[1968GTCONV]

Hi Everyone,

I am a huge Mustang enthusiast and always wanted a 1968 Mustang as I like the model year and was also born that year. Turning 40 last year and with the approval of my lovely wife I started the search last spring for a ready to drive and good looking safe 1968 Mustang convertible. I found the car I was looking for in British Columbia which was a 1968 GT convertible with a numbers matching J code 302 4V. The “restored” car was very good looking but being a newbie I didn’t look close enough past the shiny paint and detailed engine compartment and interior. This would bite me big time when I brought the car into Alberta and as a regulation any out of province cars must be inspected before they can be registered and licensed. This is where things went bad in a hurry – the car failed inspection miserably. I was prepared for some minor issues as I knew the car was not a rotisserie restoration but I was told that any rust issues were dealt with during the resto. Turns out the unibody had major structural and rust issues that would need to be repaired and this was echoed but a couple other opinions that I sought. I couldn’t sell the car in Alberta because it couldn’t be licensed and therefore after some very angry days picked a local reputable car shop that specialized in classic cars for the repairs needed. Unfortunately he didn’t have any openings until September which meant that I had my dream car sit in my garage all summer (arggg!) – I must note that my wife was fully supportive which helped my frustrations.

When the car went in and they started to strip the undercoating tar that was installed to hide the problems, the severity of the issues came to light and so did the realization of the financial impact that would be coming. Problem after problem and dollar after dollar I should have just decided to strip the entire car at the start and started over which is where I eventually landed up but at a much higher cost. I was really trying to save the exterior paint and they did a good job working around this but in the end I am replacing the rear quarters and rear tail light valance which will result in 100% rust free car. Doing this means a complete paint job is required to ensure a satisfied uniform finish.

I am looking for opinions on whether to go back to the original Royal Maroon color or keep with a common bright red color – any thoughts would be appreciated and thanks for letting me vent

[Jay H 237]

It's really a personal choice but here's my feeling,

I would go back to the Royal Maroon color only because most of the converts (and most other cars that are repainted) seem to be red.

The Royal Maroon is a sharp color that stands out with the brightwork (chrome) on the car. There are cars out there the R M color but not as many as the bright or true reds.

[duff_r]

I agree red is so over used on classic mustangs, my 68 is red, but that was the factory color, Maroon is a spectacular color, is the interior dark red/maroon also? What color is your top?

[1968GTCONV]

The interior is black and so is the top. Do you know if the royal maroon color is metalic flaked at all. I am leaning to keep it as origional as possible and leaning to the RM color. Would it be bad to add flake?

[RedGTvert]

Royal Maroon is a great color. I would never re-paint it red, but that is my opinion.

[gtjoe]

Count my vote for the original, Royal Maroon color. As for metal flake, I don't believe it was a metal flake color. I assume you are condsidering adding flake to make the color "pop" a bit more. This can be achieved by other means; paint type is one way, as is the color underneath the primary color. Talk to your paint guy, he should be able to help you.

Personally, I wouldn't add metal flake if it's not part of the original color. Besides sticking with originality, the metal flake colors are a pain to match if there are any scratches, repairs or issues later.

[1968GTCONV]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback! good point about the flake and problems matching later

[C25sailor]

Royal Maroon is a great 68 Color.

[Little Mule]

Kind of looks like everybody agrees on RM and so do I. Any updates on when you will get it painted? Also congratulations on getting the car you wanted.

[1968GTCONV]

I want it ready for Spring. I'll post new pics when it is finished. I am leaning to the RM color