Single stage or base coat / clear coat?

[John Rosenberg]

I am restoring a 1964 Coupe deVille that spent too much time in the elements. This car was my father's and is all original with 53K miles. The horizontal surfaces are too far gone and no amount of wet sanding will bring them back. It's a beautiful original lime green color. Code 34. I will repaint in the original color, but I am not sure if I should do a base / clear coat or stick with the single stage lacquer. The clear coat would look fantastic, but I do not want to damage the car IF I ever want to show it. Some have even advised me not to repaint because the car is only original once. I understand this thinking but the beauty of a gorgeous finish is too compelling. Opinions on this issue are appreciated.

[John Rosenberg]

Good advice. I was concerned that a clearcoat will make the car unnaturally glossy, far more than any single stage paint job would. But I think that is the way it will look he best.

[Manuel Cerda]

With the UV protection in quality clearcoats nowadays, its hard to recommend not to go with a basecoat/clearcoat combination.  Make sure whoever does the work uses quality paints and like Mark stated, make sure they remove the old Lacquer before sealing and spraying.

[1e62mxg5u3b01]

I have been operating a restoration/custom shop for some time now and almost always suggest base/clear over single stage. You will be much happier with the results and is much easier to maintain. But as others have stated, the old lacquer must be removed to avoid chemical reactions with modern urethane, and the crazing cannot be repaired, it must be removed.