I have a 76 Vette and the paint is in bad shape. It looks like it is burned out, very dull, is the best way to describe it. How can I bring it back to life, I don't have the money to repaint it?

Short answer, clay, polish, polish, polish, and wax.

Long answer... well... lets not go there yet. Do you have any pictures you can share with us of the subject? That will go a long ways in helping to diagnose any areas of concern and get you a recommendation for a direction to go with your detailing routine.

I don't know if any product outside of getting it repainted will work if it is in really bad shape.

I will post pics of problem areas tomorrow.

I don't know if any product outside of getting it repainted will work if it is in really bad shape.

You'd be surprised... but then again everyones definition of "really bad" is going to vary.

I'll wait to see the pics and go from there. Couldn't hurt to try and salvage it if he can. Dramatic turnarounds in detailing are always a lot of fun too... lots of work, but rewarding.

There comes a point when the paint is too far gone and no matter what kind of product you try to use to bring the luster back it just isn't going to do it.

How are you coming along on that? I have a car that is probably in the same boat and I am waiting to see what works for you.

Process over Product

A wax or sealant can only reflect what is underneath it, so a clean, level well-prepared surface is the most important consideration (85% of a surfaces reflectivity is its preparation) along with applied product clarity.

If you apply a product over a surface that is dirty or one that has surface imperfections a wax or sealant will not disguise it, only highlight them.

As Dylan@Adams has eluded to you'd be amazed at what a skilled paint renovation detailer can do to improve a paint surface, but there are limits-so a photograph will help to enable a proper assesment

Short answer, clay, polish, polish, polish, and wax.

Long answer... well... lets not go there yet. Do you have any pictures you can share with us of the subject? That will go a long ways in helping to diagnose any areas of concern and get you a recommendation for a direction to go with your detailing routine.

Is it possible to do this type of work with out a buffer?

Is it possible to do this type of work with out a buffer?

I'm guessing that you could but it would take alot longer.

I will post pics of problem areas tomorrow.

Can you post those photos? I'd like to see what you are working with.

Short answer, clay, polish, polish, polish, and wax.

Long answer... well... lets not go there yet. Do you have any pictures you can share with us of the subject? That will go a long ways in helping to diagnose any areas of concern and get you a recommendation for a direction to go with your detailing routine.

GREAT ANSWER! :thumbsup: Dont forget ISP Wipedowns or you will be hiding those swirls/light scratches.

You'd be surprised... but then again everyones definition of "really bad" is going to vary.

I'll wait to see the pics and go from there. Couldn't hurt to try and salvage it if he can. Dramatic turnarounds in detailing are always a lot of fun too... lots of work, but rewarding.

I had a guy bring me a car that he ran threw a hedge and told me it had light scratches in the paint :(

Process over Product

A wax or sealant can only reflect what is underneath it, so a clean, level well-prepared surface is the most important consideration (85% of a surfaces reflectivity is its preparation) along with applied product clarity.

If you apply a product over a surface that is dirty or one that has surface imperfections a wax or sealant will not disguise it, only highlight them.

As Dylan@Adams has eluded to you'd be amazed at what a skilled paint renovation detailer can do to improve a paint surface, but there are limits-so a photograph will help to enable a proper assesment

:thumbsup:

Is it possible to do this type of work with out a buffer?

It would take a lot of time, its hard to get everything out of the paint by hand polishing the paint. A buffer (pcxp, makita) comes in handy when your removing some of that hard corvette clear!

I'm guessing that you could but it would take alot longer.

Buffers simulate your hand polishing almost 1500x faster.

wow have to agree that if the paint is too far gone, too old...you may have to go with a repaint.

:rockon6rk:

Buffers simulate your hand polishing almost 1500x faster.

Wow, thats pretty crazy. I'd hate to spend 1500 hours hand buffing a car. Even if it was my vette.lol

so far my 06 isn't in need of a new paint job luckily...cause I don't have the money for that.

Well, I'd hope you wouldn't need a new paint job after only 4 years.lol

I'm proud to say my car is 19 years old and still has its original paint...........and in fairly good shape.

I'm proud to say my car is 19 years old and still has its original paint...........and in fairly good shape.

That is pretty good, if you keep doing what your supposed to and treating your paint the right way, it can last a long time.

luckily I don't have that problem...and hopefully I won't for a long time:happy0045:

Is it possible to do this type of work with out a buffer?

Only if you're on crack. Seriously.

I did this with a PC and Adam's products.


http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/meano_dirty_before.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/meano_dirty_before1.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/meano_dirty_before2.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/meano_dirty_before3.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/meano_dirty_before4.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/meano_dirty_before9.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/meano_compare.jpg

With know how and the right products, you can work wonders.

what is that from?

That is from my total paint correction series (http://www.smokinvette.com/corvetteforum/showthread.php?t=40130).