Hi guys,

spent about 3 hours using a cleaner wax on my car last week, and the original paint looks pretty good. I can still see some spots that might need something a little stronger, and was wondering how to go about this.

• Should I use a polishing compound (by hand or use some kind of electric "do-hicky"
  
  Any specific brands that are good or to be avoided? (I used Meguiars and Zymol cleaner waxes)
  • I ask because all of the waxes I have are "clear coat safe" and thought maybe this older paint needs something different.
    
    Enlighten me detailing fiends!
    
    MJ

NewLancerMan, for you, Is wax wax? I mean, to you- does it matter what kind of wax you use? Do you have a particular favorite. I use plane jane 3 dollar turtle wax and some people see it as the cheap wax and say go with Mcguiers or mothers. I think its all in the name because i cant tell the difference.

nope i'm not married to any kind of wax. What I wanted to know is how do you recondition paint that hasn't been cared for in 25 years? Beyond just using wax, what is the process?

I assume that people used some kind of polishing compound to really get rid of the oxidation and crap on the top. The wax did a good job, but its not fully "there" if you get me. I still have some cloudy spots on it, etc

MJ

oops, sorry i should've read your post better. Do you have or are able to borrow a buffer? If so 3m has a product called Finess-It 2. My buddy used it on his 64 dart (origional paint) and before the paint was sandy looking with water spots on the roof,trunk and hood. A couple hours later it looked like he got a new paintjob. Waterspots were gone and the car looked brighter.

I'm sure I can find one. I know a friend of mine has one of those cheap ones you buy at the auto parts store that puts a little 4" bonnet on the end. I'll see what I can find. Thanks for the recommendation!

MJ

id be careful using an electric buffer. if ur paint is thin you could rub all the way through it. i was told to do all waxing/buffing on my car by hand. thats just what ive been told by a few body shops.

ah...ok!

How about some recommendations on polishing compounds. I dont want anything too harsh, just want to refresh this good looking original paint.

MJ

i got some spots on my car that i took out with some 3M polishing compound. i dont remember what its name was or the numbers for it. I just know it was 3M and it was the least abrasive thing that i could get. it worked great.

get some white poliishing compound... hand rub ..then wax ...stay away from buffer unless you expeienced with one .. they can rub thru paint quickly

Well, we all have to start somewhere. I remember the first time I bought an oil filter I bought some random one off the shelf, then returned it because it didnt fit as the NAPA parts man laughed at me. I remembered that this weekend as I was finishing "rat-rod" headers for my sl6.