Well the next item on the list, after getting the brakes bled and tires on (last weekend) was to start "de-pinking" the car. The paint was heavily oxidized.
I've snapped some before and current shots. No wax on the car yet, and all work done by hand, my rotary buffer or DA polisher haven't been touched. Before I chewed up pads and heavy buffing compound, I decided to see what can be done with the following:
- Wash vehicle through Kwik Trip Car wash (best one without wax applied)
- Mother's California Gold Claybar using Mother's Quick Detailer as lubricant
- Meguiars Ultimate Compound, applied with 4.5" terry cloth hand pads
- Meguiars Deep Crystal System Polish, applied with 4.5" microfiber hand pads
Still to come:
-2 Stage Wax with DA polisher (really helps "set" the was in to the Polish)
The area's I've "worked" have been the roof, rear engine cover and side covers, trunk lid, spoiler, and the A and C pillars. They are done through the above 4 steps
Still need to do:
- Front Fenders
- Doors
- Rear panels
- Front Bumper
- Rear Bumper
- Carbon Fiber Hood (this will be a learning experience as the clear is kind of nasty, I may use Mequiars Crystal System Paint Cleaner as it isn't as abrasive as the Ultimate I've found)
- Mirrors (missing a lot of clear, may just buy red ones off a crashed mr2 and call it good)
- windows cleaned
Keep in mind, this is 20 year old, factory paint that has been through a lot of neglect. The hail damage coupled with the missing paint made me not worry about getting it perfect to the naked eye. This car is about making improvements from previous, not perfect. Over time things will be sorted out.
Total time invested so far:
-6 hours
Best time savings:
-Running it through touchless car was instead of spending 1+ hours washing/drying car
Before shots after putting engine back together:
(Notice the heavy heavy oxidation on the trunk lid, the roof and everything "up" is the same above photo left side, below photo right side)
Before shots outside:
During shots:
Left side -After claybar + Ultimate Compound. Right side-After Claybar only
Current condition (done minus wax):
(Yes my ceiling is sheetrocked and mudded/taped but not painted)
(If you look closely you will see reflections of: Weed wacker, plywood, shelf, few buckets full of fishing gear)
(Notice the ladder, garage door opener)
Not perfect, but at least what paint is left is shining again!
