[stovebolt]

Hey everyone ,
Today I tryed cleaning the paint up some,the 1981 factory paint is ok but little dull so thought I would use some turtle wax polishing
compound . Started with the hood and stop there cause the stuff was hard to get off paint even when using electric orbiter.Are there any good product out there that clean good, its like the paint suck the product into
the paint like a sponge.back 1981 I'm guessing these cars were painted with acrylic enamel.
1981 ford fairmont wagon
thanks stovebolt

[D.Acker]

You may find this useful.

The Secret to Removing Oxidation and Restoring a Show Car Finish to Antique Single Stage Paints - Auto Geek Online Auto Detailing Forum

I know, I know, I shouldn't link to other forums, but Mike Phillips is an expert!

[Stymees'mont]

Ok, you have a bad case of oxidized paint. I would say the first thing to do is really wash the car with a sponge or cotton cloth and some soap....like Dawn dish soap. This type of soap is not safe for everyday washing because it is a degreaser and will remove your wax / sealant. But use it this one time to help clean the finish and the rubbing with the cloth or sponge help even more. Just using a pressure washer really does not clean as well.
I use Wizzards polishing compound, this stuff really works well. You also could try a clay bar before the polishing compound. Work in small areas at a time...take your time, and after you get the finish even and shines...you need to use a sealant to protect the paint. Polishing compound does not protect your paint...just polishes.
There is one other step you could do between your polishing compound and your seal coat. Meguires has what the call "Car Show Shine" or something like that. This helps a lot with a deeper shine...then use a sealant over that which Meguires also has.
Plan on a long day of polishing but it will be worth it. Also, be careful on all your sharp corners on the body ..its easy to burn though the paint with a buffer and polishing compounds.

[D.Acker]

Agreed with Stymees'mont. I use alot of Meguiar's products. You may want to give their Ultimate Compound a try, not quite as abrasive as some other compounds and is readily available at most auto parts stores. My normal exterior detailing process is:

Wash either with Griot's wash or Meguiars Gold Class
Clay (again either with Griot's or Megs)
Meg #105 Ultra Cut Compound
#205 Ultra Finishing Polish
#21 Synthetic sealant
Topped with Carnuba wax (Meg's Gold Glass paste)

It is recommended you do a wash\or IPA wipe down (Griot's also makes a pre-wax cleaner that can be used also) before applying the sealant as any polish etc left on the paint will not allow the sealant to bond properly to the paint and therefore will not provide optimal protection. Also note sealant followed by wax is not necessary, but longer protection can be achieved. You can skip the sealant and go straight to wax if desired also.

If you go with a sealant, make sure you allow it to cure properly according to the manufacturer's direction, some can take up to 24hrs.

If you were in my neck of the woods I'd be glad to help you out.

[stovebolt]

thanks guys for the great info
stovebolt

[stovebolt]

well yesterday i spend the whole day on the car, washed with dawn, let dry,used some 3m liquid rubbing compound and a high speed buffer with wool pad, cleaned up real nice,then put 2 coat of mothers cali gold wax looks ten times better and did all the steel trim with shelia shine polish. hope to get pics up soon
thanks stovebolt

[D.Acker]

Glad to hear you got good results!

[Stymees'mont]

Nice !!! Pic's would be cool..