i have had my monte for a little over a year. Its a 2001 black with the 3800. when i first received it; it had the seats torn ,window on the passenger was not functioning, and some paint issues along with a cracked bumper. I also had a minor set back when my car was vandalized while i was at work about a month or two after i had gotten it. the damage wasn't terrible but they still managed to set me back with windshield replacement and i have yet to fix my sunroof. As of now i have fixed the seats, tires replaced about 10 months ago, new radiator along with new hoses, engine rebuild and two new pistons, some new senors one for the traction system and i cant remember the other one, fixed the window by replacing the window buttons, and i recently replaced the brake pads. I had tons of pictures of the repairs on my phone but my memory card got erased when i was playing around with some magnets. and the car isn't going to be with me for a another week or so because when i had the pistons put in the machine shop that did the work did a sloppy job and its been for quite some time.

the rebuild and radiator and to have new pistons was about 2gs and some change because it was mostly parts and my cousin did me a favor by doing most of labor. my dad told me in hindsight i should have just bought a new motor since cost wise its almost the same.

anyways my father decided to pay for a new paint job for my car for my birthday, because he says he sees the love that i have for that car and it reminded him and his 82 camaro.

sorry for the lengthy update. anyways im looking for some advice on the color i want to keep it black but i don't want the stock color i was thinking more of a tuxedo black and i was also seeking some input. also the black on my dash has a really nasty faded tone to it , is there a way to get that restored without replacing the vinyl.

 

Black lends itself nicely to hidden tones.

Black Amethyst on the 2006 model was BEAUTIFUL.

 

HI Santo's: Keeping your car Black is going to be cheaper. Cause it if you went to Blue or Red You then have to paint the inside door sills & under the hood and under the trunk lid. Right there is a lot of time and labor. So if you keep it close to what you have now. The easier and cheaper it will be for your Dad. If you look up in some of the restoration calalogs. You'll find ways to re finish your dash. Or just Google it. There's dyes you can use to bring it back to life. Once you do that. My advice is to cover it when parked in the Sun. They do make dash covers for all cars & trucks. GOOD LUCK with your Monte and be sure to post pictures when you can.