Restore it, but leave some original patina???

[L78M22Rag]

A couple of years ago I bought this corvette bronze 1968 Camaro SS/RS 396 convertible. My buddy Mike Hepler in KY offered to do a simple re-paint before I brought it home... seeing as it had already been repainted once. The original stripes were taped-off when the car was previously painted, but hardly enough original paint to qualify as a survivor.

Otherwise, the car is completely original, numbers matching and documented so it deserves the attention.



One thing led to another, and soon it was off the frame. After carefully stripping that Michigan undercoating with a heat gun and putty knife, Mike discovered that the car was incredibly well preserved for a northern car! Here's a photo of the underside.



Those of you that know me, understand that I really appreciate original cars... especially patina. I'm thinking about leaving most of the underside completely original - a little more cleaning, and perhaps a few minor touch-ups. Same goes for the very nice original trunk.



I think those unrestored parts would show-off the original condition of the car. Some might think different, but if the entire car is restored, nobody will ever appreciate just how clean this Michigan car was before being restored! The original interior is also very nice and presentable and so will remain original. The original convertible top needs replacing, but I may even try to keep the original dated rear plastic window because it's still in mint condition and clear.


Have I gone off the deep end, or am I onto something by preserving the originality of this car? I do plan on driving the car.

I respect your feedback, but go easy on me, eh!