[brantley847]

I know this is a cosmetic discussion but figured I’d get better input in the ZL1 thread.

The decision has been made to go ZL1, I’m waiting to see what any refresh may look like if it hits next MY. I honestly don’t recall struggling this much with color selection on the 5th gen. Any regrets for you guys that went black as far as paint maintenance or overall appearance? I saw one in person but it was not kept very clean. In pictures where the car is clean and detailed the black looks incredible in pictures .... but is there any regret not going white or red to have contrast and show more detail lines that may not show in black ?

I don’t think I would go black for any other trim except maybe the aggressive front end of the SS with front splitter

[itsadryheat79]

Nope - my 2010 was Black then AGM for the 12 ZL1 and BackNBlack for the 18 ZL1 1LE

[Michael52]

Originally Posted by brantley847

I know this is a cosmetic discussion but figured I’d get better input in the ZL1 thread.

The decision has been made to go ZL1, I’m waiting to see what any refresh may look like if it hits next MY. I honestly don’t recall struggling this much with color selection on the 5th gen. Any regrets for you guys that went black as far as paint maintenance or overall appearance? I saw one in person but it was not kept very clean. In pictures where the car is clean and detailed the black looks incredible in pictures .... but is there any regret not going white or red to have contrast and show more detail lines that may not show in black ?

Personal preference as always. For what it's worth, this car just looks so mean and aggressive in black that for me there was no other choice. Didn't even cross my mind. With a good ceramic coat , the car is easy to keep clean and looks awesome. But to each their own... regardless the car is amazing and a blast to drive. Have fun!

[Infern0]

I had my black 5th gen for 7 years and about mid-way through I was really lamenting that it was so difficult to find a tasteful way to add contrast to set it apart. This in addition to the standard pain of keeping it clean and the micro-swirls which are virtually unavoidable. My advise is, if this is something you've already had doubts about, you'll come to regret it eventually. It may be a year or two down the road though.

I went white this time for the same reason.

[greaser2]

I think it’s odd to have black paint with mosaic black trim. Don’t understand why chevy did this. But wheel look doesn’t make sense either.

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by Michael52

Personal preference as always. For what it's worth, this car just looks so mean and aggressive in black that for me there was no other choice. Didn't even cross my mind. With a good ceramic coat , the car is easy to keep clean and looks awesome. But to each their own... regardless the car is amazing and a blast to drive. Have fun!

I will admit, when its clean the front fascia of the ZL1 in black is incredible and I agree...it is absurdly aggressive. I believe a recent journalist said the front fascia of the Gen 6 ZL1 was the best looking front end on the market for that exact reason. I wish the one I saw at my gym didn't look like the owner take it mudding before rolling in.

Originally Posted by Infern0

I had my black 5th gen for 7 years and about mid-way through I was really lamenting that it was so difficult to find a tasteful way to add contrast to set it apart. This in addition to the standard pain of keeping it clean and the micro-swirls which are virtually unavoidable. My advise is, if this is something you've already had doubts about, you'll come to regret it eventually. It may be a year or two down the road though.

I went white this time for the same reason.

If I were to go black, I probably would throw that ceramic coating on it. The problem is I have to budget for another couple Gs to make that happen versus just going white and throwing a coat of wax on it. Obviously, I need to do more research regarding this as I have only heard about it in passing at car shows. It is garage kept and would be a weekend warrior as I have a work issued vehicle... so that does help lessen the fear of maintenance a bit. If it was a DD, I would be going white.

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by greaser2

I think it’s odd to have black paint with mosaic black trim. Don’t understand why chevy did this. But wheel look doesn’t make sense either.

If I go white or red, I am probably going to paint the wheels high gloss black. I do like the design, but not a fan of that off silver hue.

[Dangler]

I bought black, put a clear bra on the front (xpel) and ceramic coated it. It looks fantastic and is super easy to clean.

Its for sale, but my next car will follow the same steps. Lets face it, black is the best color on a mean looking car. A clear bra and ceramic coating addresses all the concerns!

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by Dangler

I bought black, put a clear bra on the front (xpel) and ceramic coated it. It looks fantastic and is super easy to clean.

Its for sale, but my next car will follow the same steps. Lets face it, black is the best color on a mean looking car. A clear bra and ceramic coating addresses all the concerns!

What was the reason you didn't just ceramic coat the entire car and forgo the bra? If you don't mind me asking, what was the cost to ceramic coat the entire car? That may be what helps me pull the trigger.

[SoCal Racer]

I really wanted a black ZL1. It just really looks mean, but one of the things that I did not like with the black color on the ZL1 was that it made the Carbon Fiber heat extractor on the hood disappear. That is by far one of the signature pieces visually on a ZL1...if you take that away, to the average person, it looks just like any other 6th gen Camaro. But that Carbon Fiber hood needs to stand out and you just don't get that in black except may be standing up close. With any other color that Carbon Fiber just pops out even from a distance. One of the reasons I am not a fan of the Matte wrapped hood on the ZL1 1LE...again it just hides that Carbon Fiber. I ended up getting Red Hot, nothing stands out like Red anyways...just ask a Police Officer

[Dangler]

The ceramic coating helps with small rock chips at debris hitting the front, but that's really not its intended purpose, hence the reason for Xpel. It will actually protect it from nicks, etc. Self healing too (so they say).

Biggest reason for Xpel on the front is because of bugs. So easy to wipe off with Xpel. Not sure if its as easy with the ceramic coating because its my first car with it on. This is the second car with a clear bra on it - my 2000 Land Cruiser has it and its indispensable - I won't live with out it now.

Because I put the ceramic coating on right away, there wasn't much paint correction. So I got a deal on it for $600, which I think is a steal (2 coats too). I think the guy had some free time so he wanted some work instead of sitting idle. The Xpel on the front of the car was like $1200 I believe? So i'm $2k into paint protection and it makes a huge difference.

The car is in the garage, parked, so I could get some pics for you, but its pretty dusty. LMK if I can help in any way.

-Brett

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by Dangler

The ceramic coating helps with small rock chips at debris hitting the front, but that's really not its intended purpose, hence the reason for Xpel. It will actually protect it from nicks, etc. Self healing too (so they say).

Biggest reason for Xpel on the front is because of bugs. So easy to wipe off with Xpel. Not sure if its as easy with the ceramic coating because its my first car with it on. This is the second car with a clear bra on it - my 2000 Land Cruiser has it and its indispensable - I won't live with out it now.

Because I put the ceramic coating on right away, there wasn't much paint correction. So I got a deal on it for $600, which I think is a steal (2 coats too). I think the guy had some free time so he wanted some work instead of sitting idle. The Xpel on the front of the car was like $1200 I believe? So i'm $2k into paint protection and it makes a huge difference.

The car is in the garage, parked, so I could get some pics for you, but its pretty dusty. LMK if I can help in any way.

-Brett

Cool, I appreciate it. I plan on doing it almost immediately after pick up so correction should be minimal if the dealer does shat all over it but I got a few months to figure it out.

[brantley847]

Originally Posted by SoCal Racer

I really wanted a black ZL1. It just really looks mean, but one of the things that I did not like with the black color on the ZL1 was that it made the Carbon Fiber heat extractor on the hood disappear. That is by far one of the signature pieces visually on a ZL1...if you take that away, to the average person, it looks just like any other 6th gen Camaro. But that Carbon Fiber hood needs to stand out and you just don't get that in black except may be standing up close. With any other color that Carbon Fiber just pops out even from a distance. One of the reasons I am not a fan of the Matte wrapped hood on the ZL1 1LE...again it just hides that Carbon Fiber. I ended up getting Red Hot, nothing stands out like Red anyways...just ask a Police Officer

Absolutely, and that thought wasn't lost in my process. The hood extractor (whether carbon or black), the side skirts, splitter, and I was probably going to replace the spoiler with the wicker model that I believe ACS offers that is commonly seen on the SS 1LE.. those would all be black contrast elements plus black painted wheels... I am genuinely torn between the contrast or the mean ass look of all black. I will admit, I think the contrast looks better on a new car. Once the new car appeal wears off, I think black increases the longevity aesthetics... but again, it comes with the constant maintenance to do so whereas red and white could probably maintain fine with my wax and sealant that I had been using on my 5th.

[jbp8653]

Got Mosaic Black 17' about 5 months ago. Work for a large dealership chain ( 28 years) with 2 Chevy stores. Was the only ZL1 with the A10 we had. My first choice was Hyper Blue. So I took what we had. Don't regret it at all. Pain to keep clean but I think it looks bad azzzz. Thinking about getting it ceramic coated.