Help me bring some shine back to my (possibly hazed/sun faded?) car!

[WantToShine]

Hey guys, new here.

I Just bought 2004 Crown Victoria that has been parked outside for about a year without moving. (!).

Anyways, the paint on the side that gets more sun is looking pretty dull. Not quite sure what the exact problem is, but it looks to be possibly a bit sun faded, or hazed? It has lost some shine compared to the other side and has this almost white colored haze on top of the paint. Maybe you guys can help me identify it by the description or pictures below.

I gave it a quick wash yesterday and it did bring back some shine, but I wanted to go a bit further by hand.

I'm on a bit of a budget here so I was thinking of just going with the following products in order:

Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner

Gold Class Car Wash or Mequiars Ultimate Wash and Wax (Not sure which is better)

followed by

Gold Glass Liquid Wax


If that doesn't bring back a bit more shine, I will be taking it to a professional detailer in a few weeks, but for the time being, I just want to bring a little bit of shine back to the paint for the summer, doesn't have to be perfect and i'm basically just looking for temporary fix as I plan on repainting the vehicle next year.

Thanks guys! Any help/input is appreciated.

[Murr1525]

I dont see any failing... (except I cant tell on the hood) Really that should be able to look quite good with minimum effort, without much need of a pro or repainting.

I would want to:

1. Wash - Gold Class soap ,etc. 2 Buckets ,decent mitts, towels, etc.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Clean - ColorX
3. Wax - Gold Class, or other favorite wax.

For a little more cleaning ability, you could consider:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Clean - SwirlX
4. Wax
5. Wax

And then could look at something like Ult. Quick Wax (which comes with the clay kit I think) for after future washes.

[Ryan Dodd]

I dont see any failing... (except I cant tell on the hood) Really that should be able to look quite good with minimum effort, without much need of a pro or repainting.

I would want to:

1. Wash - Gold Class soap ,etc. 2 Buckets ,decent mitts, towels, etc.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Clean - ColorX
4. Wax - Gold Class, or other favorite wax.

If you wanted to add a bit more reflectivity, add ultimate polish between step 3 and 4.

[Murr1525]

Actually, using Ult. Polish after ColorX would remove the wax ColorX left behind, making that step a bit of a waste.

[WantToShine]

Thanks guys!

The pictures make it look better then it seems in real life, maybe I am just my cars own worst critic, lol.

I went ahead and got the Gold class Wax and Gold Class Car Wash today. They were out of the ColorX, so I am going to try a few more stores tomorrow, I researched it after you (Murr) recommended it and it looks awesome.

Also, how crucial is the clay bar step? My local Advanced Auto Parts wants $30 for the kit, is this normal price?

[thoryamaha919]

Thanks guys!

The pictures make it look better then it seems in real life, maybe I am just my cars own worst critic, lol.

I went ahead and got the Gold class Wax and Gold Class Car Wash today. They were out of the ColorX, so I am going to try a few more stores tomorrow, I researched it after you (Murr) recommended it and it looks awesome.

Also, how crucial is the clay bar step? My local Advanced Auto Parts wants $30 for the kit, is this normal price?

Clay In my book is veryu important as it brings back the clear coat to a smooth glass like feel. Yea 30 sounds about right You should get two clay bars and a small spray bottle of QD and a MF towel

[Ryan Dodd]

Walmart has Smooth Surface Clay kit for $17. At least mine does.

[Murr1525]

$30 seems a little high to me. $20 should be more like it.

Even the Advance Auto online store says $21. Buy it online and pick it up there if needed. Still have an online coupon it looks like.

[ffboy]

The car doesn't look too bad,it is however far from failing,and certainly isn't as shiny as before. After claying, apply ColorX. Certainly looks like it can be cleaned up by colorX, maybe 2-3 passes then apply a coat of wax, Ultimate wax for long protection and depth of color, NXT 2.0 a tried and tested sythetic product, or Gold Class Carnauba Plus for that deep wet look. Depending on what you're after, you can choose either one of the waxes. Ultimate and NXT 2 are the longest lasting, Gold Class is not as long lasting but counters with deep gloss. The difference between all products may be hard to see especially if the paint has been prepped real well.

Maintain it with a quick detailer and quick wax in between (gold class ones or ultimate ones)