How to determine

**Rx79394** · 03-30-2008, 08:38 PM

How do you determine if you have a clear coat on your car? I`m almost sure I don`t but I want to see what some people say.

**gmblack3** · 03-30-2008, 08:49 PM

Use a light polish with a clean MF, if the color transfers to the MF, its SS.

**Rx79394** · 03-30-2008, 09:58 PM

please define SS to me, on the decoder it said it was Saddle Soap. Sorry I am new to detailing but would love to have it become a hobby of mine.

**imported_shine** · 03-30-2008, 10:10 PM

Single stage paint is what he is referring to.

**Neofate** · 03-30-2008, 10:14 PM

Yup , you can even do this by hand -- If not clear exists.. your paint will transfer with a polish to a MF, or even terry/cotton -- But a machine will do it much faster and with more impressive results (bad results) =)

You can generally tell if clear is on the car from looks in the sun, and definitely by the feel.

No clear is generally going to be rough, and the paint will look immensely dull. Likely spots of oxidation, depending on how long it has been in that condition.

**jtford95** · 03-30-2008, 10:25 PM

What year is your car?

**Rx79394** · 03-30-2008, 10:30 PM

it is a 1991 dodge stealth

**jtford95** · 03-30-2008, 10:34 PM

More than likely it is clear coat. Did you check the paint yet?

**Rx79394** · 03-30-2008, 10:36 PM

yes I have in the past while I was waxing or paint cleaning my car. It did make my cloth red... I was just wondering because it did look much better IMHO when I did it or if it was just the chemical I was using.

**Neofate** · 03-30-2008, 10:37 PM

There IS clearcoat on that vehicle in the picture. It might have spots of thin or non existant clear,.. but there is definitely clearcoat on a majority of the vehicle.

I would get a polisher and go to an inconspicuous spot and go to town. See if paint comes off. It likley wont`.

Then carefully use a machine and fine swirl remover and a light pad.. Should polish up VERY nicely.

Let us know.

**Neofate** · 03-30-2008, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by Rx79394

yes I have in the past while I was waxing or paint cleaning my car. It did make my cloth red... I was just wondering because it did look much better IMHO when I did it or if it was just the chemical I was using.

Your cloth shouldn`t become red , unless the wax or product is red

In my opinion you have spots on the car that the clear has worn through.. but not the entire thing. And/or the clear is just very thin.

The paint looks fairly good though. Might be worth getting it cleaned/prepped -- and resprayed with clearcoat alone. Though if the price isn`t much different you might want to just get it painted through and through.

In the mean time, if you decide that route due to discovery of thin or non existent clear coat -- I would try some polishing and such. (Since it won`t matter what damage you do ) -- Unless getting JUST a clear is much much cheaper) I am not sure.

Car looks nice either way.

**jtford95** · 03-30-2008, 10:46 PM

In the pictures, was the car just waxed? Did the red paint come off after you polished the hood or the fender the door jam? Was the car repainted?

**Rx79394** · 03-30-2008, 10:53 PM

The picture was from after just a clean and a wax (can`t remember with what though). The pictures actually do the car more justice then its deserved. The front half has a lot of chips in it and a lot of swirl marks in it. How much does it normally take to get it all detailed to look good around Colorado that you guys know. I am only 16 and I will be getting my license tomorrow (hopefully) and this picture is from 1 year ago when we had an old house with a 2 car garage and now my car sits on the side of the road

so it might be different now.

**jtford95** · 03-30-2008, 11:05 PM

just keep it clean and waxed. If the paint came off on the rag then it is single stage paint. the hole car is single stage paint. Not in spots. Unless it was repainted with clear coat in spots. Either you have it or you don`t. Either way, keep it clean and waxed. Good luck with you driver`s license tomorrow. Joe