[StephenHallman]

So I have read many threads and couldn't quite find what I was looking for. The car is old, the paint is old. I don't have the money for a new paint job(I could almost get a new car for that price) so I just want to shine it up as much as possible. My main problem is that I have "discoloration." Almost like a yellowing/oranging on some panels in small areas. Plus I have random black specks of stuff that just doesn't come off with cleaning(it's not paint chips). For the most part the rest of the car looks "new," Anything I should try? I tried polishing compound on a very small area with mixed results. It seemed to brighten up that particular part more than the rest of the car.



What are you guys using? Is it something I should try doing myself or just pay for a really good detail?



Thanks

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[rl968]

You can try a clay bar for the random black specs. You cannot fix the rest by hand without killing yourself and should be using a random orbital polisher, like one made by porter cable. Might be worth it to pay for a good detail, probably $200-300. In short, you want to use a polisher and start with an orange pad with a compound like material. If that doesn't work, you can move back to a yellow pad, but that is getting into the professional area and technique is very important. If you've never done this before and your paint is in bad shape, I'd suggest leaving it to a pro.



There is some good info here:



http://autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

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[chudson]

I agree with rl968. The untrained person holding a buffer can damage paint beyond repair. Then a repaint is required. I have the advantage of being in the car business and knowing a guy who is a master with a buffer. After I had mine done a fellow PCA member thought it had been painted. A professional deteil is FAR LESS than even a poor paint job!



Make sure you get recommendations when you pick a detailer as the art of buffing a car is just that - an art. I know a lot of "detailers" who leave a car shiny but full of swirls when done. My guy can buff a black car and you can't find a swirl.

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[StephenHallman]

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like i'm off to find a really good detailer.

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[hryden]

I would also recommend having a professional detailer try first. In the right hands, there is a lot that can be done to your finish with the right products, pads and a buffer. In the wrong hands, they can burn through the clear and paint in a matter of seconds. If you are not sure where to find a good detailer, try contacting a high end body shop in your area. If they don't have someone on staff (they probably do), they can probably help you locate one.

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[Darryl]

Stephen, where are you located?

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[chudson]

Darryl you have a detail shop, correct?

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[StephenHallman]

Southern California, San Diego area

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[bva]

Stephen,

i had my paint polished by Prentice St. Clair prior to showing in the San Diego PCA concours. He's in Point Loma; not only does excellent work but took the time to teach me as well. you can find him at detailinprogress.com

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[StephenHallman]

Hi bva,



Thanks for the tip! I will give them a call and see what we can work out.

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[flash]

failing finding somebody, maybe you could pop up here and we can see what we can do - after all, the paso robles run is just around the corner, and we want her all shiny - hint hint

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[Darryl]

Yeah...too bad, wrong coast!



- Darryl

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[rhudeboye]

Show some close up day light pics of your paint. I would like to see what your working with.

The right products and technique can turn dull old paint to a bright deep shine. If you try and do it yourself, your going to spend a good amount of money in products and it will take time to learn how to use them well. However when you do, the products will pay for themselves over time. I enjoy detailing and I'm now improving my technique. I recently brought a Flex and Griots RO polisher. I have several foam pads, compounds, sealants, waxes and glazes. I can now easily remove swirls and deepen my shine.



Actually, I'd love to see before and after pics regardless of which route you take. I'm just into the detail thing now.

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[StephenHallman]

Well it's another sunny day in so cal, go figure <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/wink.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> so I will wash and take some pictures. These will be the before pictures. I am attending detail day and then show the after pictures. Hopefully they/me will be able to get it sorted out.

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[rhudeboye]

With the collective wisdom gathered at the detail day, I think you will.



This would be my plan of attack. Granted, I haven't seen a pic of your car. I'm assuming heavy oxidation and water spots.



Wash - 2 bucket technique

Clay

Compound -Megs ultimate cut is available at wallmart and most auto stores.

Polish - Megs Swirl X works as a polish as well as its not that abrasive and will take care of the haze left by the Megs UC (By now you should see the depth and clarity)

seal it. This will lock in your work for many months. Today's synthetic sealants really hold up well in the heat and in adverse weather that will quickly eliminate waxes.

wax.it - a good wax will "jewel" the paint. Giving it an eye popping shine



yes, it's a lot of work. Do the last 2 steps at your own home.

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[bva]

Megs Swirl-X is a great product for clearing spider webs. I like to chase it with Megs Crystal Polish then seal it with Optimum's Opti-Seal. I will bring it to detail day for all to sample.

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[StephenHallman]

So the weather people fail at their job and should all be fired. Can't even predict 6 hours in advance. Anyways, the sunny day today turned cloudy. Not good for picture taking. Looks like tomorrow picture will be up and hopefully it will help better direct you guys in aiding me.

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[StephenHallman]

The pictures turned out okay at best. It's hard to tell what's going on from the pictures but hopefully something will be better than nothing.

[img] http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/Ste...G_1777.jpg[/img] - left side. Has some black spots on it. I can only assume at one point it hadn't been cleaned in a really long time and it just got permanently stuck on it.



Overall paint condition



More of the black spots around different parts of the car



This is for lack of a better word, splotchiness. It's not black but it just seems like the paint is lighter/darker in areas. Almost like water spots I guess.



I use Meguiars Ultimate wash and wax. I know it's not the best but I usually don't have time and I don't have the equipment to do everything. Or the know how. Hopefully that will all change on Detail Day. So please recommend some products. I can try and take some more pictures to help show the problems. It's not most of the car. Just small spots here and there. Thanks!

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