Hot Rods Patina, Primer'd, Painted

I bought this ‘34 because I liked the old paint. No clear, just natural age.

 

This is a perfect example of where if you ask 5 guys their opinion you will get 5 different opinions. I would agree with you that your car has Patina on it. However "Patina" by my definition is Faded paint, small dings, and light scratches, Maybe some light surface rust that is just adding color. But for me I Draw the line at Crusty rust, Holes, and Rot. Once it gets to that point it is no longer "Patina". It is "Neglect" and should be repaired. Just my opinion anyhow

 

Quote from above: "In the 50's, we built cars and ran them in primer until we could get them painted, not keep them looking like a parts car."

In the 60’s none of my friends and very few of all the people I knew had a project car other than maybe a dedicated race car. The cars we owned were our daily drivers. The work we did on the cars whether body or performance was time limited meaning it had to be completed usually on a weekend so the car was available come Monday for school or work.
So yes there were cars with rust, spot or whole car primer, faded paint, etc. but the crowd I hung out with all had the ultimate goal of shiny paint. Maybe not perfect or even great paint but at least good from 10 feet. It’s your car and as long as you’re happy doesn’t make any difference what others think. Your mileage may vary.

 

I like primer but I'm waiting to get it painted. My pickup Im building will be "patina" and gonna try to match the paint with a brush or something. We will see.

Gordy

 

I have had lots of shiny cars over the years, including some painted by the best. But certain cars look great with patina -- provided the patina is natural and authentic - and I think would've definitely lost some swagger if painted. A few examples:

1. The patina on this delivery was beautiful. Would've lost a lot of attitude if painted:




2. Same with this F-1 -- this had a worn-in feel like an old favorite work boot. This also had a worn-in blue velour interior (think Tom Jones jumpsuit). You see a lot of shiny pickups from this era, but this one felt special because of the patina:


3. This Tudor was painted in 1969, paint is still shiny but failing in some spots. No fabric on top with exposed wood slats. Exposed surface rust on edges of top. I wouldn't change a thing about this rod's appearance:



4. Deuce roadster with 1970's black lacquer - paint had some crackle and dings, flaking off from engine heat at the louvers -- but still shiny and made this roadster feel authentic and tough, next to the perfect 32's you see everywhere:

 

This car has the look! So cool.