Time to give the paintwork some attention

[Dave3066]

Hi Folks

Meet my latest toy:

I bought this following a number of recommendations from another classic car forum as I wanted to spruce up the paint finish on my car. The finish is ok but there are lots of swirls and scratches from polishing and washing over the years. I got this polisher from here and as you can see it's not cheap! However it's dual action so it oscillates as well as rotates so prevents burning the paint and making the scratches worse. The kit comes with a selection of pads and compounds and I downloaded a guide to dual action polishing from here so I could do a bit of research before having a go.

I've started with the boot as that has loads of swirl marks as you can see below:

The machine in action:

Almost finished:

Bit better now:

Here is a before and after shot of the boot so you can see the difference it makes.

Before

After

I'm going to work my way around the car doing it a panel at a time over the next few weekends. Make sure you bring your shades to Beamish 8)

Dave

 

[DaveHerns]

Is it taking a lot of the old paint off ?

 

[Dave3066]

Is it taking a lot of the old paint off ?

Dave

It isn't taking any paint off. The topmost layers of glaze are all that get removed.....provided you don't go at it too hard!

Dave

 

[John]

I would love to use one of these, but I haven't the bottle, I have the delicate touch of a gorilla panel beating with a 4lb hammer, and I cannot afford a respray.

 

[Dave3066]

John

It's pretty easy to use and very controllable. Very little pressure required, just the weight of the machine is sufficient on horizontal panels. Starting with the finest compound and pad ensures you don't take too much off with the first pass.

Dave

 

[testrider]

Nice work Dave, don't forget to get plenty of wax on afterwards to seal in that shine.

 

[DaveHerns]

Topmost layers of glaze ? Is this car lacquered over the base coat ?

 

[V8P6B]

These polishers are great, but a word to the wise... keep them well away from swage lines, and edges, they'll go through the paint in no time at these places.. I use a water trigger spray with them as well.. keps the mop cool.

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Hello Dave,

That does look good doesn't it... Is that the original duco Dave?

I couldn't help but notice...your bicycle, Campagnolo equipped too... I hope you don't mind, but can I ask please,...your saddle,..is there a reason why it is sooo far forward?

Ron.

 

[testrider]

Looks like he could do with an inline seat post.

 

[Dave3066]

That does look good doesn't it... Is that the original duco Dave?

Hi Ron

Having only had the car 2 years in May I've no idea if the finish is original or not. Once I get round to contacting the previous owners for some more history it'll be one of the questions I ask.

your saddle,..is there a reason why it is sooo far forward?

Because that's where it's comfortable

Looks like he could do with an inline seat post.

Maybe :idea:

I really don't do as much cycling as I used to, more down to a lack of time than anything else. There's always something else that needs to be done at weekends and I work quite long days so it's difficult to work up the motivation to anything other than relax when I get in.

Dave

 

[vaultsman]

That does look impressive, Dave...I might invest in one sometime as I've got a few swirls to contend with. I'll inspect the results at Beamish...avec shades of course!

Elbow grease for now though!

 

[Dave3066]

I've been doing more work to the paint over the last couple of weekends and so far I've done the boot, bonnet and the whole near side of the car. The bonnet took ages, about 3 hours with the DA polisher but the results are pretty impressive.

I think I've been bitten by the detailing bug as I've gone out and bought all this polishing and finishing stuff and now employ the 2 bucket wash method. Got myself a wookie fist to wash with and a couple of microfibre towels to dry. Anyway pictures speak a thousand words so here are a few.

Dodo Juice Supernatural wax (brilliant stuff!)

It's amazing the difference in feel when washing the waxed areas over the panels I haven't done yet. the wash mit glides over the paint and the water runs straight off when rinsing.

Fingers crossed for a sunny day tomorrow for Drive it Day

Dave

 

[harveyp6]

Lookin' good!

That should shut up all those people who think Mexico's a horrible colour!

 

[rockdemon]

That's definitely a great finish

That should shut up all those people who think Mexico's a horrible colour!

Brown's coming back... Saw a brand new peugeot in metallic brown just this week!

 

[Demetris]

Lookin' good!

That should shut up all those people who think Mexico's a horrible colour!

Yep, 'cause it's not a colour anymore, it's a mirror!

 

[chrisyork]

Time and effort very well spent! Are you going for a trophy at Beamish?

Chris

 

[bri p6b v8]

That looks very good indeed Dave well done mate

 

[Dave3066]

Time and effort very well spent! Are you going for a trophy at Beamish?

Chris

No Chris

It takes a bit more than shiney paint to win a trophy. I just want my car to look as good as it can

Dave

 

[testrider]

That should shut up all those people who think Mexico's a horrible colour!

I quite agree. Good work Dave. Shiney paint is easier to keep clean too.