Paint opinion

[arcturus]

Well folks, the 144 is ready to go into the paint shop whenever they can fit me in. I want to keep the original colour for authenticity however I think it's a bit dull and bland. (beige) I was thinking of having the roof painted a warm white to make it two tone and a bit more interesting, what's your opinion A. on two tone and B. on the white choice?

[Snowman]

If you look at the http://www.amazoncars.co.uk site you'll see that they adopted the white roof scheme on their Cape Town Rally 144, it might give you an idea of what it would look like.

[john h]

Tough call.

I see what you mean. The beige body with the light interior does looks a bit anaemic and monochrome. Actually, I'm not sure a white roof would help much - really it needs some colour and/or contrast.

I suggest that you get it painted the original colour all over, so you can see how it looks all mint and shiny. It is not a big job to go back and paint the roof later, if you choose to.

If this was my car, I would consider fitting wine red carpets and parcel shelf to liven up the interior a little, and a thin subtle waistline stripe on the body in the same colour.

Perhaps the expert photoshoppers on here can help out!

John

[arcturus]

Thanks, good sugestion. I plan to fit new carpets but I'm not sure if I can get them in any other than black. Shouldn't be difficult to make up. I also think that leather would help but that's for the future when I get more cash!

[john h]

Early 164s had beautiful carpets, high quality proper carpet with piped and stiched edges etc.

If you can get a set, even worn out, they could be unstitched and used as patterns to have a new luxury carpet made up in any colour you want.

The only different area I think is the gearlever... all 164s had the remote gearchange and short lever.

And yes, wine red 164 leather would transform it, if you're OK about going non-original.

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...t=97783&page=3

John

[arcturus]

I suppose it's how you define original. Is it EXACTLY as at left the factory or is it as it left with a few VOLVO later option conversions. For example converting a 4 speed box to overdrive?

[john h]

Originally Posted by arcturus

I suppose it's how you define original. Is it EXACTLY as at left the factory or is it as it left with a few VOLVO later option conversions. For example converting a 4 speed box to overdrive?

Well yes, I'm very much in favour of modifying cars as you'll see from my thread! I think it add s to the fun by giving far more scope for the owner's imagination and innovation - and it can end up with a better car, by avoiding some of the inevitable cost-based limitations and compromises that the original manufacturer had to accept.

But you said that you wanted to keep the same colour for originality. If being totally original is not a priority, and you're not keen on the beige... then another option is to choose another colour!

John

[arcturus]

OK, how about if I choose another volvo colour of the same period? As a matter of interest the original registration describes the colour as "amarelo" yellow, (what do they know) Would it be too far a departure to have it painted that colour? There's a nice illustration of one in the "Volvo cars engines" book. Then again the interior wouldn't match! Just an accademic question!

[940_Turbo]

Originally Posted by arcturus

OK, how about if I choose another volvo colour of the same period? As a matter of interest the original registration describes the colour as "amarelo" yellow, (what do they know) Would it be too far a departure to have it painted that colour? There's a nice illustration of one in the "Volvo cars engines" book. Then again the interior wouldn't match! Just an accademic question!

It is a serious amount of work to colour change a car properly. Not only do you have to paint the door shuts but the boot interior and under the bonnet. I wouldn't go down that route lightly!

[arcturus]

As the car has been completly stripped out I don't think it would pose too much of a problem. I am seriously considdering the colour change as I will be looking at this as a fun car as well as show. Not sure I can live with beige.75% for change. Saw this in Volvo "cars engines" book. I Think it could match the mood, what do y'all think? only don't know the paint code!