I know this question may not appeal to all, but I would appreciate your inputs. I have a 1969 w114 that has just gotten out of tin smith repairs. Im now on to the paint but have not, for the last 4 months, decided on what color!! the car has dark red MB tex interior and is presently very light pastel gray which looks great but a bit dated. I'm considering the silver metallic from the newer MBs but was told by friends that I would lose the car's vintage appeal. Yestedrday, a bone colored 115 passed me by and I'm even more confused?!

So what would you paint a 115 with dark red interior? Light pastel gray non metallic? Very bright silver metalic from the new e-class? Or, a hue of white, bordering on bone. If you can send me pics and or tell me why you chose which, id be very greatful. Thanks

Rafael,

You're asking for opinions, and we all have different ones.

I will preface my thoughts by saying that I'm not the color person in the family. The color of a particular car is about the last thing on my list when selecting a car.

However, as an old car buff (that is, I am old and also like old cars), I would strongly suggest that you stay with the original color unless you plan on completely dismantling and doing a frame up type restoration. This would be the only way that you could properly paint the engine compartment, door jambs, trunk etc.

When I see a car with different colors in these areas than the exterior, it looks really tacky to me.

I just thought you might want to hear this perspective, and I'm sure that there are at least a few other people whow would share this opinion.

Regardless of what color you paint it, it's always great to see someone restoring any car. Keep up the good work.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Rafael,

Congratulations on bringing the car along this far! I think a car painted in any color out of its period looks strange. For exasmple, a few days ago, I passed a 240D (about '80). It had shinny, new, bright yellow paint on it, and I gave the owner a "toot" and a thumbs-up, but the car really did not look right because of the slight greenish tint in the paint. Having had an 80 240D, I'm familiar with the colors of that period - the color on the one I saw is not right for the period, and makes the car look strange. IMHO, it's always best to stay with the original color. When one absolutely "must" change colors, it's best to use a color appropriate for the period (year of the car). Good luck with the interesting project!

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Wilton Strickland
Goldsboro, NC
91 350 SDL. 81 300D

Have you tought about a mettalic burgende i say a old d with this color it looked good and did not lose its classic appel to me. Another think you might wanna consider is giond to tirerack.com and you can look at diffrent rims on cars im not sure if they have your car but at least if they did you could se a ferw diffent colors


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1985 euro 500sel 220k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1989 chrysler
leabaron 130k
1990 320sl (hopefully)

sorry about the misspellings new keyboard

Go white.
White with red interior looks great.
And the 115 MUST have been available in some OEM shade of white (or off-white).

After all - you live in the Philippines. The sun is hot there, no?

What stands out more than the color on an older vehicle is a nicely done, shiny new paint finish. After seeing it look new , you will more than likely actually like the color ! Original is fine , if not prefered.

Thanks a lot guys. Looks like I'm now down to two colors. The very light pastel gray and the Off white/bone color.FYI, the car was stripped, except for the suspension. ill send ypou pics when Im done. Not that you'll be interested, but because its a labor of love that Id want to show off. as it is, ive already exceeded the cars local market value, and theres no turning back. thanks again.

Rafael,

We won't be interested in your pictures? You're talking to the world's most enthusiastic group of Benz buff's. I can't wait to see the pictures. I wish I could be there to see the car.

Good luck,
Larry

ya i wanna see the car

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1985 euro 500sel 220k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1989 chrysler
leabaron 130k
1990 320sl (hopefully)

PICTURES???? .... WHERE????

Loooooove pictures!

As for color, I always prefer original color or at least something VERY close. If you are going to put that much money into restoration, the car should look like it came off the show-room floor.

Just my opinion...


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William
76 240D - 550K miles
78 300D - 200K+ miles