Hand "buffing" older car

[texczech]

I have just acquired a 1959 Cadillac with a good, but dull, probably original paint job. I would like to get the shine back, and would like to try to hand buff/polish or what ever to begin the process. Any good tips/procedures/ supplies and chemicals to use? Thanks for any advice!

[TMQ]

Do exactly this!!!

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...nal-paint.html

Tom

[2black1s]

I haven't done a car like this in a while but when doing so my first step is usually a thorough washing/scrubbing using Comet cleanser. The cleanser makes quick work of removing the dead oxidized paint. After the cleanser treatment then proceed in a more traditional process such as a Megs #7 treatment (Mike Phillips has threads on this), compounding/polishing as required, followed by your choice of LSP.

The process by hand is actually pretty much the same as by machine, it's just a lot harder work and much more time consuming.

Another tip for choosing your LSP depending on the condition of the paint... In many case old paint like this can exhibit cracking, crazing, lacquer checking, and the like. If your paint does contain these types of defects many traditional LSPs can get into the defects and then turn white as they dry out. In these cases I stay away from traditional LSPs and use some type of liquid protectant (think Armor All) that has an oily nature to it. The protectant will seep into the cracks and eliminate and/or minimize the whitening effect.

[TMQ]

another...

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-original.html

Tom

[2black1s]

Hey TMQ... You must be scratching your head reading my posts over the last few days. Between my praises for the California Car Duster and now my "Comet" cleanser recommendation you must be envisioning me as a bull in a China shop. LOL.

[SWETM]

Read thrue the links Tom gave you and follow them to point. I am sure that Mike answers the questions you might have.

Meguiars #7 followed by test spots and start with the least aggressive polish and pads. I would clean the car with a waterless wash and take good time on you.

For lsp I would recommend to get a natuaral wax if it is a garage queen. And be open for changes as you go since that can be hard to say what exactly works for that car. So look at how the paint reacts and get as much as information you can to handle the things that comes.

[FUNX650]

“Comet" cleanser recommendation...

To paraphrase Mike Phillips:
”...it would also only be for some-
thing you didn't really care about...”:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...-question.html


Bob

[TMQ]

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...t=#post1245752

See post #2, 7th picture: Said that machine polishing did not work. Hand rubbing #7 actually was better.

Tom

[TMQ]

Hey TMQ... You must be scratching your head reading my posts over the last few days. Between my praises for the California Car Duster and now my "Comet" cleanser recommendation you must be envisioning me as a bull in a China shop. LOL.

Lol....!

Damn bulls! Chuckle...

Tom

[texczech]

My Caddy's paint looks just like this, but some sort of blue- No checking or rust spots, just mostly dull.