It's been 48 years since the induction of the 1960 Corvair, on October 2, 1959. Of the 250,007 Corvairs produced in the United States during the first model year, the 700 sedan accounted for 139,208 units, or just over 55% of total 1960 model year production.
In its first year, the stock Corvair was put to the test, and racked up impressive performances, averaging 27.03 miles per gallon in the 2,061 mile, 1960 Mobilgas Economy run. The same car then went on to prove its robust performance by scaling a snowy Pike's Peak to its 14,110 ft. summit!
The 1960 Corvair was also chosen by Motor Trend magazine as Car of the Year. MT called the Corvair, "the most significant car of 1960," and applauded it for "engineering advancement," as well as "four-wheel independent suspension totally unlike any other U.S.-built car," and for its rear engine and transaxle "allowing a flatter floor and lower roofline."
This Corvair was just a rolling chassis. Having no engine or interior in the car, the owner called me to see if the paint was worth saving. As you will see from the pictures it was severely oxidized. He had tried Mothers Cleaner Wax to remove the oxidation with very little luck. The paint on the car was the original color, but it had been repainted about 20 years ago. The repaint seemed to be of low quality, but turned out nice. The owner pulled the door handles, rear bumper, and most of the trim off before I got there.
With the facts out of the way, on with the detail!
Process
Dawn wash
Clay with Blackfire Poly Clay 2
Taped up all trim and edges
Tested several products and pads, but ended up going with Makita 9227, an orange
LC CCS 7.5” foam pad, and Megs
M85 on thick oxidation (all doors) and Optimum Compound on the rest of the car
Polished entire car with a white
LC CCS 7.5” foam pad and Optimum Polish
Dawn washed again to break down any compound or polish residue left on the paint
As the LSP I opted for Collinite 476S paste wax for durability
On to the pics, enjoy!
Befores
Before of the driver side door
After driver side door (teaser pic)
Trying to figure out the best combo
A little 50/50
Hood after compounding
Making some progress!
Linear Mode
