Original Paint

[JMF]

Is there a way of telling if a car's paint is still the original paint ?

Also how much value if any does it add to the car if it's still the original paint, even if it is tatty etc

Thanks

[Baldwinvette77]

checking for overspray is one way  , if it needs to be repainted, its not worth much more,if anything but it may give piece of mind to someone looking to buy one to restore 

[RallyeMike]

When the paint is original, you get what you see without bodywork surprises. That is worth a premium, but not much..

[twodko]

Most body shops have a device that can gauge paint thickness. That's a start to determine if the finish
is original. Of course, if the car has been taken down to bare metal and repainted all bets are off.

[hemi-hampton]

Whats the name of this device? LEON.

[Mopar Nut]

Whats the name of this device? LEON.

A Paint Thickness Meter.

http://www.phase2plus.com/ultrasonic_wall_thickness_gauge.htm

http://www.defelsko.com/applications/paintmeter/automotive-paint-detailing.htm

[tubedriver]

Original paint, with patina..
far from perfect but she still shines nice....

[twodko]

Your car looks very good AND it's a 69!

[Mopar Nut]

AND it's a 69!

The best year for a Charger.. 

[hemi-hampton]

I've worked in 20 ifferent body shops & never knew anybody that had or used one of these paint meters. We did have one at Masco-Tech when we painted some rocker molding or door jamb parts on the Vipers.  LEON

[bill440rt]

It's called a Mil Gauge. Measures mil thickness of paint. 
Here's one (yes, they can be expensive):
http://www.paintgages.com/Paint-Gage-FNF-Paint-Gauge-Mil-Thickness-Gauge-p/PaintGage%20FNF-PM.htm?gclid=CPurjbH9vL4CFYGhOgodElEABw

[Lord Warlock]

If trying to present a car as a true survivor, original paint would be a high desired item, but very few of the cars of the age our cars are would likely have original paint anymore.  Mine did up until 2006 when i stripped it to bare metal to prep for its first ever repaint.  I doubt it would have increased the value much since it had several thin spots where polishing it had cut thru enough where the primer underneath was starting to show thru the topcoat.