about polishing my mistress

**imported_glfahlc** · 10-05-2009, 10:08 AM

don`t get it twisted ya`ll, my mistress is my 71 vette that i`m attempting to clean up and detail for the winter. i did a test panel yesterday with my makita, fiberglass white pad and sip. i noticed on the white pad some red paint. how do i tell if its single stage paint and what precautions do i need to take in polishing it. by the way, the panel came out gorgeous i just wanna be sure i don`t mess up the rest of the car... i`ll include pics when i`m done...

**imported_Slik560** · 10-05-2009, 10:44 AM

White pad + red paint = single stage paint. Just watch the thickness of the paint and be careful on the edges. Contact Bill Luster for Vette specifics. he`s the resident master of the glass. :wink:

**imported_mobenzowner** · 10-05-2009, 03:24 PM

I dont think clear coat was being used in the 70`s. With that the case, barring a repaint, all auto`s in that age range would be ss.

**imported_glfahlc** · 10-05-2009, 08:01 PM

i`ve had it for three years and i don`t think its original paint. is there any way i can know for sure if its ss or base and clear coat. is the red tinge on the pad a giveaway that its single stage... just wanna be sure.

**imported_Luster** · 10-05-2009, 08:42 PM

I do a lot of old Vettes, most of which have single stage paint... Rule of thumb would be to start with the least agressive polish/pad combo, then work your way more agressive as needed.

Second rule of thumb.... Err on the side of caution!!! Be very gentle on the high ridges of the fenders and any other sharp corners... less paint on them... (in fact... it wouldn`t hurt to completely stay away from them with the polisher!!!)

SS paint can usually be polished to a very high shine, but it may need to be polished more often than Base/clear.

Show some pics when you get a chance. I love Vettes... (ya think?):cornut:

**imported_Flash Gordon** · 10-06-2009, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by Luster

I do a lot of old Vettes, most of which have single stage paint... Rule of thumb would be to start with the least agressive polish/pad combo, then work your way more agressive as needed.

Second rule of thumb.... Err on the side of caution!!! Be very gentle on the high ridges of the fenders and any other sharp corners... less paint on them... (in fact... it wouldn`t hurt to completely stay away from them with the polisher!!!)

SS paint can usually be polished to a very high shine, but it may need to be polished more often than Base/clear.

Show some pics when you get a chance. I love Vettes... (ya think?):cornut:

I 2nd all thats been said by Bill^^^:thumbup:

I will ad, around the top of the fenders/quarter panels(Sharp Edges) I would run a 1" strip of painters tape. When yor finished polishing remove tape and hit those edges by hand using a cotton applicater pad. Those edges tend to have even less paint thickness then the rest of the car.

Don`t ask how I know this(69 Stingray

)