original 73 riveria blue buffing question

[Guest gliding_serpent]

The years have faded the original riviera blue paint on our 73' Tii, in addition to some wax buildup. Is it worth getting buffed off? My worry isthat the oxidation will just return in 6 months or so, as I have been warned that it is often the case (it is garaged).

Words of wisdom and experiences would be apprecieated.

[tbrduc]

Funny..just yesterday I called a friend at a local body shop with the same question.

Here's some data for you.

He said "for about $200 we can buff, glaze and seal that little car".

But it will only look as good as the paint that was on it.

I don't have a spare $200 now so I'll just do it by hand, for now.

[Guest gliding_serpent]

is the original paint enamel?

[tbrduc]

that's not the original paint. Ours was over-sprayed with poor prep.

The data was just an approximate cost to do a proper buff/polish/seal.

[Guest gliding_serpent]

Interesting.

Original paint is 1 step enamel that is not clear-coated or sealed, at least as far as i know.

[tbrduc]

well..'splain it to a car-paint person. My guy said it would look as good as the prep and as long as it's not too oxidized, requiring thinning it out by buffing, with proper waxing it would hold up.

You asked for some input..that's all I can offer.

Again, another time in life..I might opt for the $200, in MY case.

:-)

[Guest gliding_serpent]

Thanks for all your input. I am doing my best to find the best protective option post buff given the paint that is on it.

Digging deeper, turns out that our situations are not so different, it was oversprayed around 90 with enamel from the 3.0l cs, by bmw. The color is a touch darker than the original riveria blue.

The plot thickens.

[tbrduc]

I have always been a fan of just carnauba wax..no cleaner or polisher. Simply..Yellow Wax. Looks and feels like butter.

This stuff: http://www.detailsupplyoutlet.com/item.htm?item_num=196

Of course, there's always Zymol..with the enzymatic emolients. :-)

[nbcbird]

Yes, interesting. The rear quarter panel looks like Riviera, but the rest of the body looks like a totally different color blue.

[John_in_VA]

and safer, if you have no experience. But you will have to write a check. You will (usually) not be able to achieve the same effect by hand.

Klasse All In One is a chemical cleaner that can remove oxidation, water spots, and other surface imperfections, and leaves behind an acrylic layer of protection that lasts months.

Pinnacle Paintwork Cleansing Lotion uses a combination of gloss-enhancing oils and micro-fine fillers to polish your car without abrasives. Simply wipe it on, allow a haze to form, and buff gently. Minor swirls and surface imperfections disappear like magic. Your car's finish will emerge bright and clean, ready for your favorite wax or sealant/protectant.

P21S Gloss Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser is another pre-wax cleaner and polish, made from a special blend of cleansing agents.

[tbrduc]

Yes, interesting. The rear quarter panel looks like Riviera, but the rest of the body looks like a totally different color blue.

That's not his car..it's mine. It was anthracite and PO had it sprayed. Terrible prep job.

[Guest gliding_serpent]

My car can be seen in a thread called "73 2002tii new to the forum" or something along those lines...

Thanks for all the help.

More hunting and it looks like the overspray was base clear.

[jgerock]

The most rewarding thing you can do to any vehicle is clean and polish the paint.

If you are leery of burning the paint on the edges using a buffer, then start by hand polishing the finish using straight back and forth motions, never circular. This of course, assumes you have washed the car of all the crap which can grind into the surface.

These are pics of the side of my 2000 Honda Accord Coupe with 211K miles. It stays outside except for when I park in the airport garage.

[M2M3M3]

from another thread i posted on my e30...lapis blau..

before..sitting unwashed outside for years ...

after an hour working on the finish on the hood and front fenders by hand.

Two passes with 3m rubbing compound

One pass meguires fine cut cleaner

One pass meguires paint cleaner

One pass meguires paint cleaner/wax.

I am sure JimG's buffer will do a nicer job, and be easier, but I wanted to find out what the art of the possible was. i am NOT a pro at this ... not even close.

[Koblenz]

Not a fan of the buffer. I know I will never do and I'm kinda uncomfortable having it done.

I am a supporter of clay, fine polish and carnuba.

As old as ur paint is I'm not sure about the polish I would try a small spot in the middle of the roof with clay and wax. If u screw up, chances of someone seeing it on the roof are small.

I MUCH, MUCH, alot MUCH prefer P21S carnuba. It's like taking your car to a spa.

Good luck!