`93 Nissan 240sx Black Rear Bumper Oxidization-can you help?

[Brenton]

I`m hoping to draw on your experience here.

I`ve seen all kinds of oxidization here, but this particular project is beyond what I`ve seen.

It is a `93 Nissand 240 sx, rag is in brilliant condition, as is the interior. The black paint is badly swirled, and there are still buffing marks from a competitor`s work last year.

The front bumper is actually in better shape that the rest of the car. But the back bumper is heavily oxidized, to the point that it looks like greasy, uneven flat black trim. Here are some pics from the owner:




The pics aren`t perfect, but show a great deal. Normally I can hand buff a small section to show customers the potential. This is the first time I couldn`t make a small shiny square in under a minute.

I`m going to buff Monday afternoon--he`s allowing me a generous test window of 1-2 hours, but I wanted to first see if anyone has experienced it.

Any help?

[TrueDetailer]

Looks like the paint is so thin in areas its going to be impossible to bring it back.

Maybe you can sell him on a repaint/touchup. Few cans of paint to match and some wetsanding paper and it`ll be good as new, well at least better then it looks now.

[Brenton]

Yeah True, I`ll try the detail route first, although it`d be nice to get and try the sanding kit for my DW849.
Around here, the atmosphere is so caustic (salt, UV, pollution, etc.) that repaints usually only last 3-5 years on bumpers and 1-2 years on rusting metal parts. I do love the 2K clear for following up, though.
If he opts to repaint, I`ll offer to paint if he wants. I wouldn`t use cans, though, I have an excellent air system--I just need a better regulator and spray kit.

[Brenton]

Truedetailer thinks the paint is too far gone.
The owner is coming in tomorrow at noon. Anyone else?
b

[GregCavi]

I would try a chemical paint cleaner before buffing to much, as TD said it looks thin.

Greg

[Brenton]

I would try a chemical paint cleaner before buffing to much, as TD said it looks thin.

Greg

I will.
I`m going least aggressive to most aggressive.
b

[mgm2003]

Yuck, that looks ugly!

Here`s what I`d try:

-Clay
-Chemical Cleaner: AIO or PP.

This looks like an excellent `test bed` for one of the decon systems (ABC or FK).

I`m interested to see how this one turns out.

[Poorboy]

Sorry, but True is right.that`s paint and the clearcoat is all but gone...it needs paint

[holland_patrick]

Sorry, but True is right.that`s paint and the clearcoat is all but gone...it needs paint

Triple DAT

[Brenton]

Ugh, I was afraid you folks would say that.
I initially thought that Nissan was still using single stage in 93 (couldn`t confirm otherwise), but the rest of the car felt like b/c.
I`ll like the vic ... I mean customer know. I figured I would know after 15 mins of polishing or so.
brenton

[Brenton]

So an update...
I tried polishing--mechanical and chemical. Got everything shiny except the leprous spot on the edge. I didn`t go to hard since it felt like base.

The guy has to repaint. I feel bad, but hopefully I can do an excellent job on the rest of the car. It`s tough to work around the rag top area, but I think it`ll come good.
b

[BLACKWRX]

i would use maybe a moderate rubbing compound or even poorboys 2.5 or 3 it wont cure it perfectly put it will lighten up the discoloration and make the black a little bolder............in like a month or so it will probably fade back if he wants to look good for a while get it repainted......or if he wants you to clean it so he can sell it or something then buffer will work

[Brenton]

I worked on the bumper, and there was no give. So I finally used a chemical coating that darkened the paint, but you could still see the leprous look underneath.

Customer came mid-aft, so no low light pretty pics. I had a disposable camera in the shop, so I snapped a couple.

[joe.p]

Pei, i gringe when i see the Blades of the Ice skates on the ground like that.Hang them up.. Btw the car looks nice.