. Nice car !

[Taurus]

Originally Posted by aerovette

Wow, that's clean. Nice car !

Thanks, it is an amazing car other than a few areas of the paint that let the car down up close. When I talk about this with the guys in the local car scene and Corvette club I get pretty much a split response. This always gets to be an issue for me when I put it away each year, maybe I should take it to the shop instead.

[Aerovette]

Post pics of the trouble areas.

[Taurus]

The white marks below the tail lights go across the back bumper, looks like that was the contact point for the cover all those years.



This is the thin paint that goes across the halo, again this is where the cover laid all those years.



There are also some other areas where the sharp lines on top of the fenders above the bonding strip show some gel coat as well. I know this is fairly minor but the car is so perfect other than the paint that it's kind of a shame even though you have to look pretty closely to see it. It still drive me nuts knowing it's there.

[Don Rickles]

IMO, leave it! Especially if the car has its original factory applied paint. no brainer

[Aerovette]

Originally Posted by Taurus

The white marks below the tail lights go across the back bumper, looks like that was the contact point for the cover all those years.



This is the thin paint that goes across the halo, again this is where the cover laid all those years.



There are also some other areas where the sharp lines on top of the fenders above the bonding strip show some gel coat as well. I know this is fairly minor but the car is so perfect other than the paint that it's kind of a shame even though you have to look pretty closely to see it. It still drive me nuts knowing it's there.

I don't know if you saw the thread, but Stallzer over there had a car cover that got wet and messed up his paint. What happened is moisture got in to the glass itself under the paint and made milky spots. I suggested a trick I used on my 75. I took a heat gun and without getting aggressive, heated the light spots and they faded significantly. Obviously great caution must be exercised to not do heat damage, but there is a sweet spot that "might" help if you are feeling adventurous. Otherwise, I'd leave it.

[theandies]

If it's original paint I would not touch it. With over 53,000 1979 Corvettes out there this year will never be worth much anyway unless it's an original survivor.

[TheC3Vette]

Of course, the photos don't tell the whole truth, but I think it doesn't look too bad. Personally, I would leave the original paint. Very nice Vette!

[Taurus]

Breakdown shows a one of one car?


Options: RPO Option Percentage
Sold [%] Sales Price
[$]
A31 Power Windows (225hp) 38.34% 141.00
AU3 Power Door Locks 16.83% 131.00
C49 Rear Window Defogger 77.29% 102.00
C60 Air Conditioning 87.60% 635.00
D35 Sport Mirrors 89.60% 45.00
K30 Cruise Control 64.02% 113.00
L82 350ci, 225hp Engine 26.98% 565.00
MX1 Automatic Transmission 77.04% 0.00
N37 Tilt-Telescopic Steering Column 88.21% 190.00
N90 Aluminum Wheels (4) 62.71% 380.00
U75 Power Antenna 66.40% 52.00
U81 Dual Rear Speakers 70.17% 52.00
UP6 AM-FM Radio, stereo with CB 8.33% 439.00
ZQ2 Power Windows and Door Locks 52.90% 272.00
Total 0.000002221666234%
(1 Cars)

[Norm]

Originally Posted by Don Rickles

IMO, leave it! Especially if the car has its original factory applied paint. no brainer

I agree, leave it alone. If you do decide to sell, buyer may want all total originality. If keeping, throw some detail spray on it occasionally and enjoy, it's a looker.

My '81 has some paint flaws on it, a few spider cracks, etc., nothing major, looks good as is. Not going to spend 10-12K for a new paint job.

My Vette is currently in this catagory.

[CollinMclean]

Stumbled upon your post from last year about the '79 L82, and it really caught my attention. Sounds like you have quite a gem there, especially with such a low mileage and that unique factory CB radio setup. It's always tough deciding what to do with a car that's so close to being in perfect condition.
The paint issue is certainly a tough call. On one hand, you've got a survivor that's mostly pristine, and the patina could be considered part of its charm.
Have you ever felt like you just want to roll a die to decide? It's good for those lighter decisions, but sometimes it helps just to randomize the process and see how you feel about the outcome.

[StudleyJames]

What a beutiful car Taurus,
That's a tough decision, and like you every time you look at the car all you see are these thin spots (I have problem with my car (stone chip))

Being it is black, matching paint color is easy, but matching gloss finish is harder. Its only original once

But if you were to take the chance,
I would sand the rear bumper, dust some black in the this spot, then paint the whole bumper with single stage paint and lightly buff any imperfections. if that turns out then I would attempt the deck.