To Paint or Not to Paint

kmassed002 · 10-11-2007, 07:16 AM

Hey Guys,

So after long looking for a early 911, only to find rust bucket upon rust bucket, I finally settled on my other favorite, the 993. To make a long story short, I am sort of a perfectionist and my new car has a couple of dings/rock chips here and there, nothing major and other wise pretty clean. I was wondering if you guys think that its worth it to have the car touched up (front bumper sprayed etc.) or just to leave it because such work could hit the resale value. Any of your thoughts would be appreciated. It's a Black 1996 993 C2 with Aerokit (pre-delivery) and has 55k on the clock. Thanks!

Regards,

Kevin
1996 C2

meares · 10-11-2007, 08:22 AM

i don't think that respraying will hurt the resale if you disclose to the buyer the reason you did it and provide a receipt......i'd go to Porsche to do it though...at least you'll be comfortable with the work and know it willl be done right and the buyer won't think some jackass with a paint gun did it

dmwallace · dmwallace's Garage

I'd suggest also documenting "why" you had the work done by taking some good quality digital photos of the area before painting.

I had some touch-up work done on my '89 before putting the car up for sale. I took pictures of each area that was going to be re-painted before the work was done. I also thoroughly explained and pointed out each of those areas (after) to the first prospective buyer. It was not an issue and that person bought the car.

I did decide to use one of the businesses that do touch-up work for car dealers on location. They did do the work in my driveway and it was satisfactory.

Regards,
David

bazar01 · bazar01's Garage

I just want to be able to drive my car anywhere and park it without worrying too much about some paint chips or some cart in the grocery parking lot hitting it.
If I have it repainted, I will worry too much and just feel upset if the paint gets damaged from road rocks, debris, etc., I would not take it out for a drive.
I'll leave it alone, drive and enjoy it and replace it with a newer one whenever I could afford one.
I'll just spend my money on maintaining the mechanicals and electricals.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Drive it like you stole it.

dmwallace · dmwallace's Garage

Kevin,

If you do decide to get the nose re-sprayed you might also consider getting one of those clear bras applied (like the 3M) afterwards. In some cases the same business that does touch-up paint work also can provide the clear bra.

Regards,

David

Sumotang · Sumotang's Garage

If you use it as a daily driver, I would leave it the way it is. I have the same issue with my new 993 but as I drive it every day I just live with the imperfections. It adds character to the car.

kurquhart · 10-12-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sumotang

It adds character to the car.

Agreed! I accumulated several large paint chips in the first few weeks I had my new 997, but since I got them driving 150mph on the Autobahn (factory delivery), I regard them as a badge of honor.

colo964 · 10-12-2007, 11:09 PM

Mine was cherry after 100,000 miles in LA. After 3 months in Colorado, I got broken lights, windshield and so many dings that the clear coat is about 30% gone after coin op washings. It looks like a gray whale, but drives like a go kart.

Who am I kidding - I'll never sell it.

Komenda Fan · Komenda Fan's Garage

I suggest you never own a Porsche thinking about the resale value.

kmassed002 · 10-13-2007, 09:29 AM

Thanks for all the input guys, it is very much appreciated. I like the point about not being concerned about resale, really the only reason I am is that someday I might be able to move up to the turbo!

911Rob · 911Rob's Garage

I'll chime in........ I'd say repaint/touch up is A-OK.

I drive in "sandblast" conditions often and chips are inevitable.
I'll have to look into that clear bra application (for my wife and car?)

Anyway, if you're getting the front bumper recoated, I'm told the only way to do it properly is to remove it; and when you reinstall it you have to literally tuck the corners back in by folding them inwards; an inexperienced body shop may crack those upper corners trying to force the bumper back on........ so I'm told; third party bla bla.

Cheers and happy driving!

Bearclaw · 10-15-2007, 02:44 PM

Repainting just the bumpers is almost Standard Operating Procedure. But I would only do spot touch-up on the hood and resist any impulse to spray it. Even if you document it, many potential buyers will look at it as a negative. Agree about the clear StoneGard, it's worth it.

Jbabic · Jbabic's Garage

do you want the car as a piece of art? or an engieering marvel and learn to drive it? if you drive it and enjoy it as it was intended, don't worry about the paint. if your buying as an investment...its the the brightest investment you couldn't have put your money into.