I have this posted in two different forums. I apologize but I am looking for an answer quickly. I have a client who is looking to get his 1985 Cutlass clayed and waxed. He said he may have read somewhere that it is not safe to clay this vehicle. Something about not having a clearcoat? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Claying a 1985 Cutlass
- Thread starter mbs431
- Start date
Dan
Well-known member
Well, from a liability perspective, wouldn't it be wise to ask the manufacturer of the clay you are using?
Ron Ketcham
Active member
A clear or not, there are many issues to consider.
The first is to do a detailed inspection of the paint finish on the hood, top and trunk.
Use a magnifer and look closely for small cracking, crazing of the paint.
Look for "rust streaks" in the paint finish, which means that it is rusting from the sheet metal up.
Look for etches, rust "blooms" in the paint finish.
Look for discoloring of the paint finish, mis-matching areas, etc.
Should you find any of these conditions, show the owner "exactly" what is there and explain the condition to them.
If none of the above are evident, it will not hurt to clay the vehicle, if any are present, I would not recommend doing so unless the owner, following your showing and explaining any of the conditions, signs off, in writting that he wishes work done.
Those older GM paints still used a "lacquer type" paint system and can be a bit touchy.
Grumpy
The first is to do a detailed inspection of the paint finish on the hood, top and trunk.
Use a magnifer and look closely for small cracking, crazing of the paint.
Look for "rust streaks" in the paint finish, which means that it is rusting from the sheet metal up.
Look for etches, rust "blooms" in the paint finish.
Look for discoloring of the paint finish, mis-matching areas, etc.
Should you find any of these conditions, show the owner "exactly" what is there and explain the condition to them.
If none of the above are evident, it will not hurt to clay the vehicle, if any are present, I would not recommend doing so unless the owner, following your showing and explaining any of the conditions, signs off, in writting that he wishes work done.
Those older GM paints still used a "lacquer type" paint system and can be a bit touchy.
Grumpy
Dan
Well-known member
mbs431 said:
Right, but what is our opinion worth on here? Honestly, if you are a detailer worth your salt, you wouldn't be asking this question... but since you are, you need to ask the horse himself... and get something to CYA, because none of us are going to be able to do that for you. The way I read your question, you want assurance for the customer, that the mfg can provide.
Accumulator
Well-known member
mbs431- As Ron pointed out, if the paint is compromised then claying (or polishing or most anything remotely aggressive for that matter...) can be risky. But I've clayed single stage, including fragile older lacquer, many times with zero issues.
FWIW [INSERT "YMMV!" disclaimer here...] I've clayed/compounded/polished cracked and crazed and otherwise compromised single stage (including older lacquers) without any problems too, but maybe I was lucky and maybe you won't be lucky :nixweiss
FWIW [INSERT "YMMV!" disclaimer here...] I've clayed/compounded/polished cracked and crazed and otherwise compromised single stage (including older lacquers) without any problems too, but maybe I was lucky and maybe you won't be lucky :nixweiss