What should I do? '67 GT500 Paint

[Fast Fords]

I have a '67 GT500 that has the original paint still on it and no rust.I am trying to decide whether I should paint the car or leave it original.The car is probably a 15 footer with a nice shine but there are lots of paint chips,scuffs in the paint,scratches and small dents.The car is nightmist blue and these marks show up pretty good when you get close to the car.The car has been sitting in a garage since the early 70's which is where I am guessing most of the paint marks came from.I am going to have to paint the front fiberglass as the previous owner's wife hit the riding lawnmower at the front of the garage and damaged the nose of the hood and lower valance.I have been told by MCA judges that if 30% or less of the car has been painted it still would be considered an original paint car.I am going to have to rebuild the motor as it has not run since the 70's also but turns freely.The interior is parchment.Again,the previous owner painted the interior black with vinyl paint so the interior will have to be recovered.I have taken the interior out of the car and taken the rear taillights out also.I am know debating whether I should paint car after listening to MCA judge.It's only original paint once as he put it.I have original Magstars for the car.So,with doing the interior over,rebuilding motor and detailing engine compartment,should I go ahead and paint the car at the same time? What would you do? I will try to ad pics in my photo gallery as I do not know how to ad pics to this post.I have tried to show the worst spots(dents,scratches) in the pics but there are a few small dents in the roof where it looks like something was placed on the roof.Thanks for any advice.

[1175]

Tough question. I'm sure 20 years ago everyone would say paint it. As time has marched on, fewer and fewer original paint cars exist anymore. If I were you, I would try to keep it as original as possible. Money may be better spent to touch up the original paint. You may even get more enjoyment by driving your car more, since you didn't make it too nice. My car was previously restored and not a very good job done. There will be a lot of time and money spent to make it right. Be grateful in knowing that you have an original car that has not been screwed around with too much.
Jon

[TLEA]

Hi Greg,
As we discussed tough call. Remember you're the only one you need to please.
Tim

[zrayr]

I'm in the same boat with my '66 GT-350. My only rust issue is the front lower corners of both doors. Not reason enough by itself to paint the whole car. So far I'm leaning toward keeping everything "as is". Having original paint that has lost it's former glory may put off some buyer(s) when it comes time to sell, but that day is still off in the future.

As long as all the mechancials are still functioning, a 40 year old car can be excused for showing it's age.

Z.

[skidado]

My view would be to keep the original paint. I think these cars look good with a few 'battle scars' on them - they look more genuine. If you use your car on the street, it will soon pick up new stone chips on the new paint, and you'll be back where you started (only several $000's poorer, and with non-original paint)!

As for the engine, has it been kept reasonably closed up? Was it in a dry garage? If its had an air filter on it, and headers fitted, and has kept dry, I would change the oil and plugs and run it up. If it's bad, rebuild it anyway, but if it's good, why break apart a perfectly good (and possibly never opened) engine?

Shame about the trim being painted. I had this once (blue trim in a '66 Sprint 200 painted black). I tried to get it off with paint stripper - it worked pretty good on the flat areas, but I couldn't get it out of the little comfort weave holes on the seats. Also, the fumes while I was doing it knocked me out and made me sick for a couple of days - don't do it!

[KensKR]

I agree with Tim, if your planning on keeping your Shelby build it so you'll be proud to say it's yours. I started off going the concourse route, when I realized I was building someone elses Shelby not mine. I built my Shelby the way I wanted with no regrets to this day.

[whitey]

Nothing like original paint mate!!

[BillH]

I would keep it as original as possible, including the paint. Sitting that long, you most likely will have to replace every seal and gasket.( depending on the climate) If you have to have the engine worked on be sure to find a good FE Ford guy as there are some specific things that need to be done to the engine.
Good Luck
Bill

[stephen_becker]

I have a 9,000 original mile 1967 GT 500 (car # 00213) that is correct down to the tires and air filter element - My car is dark nightmist blue (as well) and my car has nicks, scratchs and such..........but........it is original paint and I will not paint the car!!

[Joe Sikora]

Rusty bumpers and chipped paint aren't for everyone :)
I have taken alot of friendly abuse as an unrestored car nut over the years and understand your dilema. It sounds like the car deserves to be preserved as a survivor which in addition to not touching the paint or exterior trim, includes putting back the original interior and not detailing or rebuilding the engine. You may want to consider selling the car to someone who will appreciate it for what it is and find one you can restore.

[DJR]

I'd be more apt to leave the original paint. Always cool to see a car that was used. So the paint doesn't look perfect, it's almost 40 years old. Bottom line it is your car so do what makes YOU happy.

[daltondavid]

I am with the "preserve it" crowd..!

[shlby66]

Just touch up what needs to be, and leave the rest alone. I had to make
the same choice on my '66 Shelby quite a few years ago. I'm glad I did.
Even though it's now a "10" footer plus, it still has most of the original paint
on it. Rock chips, parking lot rash ( previous owner ) dinks, a scratch or two
and a lump there is what gives it it's character. Or, as Pete Brock likes to say:
"Thats the patina that shows the car has had a life." After he told me that,
I have forgotten about painting it and just drive and enjoy it!
shlby66

[Fast Fords]

Hi guys,thanks for your opinions.I would have chirped in earlier but my computer went down the day after I posted my question.I still have to make some BIG decisions but I am leaning towards just painting the front fiberglass and leaving the rest of the paint original.That way,I also won't be afraid to drive the car.I added 4 more pics of my '67 that I was unable to upload when I posted my other pics for some reason.Thanks again...Greg.