Just want to clean up single stage paint.

[5.4 Shelby]

Hi Mike (and anyone else reading this),

I read through your articles on restoring single stage paint. I am not really looking to restore the paint on this car, I just want to clean it up as best I can without damaging it.

I have a wide selection of polishes, polishers and pads, but, am planning to only work by hand on this one. It is original factory paint and somewhat thin.

I will be picking up this beauty in the next few weeks. I want to be ready to start on it the day I get it. So, I am asking early in order to order the proper products.

This is (soon to be) my unrestored original 1966 Mustang Coupe. The paint is in good shape overall. Not noticeably oxidized. It is, however, very thin appearing. I have not measured using my PTG, but, as you can see, the edges are showing through a little. As this is an unrestored original, I do not want to repaint it. In fact, the patina gives it a lot of character.



It looks real good from 20 feet. When you get closer, however, you can see the thin paint on the edges. Also, there is a lot of grime on the paint.



If you magnify this picture, you can see the spots and discoloration in the paint (I hope you can anyway).

My plan is to waterless wash, use a mild clay, then hand polish to get the shop dirt, etc out. I just want to brighten the paint. Not looking for a mirror finish.

Do you have any suggestion on the safest clay and hand polish for such a fragile and precious project?

Do you have any other suggestions for technique or product?

Thank you for all that you do for the car community.

Kevin.

[Mike Phillips]

For a detailing clay, the Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay is an Ultra Fine clay.

To brighten the paint and clean it up a little you could use any high quality light cleaning cleaner/wax. This will clean, polish and seal the paint while maximizing the gloss.

I like your idea of keeping it simple.

Avoid rubbing on or around any of the thin spots you you'll see them grow.

[5.4 Shelby]

Thanks Mike. I will review the cleaner waxes Autogeek offers and choose one. I'm sure more questions will arise such as chrome care, etc. I will repost in this thread. I appreciate you being there for a nervous first time classic car owner.

[5.4 Shelby]

I finalized the deal on the Mustang. It should be ready for me to pick up Thu.

I ordered Meg's #7 with my order. Do you think it is a good idea to use #7 even though the paint isn't really oxidized? Or is glossy paint, healthy paint? Will it help replenish the oils in the 50 year old paint? Should I do that step prior to polishing (cleaner wax) or after?

I ended up ordering Megs #6 Cleaner wax and Collonite #ss126. I will try each and decide which I like best.

So my current plan is:

All by hand

Waterless wash
Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay
Meg's #7 heavy application (if you think this is a good idea)
Meg's #6 or Collonite #ss126
Maybe a final coat of LSP like Collonite 845?
Admire my work and enjoy new car immensely.

Sound like a good plan?