to paint or not to paint that is the question....

[crj1968]

So I am considering selling my 72 Duster. I had the body work professionally done and it is ready for paint.

Do you think there is a wider audience for an unpainted car where you could choose your own color or more money in it painted?

I can get a nice paint job done on it for about $2K from same guy that did body work.

Quick run down on the car - Original Slant 6 car out of Calif.

Now has spool mount K frame and a nice running 318.
-built 727 manual reverse VB
-8.75 rear  3.23 SG
-Front Disc Brakes
-15 inch wheels
-re-done front buckets
-tuff wheel
-OEM scoop and sharktooth grille
yadda yadda yadda

[6spd68]

Sell as is, with the option to have it painted for 2500-3000$ extra 

[el dub]

I would paint it. Most smart car guys know that primer does not stop rust so if its in primer,  people in the know may not buy it

[JB400]

Paint it.  Nothing sells a car quicker than flashy paint.  Make sure the wheels are fresh as well.  High impact colors like Lime green, Hemi orange, and so on with a blacked out hood, will definitely bring in the buyers.

[crj1968]

I thought about a color "option" but then I'd get a buyer that could complain about the paint job, and that'd be no fun.

I think painting it is probably the way to go, but then I'd want to keep it.      

[b5blue]

Keep the car!  

[Troy]

Unless it's a spectacular, gleaming wonder of the world... every penny you put into it just increases your loss.

If your positive you're going to sell it then I'd only do things that increase to value more than what they cost to do. You have to view it as a financial deal and not a car. What's the value of the car painted? If you had to sell it today could you sell it for $2,000 less than that amount or are you already upside down? Pretend that it's a $4,000 paint job that you're getting for half price. Will it raise the value of the car by $4,000 and net you a nice gain or are you just going to end up breaking even (or losing a little)? Most of the time, installing parts will net you about half of what they cost. Paint is slightly different *if you can get it cheap enough* and the car is vastly improved because of it. This is also dependent on the buyer. Someone who can get paint/body cheap would probably rather buy it in primer - but they can also change the color of a painted car if they get a decent deal on it. For someone who'd need to spend $10k on paint, they'd be more likely to buy it painted in just about any color.

Troy

[hemi-hampton]

How much you selling it for as is? what state you live in? LEON.

[crj1968]

I'm in Idaho... still torn over selling it...but I'm hopeful for around $11K. It has some sentimental value to me, as it's on the cover of a book I had published also. 

Here's a video of it for fun   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTfhR1dndw4

[crj1968]

I'd like to paint it like this one, but in blue, maybe?  Blue, black hood, white stripe.

[Kern Dog]

I don't think these cars sell for nearly what they could when the seller advertises them in primer. People often freak out at the cost of paintwork.
This car was mine from 2007-2011. It now resides in North Dakota unless it has been wrecked or resold.
1974 Duster with 1971 grille, hood, bumper and taillights. I love the Duster 340 styling so I made my own from a cheaper car.

[crj1968]

Good point Kern-  I dig the Duster, you did a nice job on it. 

[hemi-hampton]

To far for me to drive. I'd paint it before you sell. I don't mind the primer because I would just paint it myself. Good luck. LEON.

[Patronus]

I wouldn't touch it. Not in primer.
Why would I want to work on a car with the liability of someone else's work underneath?
(If I was someone that could paint)
Paint it, the sooner the better.   

[Scaregrabber]

Paint it for sure especially for only $2k.

Sheldon

[skip68]

X10.   Paint it.   

[crj1968]

It's pretty much unanimous then. Now what color? 

[Bobs69]

I would paint it. Most smart car guys know that primer does not stop rust so if its in primer,  people in the know may not buy it

Agreed.

[skip68]

Blue.      

[polywideblock]

should know what I'm going to say         what about plum crazy /white        just to mix thing up     

 

[skip68]

Find a beautiful neutral color.  Plum doesn't appeal to everyone. Sorry poly. 

[JB400]

What color was it originally?

[polywideblock]

Find a beautiful neutral color.  Plum doesn't appeal to everyone. Sorry poly. 

hasn't it undergone a huge resurgence of interest lately   

[Patronus]

Stay away from the metallic colors. The more blemish proof the paint the better.
I'd paint it red.
I also like the satin trends. A fresh pearl flat paint job in any color. Plus you dont have to sand and buff it.
...if you want a modern look..
Red is best to sell

[ht4spd307]

inside edges look white already if i'm seeing it right. paint it white with black outs white hides most blemishes