Advice on new paint

WsmataU?

New member
Gentlemen,
I've been off the forum for some time, but I'm finally returning to owning a "Garage Queen" so I'm interested in your input:

She's a '67 Shelby (clone) in Nightmist (midnight) blue with white racing stripes. The side stripes are vinyl. She is in the booth as I type. So here are my thoughts:

1) The last time I really detailed my own car, I used Zaino's and liked it. I don't own a buffer and frankly would be nervous learning on my brand new paint. So do you have any suggestions for a hand application for a dark color? Or should I use something more neutral because of the white striping. Is there recommended product for the vinyl?
2) One of the reasons I liked Zaino was that it was durable on my daily driver. This car is a garage queen, but will be driven hard when it is out. From reading the forums there are quite a few newer products that offer good protection as well.
3) I've been told to let the paint "air" for at least a month before I put ANYTHING on it. Fine by me. I'll wait two if I have to. It will sit in a garage for a month while the interior and trim are put back on anyway.

Any thoughts on 3M clear bra or similar applications? I'm just afraid that I 'll hit a swarm of bugs the first time out on country roads.

Thanks for your input!

:autopia:
 
Gentlemen,
I've been off the forum for some time, but I'm finally returning to owning a "Garage Queen" so I'm interested in your input:

She's a '67 Shelby (clone) in Nightmist (midnight) blue with white racing stripes. The side stripes are vinyl. She is in the booth as I type. So here are my thoughts:

1) The last time I really detailed my own car, I used Zaino's and liked it. I don't own a buffer and frankly would be nervous learning on my brand new paint. So do you have any suggestions for a hand application for a dark color? Or should I use something more neutral because of the white striping. Is there recommended product for the vinyl?
2) One of the reasons I liked Zaino was that it was durable on my daily driver. This car is a garage queen, but will be driven hard when it is out. From reading the forums there are quite a few newer products that offer good protection as well.
3) I've been told to let the paint "air" for at least a month before I put ANYTHING on it. Fine by me. I'll wait two if I have to. It will sit in a garage for a month while the interior and trim are put back on anyway.

Any thoughts on 3M clear bra or similar applications? I'm just afraid that I 'll hit a swarm of bugs the first time out on country roads.

Thanks for your input!

:autopia:

Most shops will buff your paint fresh paint and leave a ton of holograms in your brand new finish... You may need to polish it to get the shine you want.

1. If you are looking for the ultimate shine on dark paint, I would go with BLACKFIRE BlackICE. You could use it on the vinyl, although I would use BLACKFIRE Crystal Seal.
2. Yes, Zaino is very durable but in the nearly 10 years since their last round of products were released many companies have used newer technologies to achieve similar levels of durability with a more organic shine.
3. While there is some debate as to how true this really is, I think it is a good idea. Talk to your paint or the paint manufacturer and follow their recommendations. You can also apply a glaze to new paints to add some proteciton, although most glazes are water soluble and will not last.
 
Thanks Todd!
The problem with using different product is merely the size of the vinyl stripe is relatively small (1.5 inches at the bottom of the rockers). I think I'll stick with your recommendation (BlackIce) for the whole car.
It may pay to just have it professionally detailed once I get it back from reassembly. Then I can just do the maintenance. But I know from experience that detailing your own car is a good experience and helps you get to know the cars strengths/flaws as much as driving it :cool:
 
Thanks Todd!
The problem with using different product is merely the size of the vinyl stripe is relatively small (1.5 inches at the bottom of the rockers). I think I'll stick with your recommendation (BlackIce) for the whole car.
It may pay to just have it professionally detailed once I get it back from reassembly. Then I can just do the maintenance. But I know from experience that detailing your own car is a good experience and helps you get to know the cars strengths/flaws as much as driving it :cool:

Black Ice is a great choice! What area are you in? Oh and we want pics of the beast@!!!!
 
I live in NoVA. The beast won't be ready for another month or two depending on how quickly she goes back together after she 's done with paint. I've been waiting over a year and will post pics as soon as she's on the road!
 
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