Pearl Purple Metallic fading, need some opinions

[OBD1 Kenobi]

Hey all, so my PPM Trans Am is starting to really look like it's 20 years old. I love the color, and I know that it's rare, but I want a better looking paint job and this one is getting worse every day and I really can't afford to redo this color. There's also some body work that needs to be done on the rear quarter and this would be a super tough color to match, hence why I am reluctant to do this color myself.


Here's some examples of the wear and tear:

200602006120062200632006520066200672006820069

I am thinking of going matte black, specifically John Deere Blitz Black. I'm putting black C6 Z06 wheels on it soon, I think it would look sweet all blacked out. Not only that, but I could do it in my garage, even panel by panel since matte is a pretty easy job to spray. Let me know what you guys think.

Here's an LT1 T/A I hope to soon mimick

20059

[spikester7878]

Imo because of how rare the color is i would just hold off until i could afford to repaint the factory color, i also hate black cars so i am kinda biased

[Yosho]

Not really a fan of the matte black look myself... They look "OK" when recently done and clean, but I've seen a few dirty or faded and they looked terrible. With no clear coat or wax layer on it, I'd worry about being able to keep it looking nice if you park it outside at all.

[93M6Formula]

I think I would hold off also. I love PPM and if you ever decide to paint it back to original, now you have more paint to sand off when you paint it.

[OBD1 Kenobi]

I see what you're saying, but a decent PPM paint job from a shop is going to be at least $3000, and thats an investment I really can't make into my car's paint until I'm out of college (at least another three years). :doh:

That rust spot in the wheel well has grown noticably as well and I'll need to address it before next winter so as sad as it is, I think the color is going to have to go. If I still have the car after college (hopefully) I will most likely return it to PPM and I'd be willing to take the time to sand the whole thing down again.

One of my good friends has a 240sx project that is nearly done, and he is planning on painting it at the end of July so we might have ourselves a weekend paint party (anyone see that hot rod article?) and get the whole thing done then. To me, that flat black looks awesome. I love satin/matte finishes. Everyone's got their own color preferances, but I'm still open to some suggestions for colors. I'll be doing the spraying myself with a HVLP gun and I'll certainly take my time with the prep work.

[spikester7878]

what are your plans for wheels? the ones in my sig pic are for sale for pretty cheap

[OBD1 Kenobi]

What size are they? I was looking at black 18x10.5 and 18x9.5 C6 Zo6 from oewheels but yours look pretty sweet

[spikester7878]

19x9

http://ltxtech.com/forums/showthread.php?20488-WTS-or-WTT-19x9-TORK-imagine-wheels

[Chris]

Plasti dip it what ever color you want. Probably be cheaper than the john deer deal

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[firebird_1995]

That's a pretty rare color anymore. And I see the allure of matte or satin (semi-gloss) finishes but they are HORRIBLE to keep clean. Naturally, the surface finish is "gritty" so it doesn't reflect light. Think of each of those grits as a pocket for dirt. BUT I can't deny they look good when done right so let me suggest this..... SATIN PEARL PURPLE METALLIC

[96lt1m6]

PPM is an ultra rare color 93/94 so I would just hold off until you can get her painted the original color, I was quoted 1500.00 to get mine redone and the Guy doing the work does some SICK WORK!!!!!!! He also knows how picky I am :)

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[HellTeeOne]

Keep it PPM!

Just my opinion, but I'll be thankful when this trend of painting cars flat black is over.

[CALL911]

I would shop around for a new quote. If you lived closer to me, I know a guy who could do a decent job at fixing all that for a fraction of what you were quoted.

The PPM color you already agreed you liked. If you had it fixed, it would last a LOT longer than the non-clear coated flat black. Seems the only reason is price to me, which I believe you can find a better one.

[CALL911]

...I just saw you are in Chicago.

FWIW, I bet the shop I was talking about here in Fort Wayne could do it for $500-$1000 range. If that would be worth it to you for a couple hour drive, let me know and I can get you some info. Its not a tip top perfection type shop. So, if you are looking for a car show like quality, then this isn't it. But it is "good" work, meaning you are not going to see anything wrong with it, and it will match perfect.

[OBD1 Kenobi]

...I just saw you are in Chicago.

FWIW, I bet the shop I was talking about here in Fort Wayne could do it for $500-$1000 range. If that would be worth it to you for a couple hour drive, let me know and I can get you some info. Its not a tip top perfection type shop. So, if you are looking for a car show like quality, then this isn't it. But it is "good" work, meaning you are not going to see anything wrong with it, and it will match perfect.


That sounds great! I have thought about it some more and if I ever want to trade up, the PPM will be one of the main selling points. If I can get a better looking PPM job than I have now for slightly more than I would spend painting it black myself then that's what I'll do. Please let me know the info if you can. The drive would be no problem, but I'd like to be able to do something about it before the end of the summer. Much appreciated!!

[CALL911]

PM sent.

[tt383lt1]

ipaint for a living and a 500 to 1000 job is shit. i would never even think about it. it will be a single stage at that price. for me to paint my car the same color. purple pearl. it cost me about 600 for everything to do it right. transition tape. paper, good base and good clear. think of this. its $60 a hour. if u pull all the lights and handles out i could see about 1500 but than again u get what u pay for don't expect sushi at romin noodles price. but keep the color. its rare.

[popo8]

ipaint for a living and a 500 to 1000 job is shit. i would never even think about it. it will be a single stage at that price. for me to paint my car the same color. purple pearl. it cost me about 600 for everything to do it right. transition tape. paper, good base and good clear. think of this. its $60 a hour. if u pull all the lights and handles out i could see about 1500 but than again u get what u pay for don't expect sushi at romin noodles price. but keep the color. its rare.

Ramen*



Lol

Co-Owner/Admin @ LTXtech.com

[CALL911]

ipaint for a living and a 500 to 1000 job is shit. i would never even think about it. it will be a single stage at that price. for me to paint my car the same color. purple pearl. it cost me about 600 for everything to do it right. transition tape. paper, good base and good clear. think of this. its $60 a hour. if u pull all the lights and handles out i could see about 1500 but than again u get what u pay for don't expect sushi at romin noodles price. but keep the color. its rare.

Normally I would agree with you. But having dealt with this shop, I am very familiar with their work and prices. I already said it wasn't going to be a show finish, but a shit job is FAR from what these guys do.

They are not in it for money, so that $60 an hour rate is out the window. I have had two cars painted by them, and they did a great job for a great price.

That's the same deal the OP will be getting. BTW, they also warranty their work, so they do stand by their work.