55 Original Paint - Heavy Oxidation

[55BelAir]

Lots of paint, but heavy oxidation on gypsy red of 55 Bel Air.


Novice at this. Started with Cal Gold Clay Kit. Minimal effectiveness, but saw I was on right track. Next used Speed Clay 2.0. Worked better, but I was exhausted after working 3 hours just to do 1/8 of roof.


Just tried a polishing compound, not much better than speed clay.


Seeking recommendations for best:
--oxy cutting polish and lubricants

--oxy rotary (Ryobi angle grinder) OR vibrating (Porter Cable) pads.


Thanks for your help. This was grandma's car. I got lucky, and want to treat the car right.

[admin]

Sometimes heavy oxidation means the paint is dead; sometimes not. Is it original paint? If not, when was it repainted (and with what type of paint) and when did it last look shiny?

Clay generally is not meant to remove oxidation -- though it may remove the dust that doesn't wash off.

For oxidation like you are describing, a rubbing compound like our fast cut Professional Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound and a commercial-grade machine may be in order.

Muscle Car Review magazine on the Hot Rod Network just published a nice article that covers paint restoration like this.

http://www.hotrod.com/articles/finis...years-storage/

[farseer]

You should apply wax after applying washing and polishing your car. It helps protect it from harsh elements.

[admin]

Yes, absolutely wax after any claying, polishing or compounding.

[farseer]

What wax do you guys use?

[rowben]

I like using Mothers California Gold Brazilian Carnauba. Just apply a small amount and don't leave for too long so that it can be easily removed.