88 s15 with original paint

**jjwalker** · 05-30-2005, 02:54 PM

I have single stage enamel paint. My question is, what would yall recommend for old paint like mine. I use mostly OTC stuff. I am currently using the dupont sealer and meg`s #26 yellow carnauba. The paint looks only 2-3yrs old and is in great condition but it is never shiny enough! I am using micro fiber towels to apply and 100% bath towels to buff off. I have a buffer, but I need more bonnets for it.

Oh, and the paint is white on the top half and red on the bottom half.

It just needs to be shinier!

**Accumulator** · 05-30-2005, 03:36 PM

Welcome to Autopia!

White SS is *very* hard! Good thing it`s in good condition, you sure wouldn`t want to try taking scratches out it.

If it were mine, I`d go over it with Meg`s #80 and then I`d top it with a good carnauba, like the #26. The polishing and oils from the #80 should wake it up quite a bit. For "maintenance" when it needs rewaxed, I`d use something like Meg`s #5/#3/#81 (or #7 but it`s a PIA) before applying the wax.

Just for kicks, if you don`t mind spending a little you might try using Souveran on it after the #80. Won`t last long, but it`ll sure look nice.

Oh, and I`d use MF to remove product too, lest the bathtowels mar it.

And congrats on having original paint. Anybody can have something repainted, but they`re only original once.

**sQuashed** · 05-30-2005, 03:41 PM

Yes sir, keep the bath towels in the bathroom !!! The word "buffer" is scary too, is it one of the cheaper orbitals?

I have an 88 S-10 Blazer with original paint :xyxthumbs

Megs # 80/AIO/UPP...looks good as new !!!

**jjwalker** · 05-30-2005, 04:06 PM

Actually, I havent had any problems with the bath towels marring the surface. Do you think I could get the #80 somewhere besides the internet? The local autozone here carries the most popular meg`s professional stuff, but I have not seen the #80 there.

Yeah, it only cost $30, but I only use it for taking the haze off. I have always been a fan of applying by hand, although it takes some elbow grease.

I need to get ahold of a camera and post it in the picture section!

**Accumulator** · 05-30-2005, 05:48 PM

See if your local place can order the #80, or give Meguiar`s a call.

**jjwalker** · 05-30-2005, 06:17 PM

actually, I just thought of something. Would it hurt to use a very fine polish to smooth out the carnauba after waxing?

Sorry if that is a stupid question.

I also have these small dimples in the paint on the entirety of the truck. Looks sorta like shot peened metal. I still shines up real good but those dimple.....anyone know what I am talking about?

**C. Charles Hahn** · 05-30-2005, 06:45 PM

Originally posted by jjwalker

actually, I just thought of something. Would it hurt to use a very fine polish to smooth out the carnauba after waxing?

Sorry if that is a stupid question.

What?! Hold it, what do you mean `smooth out the carnauba`??

I think the `little dimples` you`re referring to is orange peel. On an `88 truck, there`s nothing you are going to do to successfully fix that without taking a real risk of failing the clearcoat.

**Accumulator** · 05-31-2005, 08:37 AM

Yeah, any dimples will be in the paint and not really fixable (esp. with single stage enamel). Just consider it as good as it`ll get once the wax is on there.

**jjwalker** · 05-31-2005, 12:02 PM

wow, I actually got a client today. He said he wanted me to make his typhoon look like my truck!

**jjwalker** · 06-01-2005, 05:57 PM

I bought some NXT tech wax and of course I have the #26. Sound good? I plan on trying it tommorow.

I also picked up the b2b and it works very nicely without making that fake shiny appearance.