Since it was determined a bad idea to spray clear coat on top of old paint, I need some tips on how to make my Corvairs paint shine as much as possible before H.O.T.

I've never been one for prepping a car's finish so I really don't know what to do. For example, for the past 15 years I've only washed my Buick with laundry detergent in water, and I never waxed the car.

I'm not setting my expectations high, but I don't want to be embarrassed either when we show up for H.O.T.

The things I would like to know are:
1) what products to buy?
2) what equipment to buy?
3) steps on how to do it

Tom C
NTCA
CORSA
'63 Monza Convertible

Tom - I'm a huge fan of Meguiars myself...I use all their compounds when I buff/polish fresh paint.

Check out their site, they have a video guide ~ [www.meguiars.com]

You can get an inexpensive buffer for about $20 at an autozone or walmart.

Pat

no need for a buffer i use their 3 step system will make almost any paint shine it uses a cleaner wax and polish just takes some work on your part and paint should shine nicely

once you get it buffed/shiny etc, for regular washing Armor All makes an insane product that you mix with the water , wash the car , then buff it dry with a towel- you would swear you spent 6 hours waxing it and it stays that way for weeks. Great stuff, not sure what they call it


1969 Monza Coupe
1966 Nader Invader !
1966 Monza Coupe
www.vaircooled.com
I love Corvairs
Ohio

if it's the original paint it's a lacqer that should come back out to a reasonable shine,,

Laundry detergent is probably kind of harsh for car paint, usually dish washing detergent is the strongest stuff you want to use

here is the stuff- it is amazing

[www.armorall.com]


1969 Monza Coupe
1966 Nader Invader !
1966 Monza Coupe
www.vaircooled.com
I love Corvairs
Ohio

the difference in these pics is the armor all wash , wonder if it shows up here like it does in reality





1969 Monza Coupe
1966 Nader Invader !
1966 Monza Coupe
www.vaircooled.com
I love Corvairs
Ohio

Cepak:

When you wash your car after polishing it and waxing it, do not use laundry detergent. It will strip off wax and negate your hard work. Use products previously mentioned. They work well and will leave the wax intact.

Ask me how I know!

Jim Johnson
Chandler, Arizona

I second the Mequiar's!!!! I used the 3 step on my 63 and it looks awesome!! Can't beat it!!!!

D Clouser
Auburn Hills, MI
dclouser@mac.com
1963 Monza Coupe w/PG, all stock, 2500 miles
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - Eat your hearts out
[gallery.mac.com]

Scott - that's pretty impressive! Looks real good!!

Thanks -I bet you are just itchin' to flame it !


1969 Monza Coupe
1966 Nader Invader !
1966 Monza Coupe
www.vaircooled.com
I love Corvairs
Ohio

ScottS Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Thanks -I bet you are just itchin' to flame it !

Scott,
I'd be careful how you say "flame-it"
Could get mis-interpreted! Double

Try this site for auto detailing.....
[autopia.org]

Bill (B.Y)
1965 Corsa 180 (at the body/paint shop)
2001 BMW 740i Sport
1994 Chevy Conversion Van
2009 Subaru Forester (wife's car)

Pittsburgh, Pa.

We are a an Adams Polish and Care Detail product Dealer.

Great stuff!! Used by the high end car detailers. We have complete buckets in the shop with washes, waxes, clay bars, detail spray, Rubber Vinyl and top cleaner/protectant, microfiber cloths and applicators.

The VRT and Detail polish is really impressive! Used the VRT on dash pads, door panels and convertible tops. Looks wet but is totally dry and NO Oily/Greasy feeling. All the products have a pleasant smell also. (the detail spray smells like strawberry!!)

Have used the detail spray on cars after they have come in for service and customers are always amazed and impressed with the way the car looks when it leaves!!

You can buy just parts or complete detail buckets, Special on detail spray and microfiber cloths.

This is a must for your show cars and show car prep.

Call the shop and ask for Phil, he is the expert on the polishes an detail bucket.

Regards,
Marco
LCPI
(310)970-9233

Scott - I was thinking how some electric blue pearl ghost flames would look killer over that yellow....how'd ya know?

My Corvair hardly needs Meguiar's yet - it's still in the rubbing compound phase. I have used their products on the one Land Rover and the Triumph, both of which actualy have a paint finish worth polishing and waxing.

On the Land Rover, I've used Liquid Glass on top of the final waxing. It can be applied in the sun and heat, in fact, it's better for it. You apply a few coats and it provides a remarkable protective finish. Unlike carnuba waxes, it does not work its way into the paint and bring out any additional shine, but it protects the final finish. It lasts a lot longer than any carnuba wax final coat than I've ever used and lasts for at least a season. Off roading, it really protects the surface from branches and muddy banks.

Jeff

Jeff Aronson
Vinalhaven, Maine 04863
'66 Corvair Monza Coupe 110 hp 4-speed
'66 Land Rover Series II-A 88" SW
'66 Land Rover Series II-A 88" HT
'80 Triumph TR-7 Spider
[www.landroverwriter.com]

IMHO would not think about trying to do this manually. With old paint it needs to be buffed......Use a low speed buffer,a light cut foam pad & a light buffing compound like 3M's perfect-it II.

With this cmbination a beginner can't go wrong. After that you can wax. Don't put a lot of money into chemicals.

If you want further advice go to a painting forum & ask away.

Don Meyer

Don, Mech Engr(retired)
Central Florida
64 Corvair vert
66 Rolls Royce(chevy drivetrain)
48 GMC chopped extended cab

I agree with Don - by hand you will not get the results, and it will take you an eternity (and some sore muscels for sure!)

Tom,

Long weekend coming up next weekend, Bring her to my house and we can buff and shine her. I have a good selection of Meguiars Products and a good buffer.

Chris
Rowlett, Tx
NTCA - North Texas Corvair Association
CORSA
'64 Monza 'vert

That's a good offer, Tom!