Best Process for a Show Car that is driven?

[57_300SL]

I posted this question on another forum but thought I would ask here too (because I like Meguiars products) I have a car that is shown in major Concourses and is driven about 1,000 miles a year. It is painted in Glasurit clear coated light blue metallic (group 52 paint I think. I know they constantly change formulas- thanks EPA). The paint is in exellent condition and was done about 8 years ago. There are very few surface scratches and no swirl marks. The car is never driven in the rain and stored inside under a cover. Here is the thing. It has been over a year since it was last waxed and the wax is holding up well (heavy beading when washed). I am worried about not protecting the paint (it was a VERY expensive paint job) and want the paint to pop even more then it currently does. I have a PC and a number of different detailing products (mostly Griots). I was thinking of using the Klasse twins or #7 Glaze (have used it before with no problems) or #80 with #16, 20, 21, 26 on top but want to get opinions on the best products and process (there are so many choices). I want to remove or hide what few surface scratches there are. This is a car that has been on mag covers and won major awards and I want to do it right. I know that I am going to wash, tape and clay (or is it clay then tape). You all are the pros and I would greatly apreciate your opinions and/or HELP!

Thanks,

Todd

[the3dwizard]

Still a rookie here, but I am sure the pros will respond. I am just looking for a picture of the car in question

[the other pc]

Hi Todd, to MOL!

Gee 57_300SL, what kind of car are we talking about here?

I’m not a pro, just an enthusiast who likes taking care of cars (and would grovel for the chance to ride in a Gullwing).

Keep in mind that there is no “best” product or process in an outright sense. There are many fine products and good techniques but it the end it’s about finding what works “best” for you. As some point you just have to play around and decide what you like best. It sounds like you’ve been doing that, maybe you only need a little help refining your goals and fine tuning your process to meet them?

I guess it’s always best to start with the basic concepts and then work toward defining where you want to take it. Have you read about Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle? It applys to anybody's products, not just Meguiar's.

As far as protecting your paint, you need to look at what may be “attacking” it. In your car’s case the finish is seeing relatively little weather exposure. It won’t be subject to the kind of slow degradation that a car that’s left outside suffers. It will still be exposed to road dirt, bird bombs, tree sap and whatever else is out there so you will need to deal with those as they occur.

Any high quality wax or sealant should last a long time compared to a car that’s left out. You’ll have to freshen it up occasionally as you deal with removing whatever gunk gets on it. Only you can say if you like the look of one over another

A car cover is a two edged sword it does offer protection but the act of putting on and taking it off drags anything that’s sitting on the finish all over the car. Putting a cover on a dirty car can do far more damage than simply leaving it exposed (especially indoors). Be sure the car is always clean when you put the cover on.

There’s no way to know how to deal with the scratches you have without looking at them and trying a product on them. Sometimes, scratches can be too deep to remove without compromising the integrity of the finish and the best you can do is reduce their visibility a bit. You won’t really know till you try.

Sorry if none of that sounds very specific. I don’t really know enough about your car and your needs to be more precise.


PC.

[PhantomR/T]

any pics of your car?

[57_300SL]

Here are some pictures

This is a mag cover:



and here is one taken at Niagra Falls:

[matt colvin]

That's an awesome car!!!!

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Todd,

Welcome to Meguiar's Online!

I was off yesterday so I missed answering your post right away.


I polished out a very similar car just a few years ago,

1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Swirl Removal




Check your e-mail in-box as I've sent you an e-mail.

[tguil]

Well, Mike.

What's your answer? Todd's in a different league than most of us. Shoot, I'd even trade one of my Harley's for that SL.

I'll bet that #7 and #16 might be included somewhere in your suggestions. "Classic" cars deserve "classic" treatment.

Tom

[the other pc]

Well dang, please accept my profuse apologies for assuming your car was a coupe (I thought the cabrio came in ’58 ).

Your convertible is magnificent!


PC.


(ps- and I would grovel for a ride in a 300SL cabrio too!)

[57_300SL]

Thank you

Thank you for the compliments I am very fortunate, I am a car guy and a racer and have owned and raced many cars over the years. This one is very special as I did not buy it. My father did (brand new from the factory in Germany in 1957!). When he died, I was lucky enough to inherit it and now it is a member of the family.

PC, no apology nessisary. Actually, 1957 was the only year both the Gullwing and Roadster were produced. The gullwing was produced from 1954 through 1957 and the Roadster was produced from 1957 through 1963. Of the 1400 Gullwings, the last 70 were produced in 1957 and of the 1858 Roadsters, the first 618 were produced the same year. The Roadster was "formally" introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1957 (Collier's featured it in an article in the Fall of 1956) and production began in May. This car was delivered July 21, 1957 and was the 27th one built. It has 45,000 origional miles and, other then having an engine rebuild about 6 years ago, is mechanically orgional. I have had the body repainted, re-chromed, a new top, new carpeting and upholstery. Otherwise, it is pretty much as it left the factory. Oh, and anytime you are in central Virginia, I would be happy to take you for a ride.

Mike, got your email and will be in touch.

Todd

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Thank you

Originally posted by 57_300SL

Oh, and anytime you are in central Virginia, I would be happy to take you for a ride.


Todd

Hmmm....

I think we need to have one of our RoadShow classes in central Virginia...

[the3dwizard]

Very nice car, I like the story behind it even better

[Accumulator]

Yeah, that been-in-the-family-since-new provenance is just great. That's about as special as a car can get.

[the other pc]

What a wonderful story to go with a terrific car!


PC.

(Next time I’m in the neighborhood I’ll take you up on that offer . Hmmm, I do have family in DC… )

[atclew]

Originally posted by tguil
Shoot, I'd even trade one of my Harley's for that SL.

Last I saw one of those go for at Barrett-Jackson...you might want to include your house for that Gullwing too!!!