Narrowing Down Paint Options, Input Appreciated!

[Mike621]

UPDATED 6/12/07! CHECK LAST POST FOR DETAILS


(First of all, I hope this poll works... hehe)

In the quest to bring my SVX back into prime condition, Im faced with the neccessity to paint it. Of course, I'd like to stay true to the classy styling of the SVX. I also have a slight urge to possibly update the color scheme slightly.

Picture for reference (this is before bodywork began on the car)



It just so happens that my interior leaves more to be desired as for comfort, as the seats are old, tired and the leather has become rock hard. Id like to replace the seat upholstery if I do keep that interior. However, I also have a complete interior from my 97 LSi that is for spares. This TAN interior is absolutely mint, and I am tempted to put it in the car. What you think?

(Note: The 1997 wheels are being installed on the car regardless of this decision)

[hexadec0079]

stay OEM color, interior is a toss up.

Where are you getting it painted, need paint as well.
Maybe sand myself and Maaco Double Clear for $300. IDK yet myself..

[Crazy_pilot]

If you check Alycone's locker, in the folder named "SVX Abuse" is about 40 different photoshopped paint colours. Some look REALLY nice.

This outta get you there:

Click ME!!

Just to give you a nice sampling of what an SVX can look like, if you want it to.

[Hocrest]

uhhhh... the wheels are on backwards on all 38 cars...

[Alycone]

Thanks for recommending my svx abuse photochops, lol. I don't remember who's car it was, the wheel thing bugs me but its too late to bother to fix it. I think I originally did the photochops trying to find horrible colors, but some accidentally turned out okay.

[Crazy_pilot]

Some are nice, but ya, there's a couple that would make me inclined to hurt someone if they painted their car that colour.

I love the look on people's faces when I show them an SVX picture and mention that a wheel is on backwards. They get very head-scratchy.

[SilverSpear]

I highly recommend this as a conversion color :

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/use...mtn92svx|22364

Lovely color, fits the SVX perfectly

[svxistentialist]

OK, I admit it, I am one of the Others.

Well as of right now, I am the first and only Other.

My suggestion is very like one of yours, but slightly different;

Keep the original Claret; paint the roof and trunk lid Claret; keep the original gray interior; add a '97 grille, and paint the new grille Claret.

You will have one of the most elegant SVXs on the planet.

Regards the interior, the tan will not match the colour scheme of the rest of the car, the purple alcantara. For a very cheap outlay, you can buy a professional leather treatment kit. The first stage cleans the leather, takes away a layer of dirt. The next stage soaks in and softens the hard leather. This stage involves feeding the bare patches with anilene dye of the correct shade to match your seats. Finally, when your leather seats are nicely softened and healed, then you apply a coat of sealer to keep them good. You would be surprised how good and new they will look after a professional restoration. Only if one of your seats is torn or stitching ripped do you need to move up a notch.

Joe

[svxistentialist]

I forgot to mention one thing; whoever is doing your paint, make sure they have a proper heated drying booth to get the temperature right.

Also, if you want a glossy finish, make sure the painter puts at least two coats of top gloss on the car.

Painters generally slap on one coat, and ship the car out. They could not be bothered with drying it, flatting it down, respraying another coat of lacquer and drying it again. They think extra coats take too much time.

Claret is a dark colour, and needs a depth of topcoat to show off the shine.

ONE FINISH COAT IS NOT ENOUGH!!

Don't let them fool you. All painters want your car out the door as quickly as possible. That gives them extra profit, and makes them happy. But your expensive respray will be dull, it will not shine.

You have been warned.

Joe

[nsm484]

I have also done a few photoshop colors as well, take a look here:

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/user.php?nsm484|20874

Personaly, I think a Metalic Gray, or a Light Blue (not too light) would look good.
As soon as tax time comes around, which is soon, I will be looking into Custom
color options as well for my SVX.

EDIT: But Defantly go with the Mint Tan Interior and 97 Grille

[svxistentialist]

Some of those photoshop options look really nice.

Gold colours look so well on the car, it is a wonder Subaru never offered one as an option.

Joe

[Mike621]

Thanks for the input.

-As for the paint process, Im not especially worried. I have a reputable shop that has agreed to do the paintwork. The bodywork and prep will be a thorough process with some work done on my own time, and with assistance of another member on this board.

-As for the leathers, I see the points that everyone is making. Im just so tempted because I have every part to switch the interior completely to tan (headliner, dash, switches, deck, etc yadda yadda yadda).

I think at this point, a radical change in the original paint scheme is out, as a complete color change always leaves some stone unturned.

Im still dreaming of driving my SVX sitting in those soft tan seats...

[SilverSpear]

Kewll

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by SilverSpear

Kewll

Freezing, actually!

[bwb3]

I wouldn't change the color unless you are willing to change the door jambs, inside trunk and under hood. Going to same color on top would be good, kind of JDM.
Gene