How much do you care about the cowl tag paint code? Would you deviate from it?

 

You need to elaborate - do you mean, "How much could it hurt value by deviating from it?"

If so, it depends on a number of factors such as the model, ownership history, intention, level of modification, not to mention what the original color was, among others.

 

It depends. If the original color is puke green or baby-$hit brown, you'll likely increase the value with a properly done color change. Both OCA and AACA do not deduct any points in judging if the car is painted a different color that was factory-available on that model.

 

I care a lot.

 

Do I care about the paint code? Sure, it tells me what the car was born with. It does help me help others who want to know what color their cars were originally.

Would I change it? Absolutely and I have. My car is not code 14 14 anymore because I happen to like Corvette colors better.

Why doesn't it bother me? Because it's my car and I like it my color. Besides, paint can always be changed if original color is desired. I get a lot of comments about the nice color on my car, but NO ONE has bothered to ask if that's the color it was originally painted. Go figure huh?

I don't enter my car in shows to win trophies. I'll enter it to show what a bygone era was. People can decide if they like it or not, but I'm not open to discussion about what color 'it should be'. Period.

Others make valid points about show cars and judging. You decide what approach you want to take and stick to it.