New Paint Color?

[77 Cutlass]

I've always been of the belief that a car should stay the color it was "born" with, but I am seriously considering painting my Firethorn Red 77 Cutlass Supreme black. Black as I can get it. It has the white interior with the firethorn dash, carpet and accents. I may opt for black carpet also. I have a nos red hood ornament, red sail panel emblems and red trunk lock bezel. I guess I got hung up on red. I would also remove the vinyl top.
Does anyone have any opinions on this? Does it hurt the resale value? Although I have no plans on selling it, I never know what the future may bring.
Also, I've always been warned against black. What would be the reason?
I'm sure they're out there, but I don't think I've ever seen a black 77 Supreme. Anyone got any pics of one?
Lori

[Stocker]

Also, I've always been warned against black. What would be the reason?


Because black shows every imperfection in the bodywork and finish.

If you want the vinyl top removed, know that there is (I assume) a seam where the roof meets the pillar.

Personally I like the red-and-white.

I think I've seen a '76-'77 Cutlass S in black, but not a Supreme or Salon.

[mdkingsley]

I have afriend with a black on black/vinyl top 76 cutlass and it looks awsome. I guess it is all in what you want, if your car is good and pretty damage free it should be easy for a good body shop to convert it.

[77 Cutlass Supreme]

They came in black all right! Black with the red pin stripe like mine looks good but I wouldn't repaint a car black if I had the choice as you see every little imperfection.

[77-442]

Firethorn Red is a very nice color, I would keep it orig.

Jim

[bigredddaddy]

I'm for originality, my car is brown but when it gets painted the top half (just below the fenders edge) will be white, era correct of course. So that could be an option to consider.

[77 Cutlass]

O.K. guys. Black will probably be out, even though it would look great. I'm just not convinced now that it is for me. All of your replies are food for thought. It would probably look 100 percent better with new paint no matter what color. I believe I'll give it some time. It'll come to me.
Lori

[John inNH]

Hi Lori,

FWIW I've had 1 car that was black, a '99 Trans Am. I will never get another black car. My TA was beautiful, but it would reach unbelievebly high temperatures in summer, you could not even touch it. And it always showed dirt, even right after a full cleaning and detailing. I spent an entire Saturday washing, clay-barring, buffing and waxing the car, It looked great! The next morning it was green from pollen. I know that happens, but black really shows it.

John