I'm nearing the time I have to chose the color for my '76 high boy. this is a higher end paint job so am going to have to live with my choice for a long time so I want to get it right.

So basically I'm looking for opinions, there is no right or wrong just opinions . normally I never change a color but normally I'm working on something where a color change would really trash the value. on a dent side I'm not sure it matters at all.

So my pickup is an XLT and it was originally Midnight blue, or Bright Dark Blue the same color. I didn't care for it, didn't back then and still don't. but I don't hate it and it's a popular color, though a base /clear match won't be easy. my other choices are the new Ford Diamond Blue or Blue Jeans. I like them both but Blue Jeans is awful dark. I've been in turmoil o this for a year and I'm still on the fence. what would you do ?

 

If you don't care for the midnight blue is there a reason you're staying in the blue family? With a high end paint job you don't have to worry about missing spots here or there and having a complete opposite color like black on red or whatever. Maybe you like blue that's great go for a blue. Does it need to be a ford blue? Have you looked at color samples at your paint shop? I like my paints with a good hint of metallic to make the paint look like it has some "depth." Honestly I think it makes or breaks some colors and blue is one of them for me

 

I have a blue interior, and I like blue so staying with blue is an easy choice for me. just which blue.

It doesn't need to be a Ford blue, it just seems after a year of searching those 2 I like best for this application. not that I'm opposed to others.

I guess at the heart of it is this, is it a big mistake to change color ? and if it's not how big of a sin is it to use a color that's not period correct or close to the original ?

 

Well honestly I think staying with blue is a good choice and I usually lean more towards blues that are medium in tone during the day and look more black at night. Of course the color also depicts how much you’ll spend on the base color itself. As far as a sin to change color from period correct or what was original is I think by the wayside these days unless you’re looking for a concourse resto or keeping the truck original as possible. I disliked my Limestone Green Metallic on my 73 so I went with a Medium Jade Metallic (not a Ford color) but ford also offered a jade metallic that was similar. In the 70s auto makers offered far many more options than we have to pick from today, so chances are that your blue you choose will look remotely close to a factory offered color anyway. Here’s my color change I just did



Limestone Green Metallic (Factory)

Medium Jade Metallic (Repaint)

 

You can't argue that's an upgrade on your rig it has lots more pop. after years of messing with B and E body Mopars the thought of color change scares me., you just don't change the color. but in the pickup and more driver car world I'm not seeing as much downside to it so that's the only reason I'm considering it. when I see a pickup painted a non original color I notice it right away, but if it's an upgrade I don't count it as a strike against it. still, it's new ground for me.

I agree with you on the medium blues that look darker in the shade. the Diamond Blue is really that way.

 

My Wind Blue with blue interior has grown on me.

 

I really liked the Bright Regatta blue that was on my 1985 Bronco. It was an uncommon color. I think it would have looked really nice if it was buffed and shiny.

 

If the truck hasn't been modified much I'd choose a color that was available on it in 76. That way you can pick a color that offers good curb appeal that you like and it will never hurt the re-sale value. Once you go with a modern color on a stock or mostly stock vehicle sometimes it can reduce the buying pool and that can lead to lower value but I know there's some speculation there. I've DEFINITELY seen it happen multiple times in the Buick world, though agree trucks attract a different demographic.
Never know where the desirability will end up on these Highboys and generally speaking ones that survive or have been restored maintaining a good level of originality will lead in value.

With a blue interior you don't have much choice because what you pick as an exterior color needs to compliment the interior...….unless you would consider an interior color change. Personally if I had any choice of color with no constraints I'd select the dark green. Always thought that really went well with the body style.
My first highboy (77) back in 80 was a dark blue and I always liked that color with the metallic so if I had a truck with a blue interior I'd be more than happy staying with dark blue.

 

If you are going with a complete color change, I say ginger metallic. Yes, you'll have to change out the interior, but those trucks look sharp and it will still look period correct.

 

My truck has a blue interior, I wish it wasn't a white truck. Have you considered a tu-tone? Or a variation of a stripe kit or one of the special paint jobs?

 

My 76 F150 is paint code I, Bahama Blue. Came from the factory that way and that's what i re-painted it. I do like blue. Sorry no pics.

 

The consideration of how stock it is otherwise is a valid one. other than the 428 CJ and the tires and wheels it's stock and highly optioned.

When I bought this rig from the 2nd owner he didn't like the original blue either so back in the early 90's he painted it a medium blue and I preferred it myself. everywhere I drove it people fell in love with it , in fact I got more comments on this pickup than I do my '70 RT/SE red Challenger. and not once did anyone say anything about the non original color, I suspect few people know and even fewer care.

Still it bugs me, I think I'll see how close they can match the original color and do a spray out. maybe in a base/clear it will appeal to me more. I'm really leaning towards the Diamond blue though.

 

I have always been partial to blues as well. For a modern color I would pick Spectra Blue, or the current generation Honda blue, I dont know what its called. Spectra Blue has a ton of pop and I had always planned on putting it on my 70 mustang. For a more classic color I have been partial to Caspian Blue, which is a ford color from 65 I think its pretty dark though.

 

My 79 F150 was Midnight blue, & still is, but with an added Wimbledon white two tone.Personally, I love it. I used R-M Diamont base, & clear. The colors match the original fine, but do have a different look due to the clear. Hard to describe, I think the single stage has a richer look. The base clear has more of a "flop" to it, changing shade more when the light changes. Or it could all be in my head (or eyes). I went with R-M as that was what I was used to using. I'm sure any of the big paint manufacturers can mix Midnight blue in base clear if that is what you choose.

Ultimately though, go with what you like, don't give a thought to what others like. Its your truck, & your opinion is the only one that matters.

Here's a couple of pics, this thing is hard to get good pictures of as the white & dark blue play havoc with the camera. The white usually ends up washing out, loosing detail.

 

Beauty in the eye of the beholder. I had a midnight blue 76 hiboy always liked the color. Something like the white panels change it completely.