Paint Neglection: My Project

[turb0z]

I picked up a 1997 Eclipse from a childhood friend of mine. He loved the car but for the past 6-7 years he didn't really maintain it. Right now it's garaged due to the mechanical work that needs to be done with it, but the paint is something I need to definitely look in to fixing.

I've used Meguiars on my cars for years. I've always dealt with cars with an already clean finish so I've spent my time just maintaining, never restoring. I've been doing some research and I'm pretty sure I know what I need to do.

That said, I'm hoping that someone here can re-affirm my thoughts on the process to follow.

First, the really bad spots:



Minus the dust, you'll see the reflection from the trunk lid is significantly better than the spoiler. The spoiler is in pretty bad shape (very oxidized).



Speaks for itself...

Here's the process I was going to follow:

Wash
Clay
Ultimate Compound
Wax

Is there anything else that you guys can recommend I do to try and remedy these two bad spots? Overall the car's paint is in really good shape, just needs some TLC. Just these two things that need some special attention.

Thanks!

[yalerd]

Re: Paint Neglection: My Project

In the second picture, seems like you have clear coat failure.
If it´s this, then there is really no way to fix it other than repainting the panel.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Paint Neglection: My Project

I was thinking the same thing. Oxidation would indicate a single stage paint. Do the color test and determine if it's clear coat or single stage.

[b00g2003]

Re: Paint Neglection: My Project

In the second picture, seems like you have clear coat failure.
If it´s this, then there is really no way to fix it other than repainting the panel.

Check out this thread, they pretty much cover everything in it.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ad.php?t=29024

good luck!!!

[turb0z]

Re: Paint Neglection: My Project

Hmm, interesting.

Thanks for the link b00g, tons of great info in that thread. I was hoping that this wasn't actual clear coat failure. I've never really had to deal with a car with paint problems before so I just hoped it was severe oxidation that could be fixed.

I guess I'm in for a bigger ride than I thought I was in. I knew I'd have to repaint parts of the body anyway, so I'll just add this to the list of things to repaint. I still need to give the car itself a nice once-over and I'm excited to start working on that. I think that will be a huge transformation in itself once I can get the rest of the paint healthy again.

[b00g2003]

Re: Paint Neglection: My Project

Hmm, interesting.

Thanks for the link b00g, tons of great info in that thread. I was hoping that this wasn't actual clear coat failure. I've never really had to deal with a car with paint problems before so I just hoped it was severe oxidation that could be fixed.

I guess I'm in for a bigger ride than I thought I was in. I knew I'd have to repaint parts of the body anyway, so I'll just add this to the list of things to repaint. I still need to give the car itself a nice once-over and I'm excited to start working on that. I think that will be a huge transformation in itself once I can get the rest of the paint healthy again.

No problem, Clearcoat failure is not the end of the world

Good luck with the project!!! I was lead painter in a shop for a while and worked in several rod shops and resto shops. My passion for detailing when I was younger is what got me interested and lead to my profession in the trade. Maybe this will lead to you having a paint gun in your hands!!

Shoot me a PM if you need anything!!!

Thanks..