Detail or Paint Job...Please Help

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Detail or Paint Job...Please Help

Most MOL members would relish the challenge of bringing that paint back, but since it's single stage white odds are the paint is going to be hard, perhaps very hard, which means a D/A may not enough power to get the job done. Single stage white paint uses titanium dioxide as the pigment, and that is some pretty stout stuff.

But is it worth a shot first? Certainly. At least you've got some friends who can provide you with a cost effective respray if it comes to it.

[the_invisible]

Re: Detail or Paint Job...Please Help

Difficulties and costs aside. The Celica is a classic. Keep it original!

It's probably almost worth it to pay someone on this board $300-500 to rotary buff this car back in shape.

[Jeff U]

Re: Detail or Paint Job...Please Help

... Btw, the paint is NOT a base and clear, it's a single stage enamel. Some sixth gen Celicas had base and clear, some didn't.. I think it had to do with what color you bought. ...

... So is it still worth trying to salvage single stage oxidizing paint for the price difference?

I may be reading in too much, but you seem to think single stage paint is inferior to clear coat.

I don't think that is true! Going to clear coat was more about saving money in the manufacturing process than it was to improve the paint finish.

So yes, I think it's worth trying to salvage. Most likely polishing away the layer of oxidation will reveal a very nice finish.

If it's my car (that I've always wanted) the question is not the "price difference" but what will be the "end result". You know your painter/family member better than any of us. Does he do great work and will spend all the time required to do a top quality job? If yes, great. If no, following the advice here will probably end up with a much better end result.

Look around here, especially the extreme makeover forum, and you'll see many photos of older cars that look as good as, or better, than new.

An example:

This is original single stage paint. Not a show car but a 23 year old daily driver with 143k miles.