1959. I was 13. My father bought an old car from a friend who needed money more than the car. The car was a 1938 Pontiac Business Coupe. The car was in good condition mechanically (3 spd 6 banger) and the interior had no defects other than dirt. The paint was dull, chalky, very pale green. I doubt it had ever been waxed.
Being a dumb kid, I deluded myself that my father had bought this car to be what I would drive in a couple of years. He, after all, already owned a new Plymouth and a Chevy pickup. My mother didn't drive. My older brother (18 then) had his own car. So, this must be my future ride....
I asked my father if it would be okay for me to try to slick up the appearance. He had no objection.
My products and tools were: Simonize paste polish (green can), Simonize paste wax (yellow can), cheese cloth and old towels.
Took me days and days to complete. Polishing off the oxidation by hand was a bear of a job. In the end, though, the car responded favorably and looked pretty much like the attached photo. (Photo is of 1936 model). Not long thereafter, my father sold the damned car. No advertisement, no "for sale" sign. Somebody just approached him and offered to buy. Doubled his money. No good deed goes unpunished. I'm still polishing, though, and with much better tools
Being a dumb kid, I deluded myself that my father had bought this car to be what I would drive in a couple of years. He, after all, already owned a new Plymouth and a Chevy pickup. My mother didn't drive. My older brother (18 then) had his own car. So, this must be my future ride....
I asked my father if it would be okay for me to try to slick up the appearance. He had no objection.
My products and tools were: Simonize paste polish (green can), Simonize paste wax (yellow can), cheese cloth and old towels.
Took me days and days to complete. Polishing off the oxidation by hand was a bear of a job. In the end, though, the car responded favorably and looked pretty much like the attached photo. (Photo is of 1936 model). Not long thereafter, my father sold the damned car. No advertisement, no "for sale" sign. Somebody just approached him and offered to buy. Doubled his money. No good deed goes unpunished. I'm still polishing, though, and with much better tools
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