Need help restoring older cars...

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drr5012

New member
I have a couple of old vehicles that I purchased new but have been neglected in recent years...more actually...and I want get them looking great again...
!st...a 99 Nissan Truck, always parked outside, 77K miles and not a mark on it..never wrecked...paint and rubber actually looks good but I want to make it shine...I'm and engineer and know some about car/boat care but compared to many/most on here would be considered a novice...what do you recommend in terms of rubbing compound, polish, wax, etc....key word is original

2nd vehicle is a 97 Accord, always parked outside...I had repainted 6 years because the peeling paint drew the ire of my neighborhood watch groups...and rightfully so I might add...it was a 'Earl Shibe esk' job.....same question as with the Nissan truck...how do I prep and wax the car...key words are 'cheap paint job years ago and appears to be holding up OK'...

All rubber and plastic needs attention as well...

Thanks in advance
 
mnehls86 said:
Is there a budget you are trying to stick to? And do you own a polisher?
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Agreed this would be important to understand. The one thing that you're going to need and concentrate on is getting the paint and cars outside as clean of contaminants as possible that's done in the washing stages. I would think about doing a de-contamination wash coupled with clay to lift the years of neglect
 
No budget within reason and can't locate my buffer...planned to purchase one as I have other cars and several boats....I'm restoring these to make myself feel good not to sale....
 
Beemerboy said:
The one thing that you're going to need and concentrate on is getting the paint and cars outside as clean of contaminants as possible that's done in the washing stages. I would think about doing a de-contamination wash coupled with clay to lift the years of neglect
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Exactly. You will be amazed how smooth the paint can get after this step. But also consider using an Iron Remover such as IronX before claying. This will remove all the Iron particles in your paint and also help keep your clay much cleaner.

Check out some of the kits in the store tab. It might make it easier to bundle. If you still want some guidance after checking the store then I would be happy to help but maybe cruise through and get an idea of what they carry. Here is a list of things to look at.
Wash Mitts
Shampoo
Grit Gaurds
Good Drying Towel (I like Waffle Weave Towels)
All Purpose Cleaner
IronX
Clay + Clay Lube
Wheel Cleaner
Tire Brush
Trim Cleaner & Restorer
Polishes (cutting and finish)
Polisher
Pads
Microfiber towels
Sealant or Wax
Camera. So you can show us all how awesome your cars came out. Before and after photos:D
 
for your polishers, a good da polisher is safer for your cars , but a rotary polisher is usually a better call for boats, especially if they have been neglected. " warning " this stuff is pretty addictive.:D
if you get a chance, post some pics of your rides(outside, direct sun, some close ups). it'll be easier to point you in the right direction for polishing/correcting.
 
tropicsteve said:
for your polishers, a good da polisher is safer for your cars , but a rotary polisher is usually a better call for boats, especially if they have been neglected. " warning " this stuff is pretty addictive.:D
if you get a chance, post some pics of your rides(outside, direct sun, some close ups). it'll be easier to point you in the right direction for polishing/correcting.
Click to expand...

As far as a polisher goes, you might be well served to consider the Flex 3401. It is a forced rotation machine that will correct almost as good as a rotary with the right pads and compounds. It is still safer than a rotary for your cars, but would give you some extra correcting power especially for the boats. It would probably be a good compromise in your situation if you were only going to purchase one machine.
 
Thanks for the info thus far...wow...after reading the replies and a few other threads you guys are really into it...I guess what I was looking for was what 'grit' rubbing compound and wax I should use for each car and if a polisher would be safe with the one with the cheap paint job....
 
Compounds and polishes have changed a lot over the years. The days are gone when you have to use a "gritty" compound and a wool pad to correct paint. The compounds of today are much more forgiving with technologys that allow them to finish without excessive haze and scouring of the paint. If you want a recommendation on a compound and a finish polish, I would recommend Meguiars M105 compound followed by M205 polish. This combo has proven itself again and again for correcting neglected paint and bringing it to a high shine. If you are looking to purchase something local - Meguiars Ultimate Compound and Ultimate Polish are basically the consumer versions and can be purchased at your local Walmart. I don't think you can go wrong with Meguiars products.

You can polish the "Earl Shieb" paint as long as it is intact and not peeling. A DA such as the PC7424 or the Griots Garage DA should be fine to use on the paint. I would start with a mild compound/polish and pad combination and then work up from there. As others have said, If you could post a few pictures of your finish we would be better able to give you some more specifics.
 
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