87 CRX Si - Oxidized - Need Help - PICS!

[kirkofalltrades]

Ok, I just had about half my novel typed up when I accidentally closed the window so I am going to make this quick.



Just bought this car, as is. I believe this is oxidation. Yeh or neh?



http://www.kirkofalltrades.com/other/carpics/crx/new_crx%20(4).JPG



http://www.kirkofalltrades.com/other/carpics/crx/new_crx%20(2).JPG



I have the following supplies on hand to deal with the problem:



- Z7 Car Wash

- Porter Cable 7424XP

- LC Pads (2 Black, 2 Orange, 2 White)

- Klasse AIO

- Megs 83

- Z2 Polish

- Optimum Car Polish II

- Optimum Car Wax



I don`t expect godly results, but I am hoping to bring a little shine back so I can drive it for a couple years before getting a paint job.



Now, I`m not experienced. I had all the Zaino stuff for my mini (hand applied). I just bought all the other supplies based on some topics I saw here where red oxidized cars were brought back to life. Don`t worry, I plan to practice with the PC on some extra body panels I have until I`m confident enough.



My real questions (since I am unexperienced) lies in the process and application of these products. I think I have some products that `overlap` each other so I would like some input as to what some of you experienced detailers would do with the tools I have. I have read that the Klasse deals with a good deal of the oxidation but I read elsewhere that I should start with Megs 83 and an black or orange pad and that will deal with the majority.



With all this oxidation, I also wonder how long my pads will last. Also, I`m not sure if it is worth trying to clay.



Any help would be appreciated for this noob.



I did hand wash/polish/wax a section of the hood/fender with Z2 and some cheap megs I had laying around. It looks hopeful but the worst oxidation is on the doors.



http://www.kirkofalltrades.com/other/carpics/crx/IMG_1256%20[800w].jpg



http://www.kirkofalltrades.com/other/carpics/crx/IMG_1260%20[800w].jpg



Sorry about the dark pics.



Thanks for any help you can provide!

[dheath]

looks like oxidation to me.



A lot of your products will work.

I personally would just go with optimum polish on a white pad via your PC. I`d bet that takes care of it no problem. Then just wax with your OCW.

[Barry Theal]

dude i wish you were in pa I would do that badboy for free!

[Optimum Auto]

Besides the oxidation that car looks to be in really nice shape.Sweet buy!!!

[kirkofalltrades]

looks like oxidation to me.



A lot of your products will work.

I personally would just go with optimum polish on a white pad via your PC. I`d bet that takes care of it no problem. Then just wax with your OCW.



I appreciate the input. On another similar thread the guy said he started to clay but the oxidation was just too much for it. My main concern now is how many times I`m going to have to wash/dry my pads. I only got 2 white ones. I`m tackling it this weekend, so I will post pics when done.



And yes, hard to find a CRX (especially a 1st gen) in this condition. Southern cars are good for no rust. This is the second time I have found a gem. I had another red 87 CRX Si I sold about 4 years ago that was in about the same condition. It`ll be good for 35-45 MPG anyway :)



If anyone has any more pointers I`d appreciate it!



- Kirk

[Cleaning Fool]

It should clean up rather easy. 83, then Klasse ,then Z2/ocw would be my choice. Yes, you will have to clean up your pads as the job goes.l

[kirkofalltrades]

Yes, you will have to clean up your pads as the job goes.l



How will I know when it is time to clean the pad? I expect them to get dirty very quickly. Hopefully I can get done with the car without cleaning them 20 times :)

[SoCalB6]

This was actually my first car! Well, not this specific one, but a black 87 Si none the less. It even had oxidized paint, ha!



You`ll know when your pads become "caked" with dead paint. It will basically look like a thin to medium layer of polish & paint covering the entire surface of the pad (you won`t be able to see the pores of the pad). And yea, with single stage oxidated paint you`ll be lucky if you only clean a pad 20 times. Then again, it is a small car...

[imp_Rob.]

Nice rex !

[imported_advs1]

it looks like a single stage red with the amount of oxidation on it. if it is it should clean up really nicely, but expect to go through a few pads. have you done a test spot to see if it is single stage paint?

[vtec92civic]

you will have to do section at a time as your pads will def, change color. That is def. some oxidation though but it can also for sure be taken care of without a doubt.



I can`t wait to see the pictures! I also am not sure the white pads will take care of that. I would run the orange pads but that is just me.



G`luck and post plenty of pics =)

[carlsson]

I detailed a late 80`s Civic a while back,with original SS black. Cyclo with M83 on orange, OP on green to finish. I had to clean/flip pads often. Paint will come off! You can get a decent transformation though.



First photo after 2 washes and clay, with one side after a few passes of M83.



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2619368155_5e19d2718b_o.jpg



Before and after:





http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/2619368093_5d669510ca_o.jpg



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/2620192330_42cf4ecd86_o.jpg