Single Stage Lacquer Scratches ?

[Johnny SanFran]

I have a 1977 black Monte Carlo … total original survivor with 3,500 miles ! Been in a garage 30 years … single stage lacquer … paint is glossy and oxidation is not an issue, but there are some scratches on the passenger door … looks like someone may have wiped it down with a dirty rag and dragged some dust or small particles around … can feel the scratches with a finger nail, barely …. Do not appear to be into the primer though. What is the best approach to start working on these ? Can I fix this by hand … or do I need to use a machine ? I’m told single stage lacquer is tricky to work with and that you can punch through it and get to primer/metal pretty quick if you are not careful … I do not want to do irreversible damage. Thanks for any input.

[Murr1525]

Re: Single Stage Lacquer Scratches ?

Any pics?

If you want to be safest, start out with SwirlX by hand, and move up to ScratchX if needed. Can then go up to Ultimate Compound if needed.

Just get the SwirlX on a smooth foam applicator, kind of smear it across the area (but don't work too big of an area, no more than 1 foot square, probably less) then work it into the paint with a little passion. Check your results, and work it into the paint with some more passion/effort if needed. You can do a few applications, working it in with more passion if needed, then onto the next product if needed.

[Johnny SanFran]

Re: Single Stage Lacquer Scratches ?

Ok, thanks Murr ... I'm going to get at this Saturday a.m., will take some pics too ... more to follow

[Johnny SanFran]

Re: Single Stage Lacquer Scratches ?

I started with Swirl-X and a foam pad ... nothing. Then moved to Scratch-X, lifted some paint pigment but little or no effect on the scratches. I think I need a seasoned pro to work on this, I just don't have the experience or confidence to go much further. Does anyone know a high end guy in the San Fran Bay Area that could possibly get these out ?

Thanks.

[Murr1525]

Re: Single Stage Lacquer Scratches ?

There are a lot of pros in Cali, I am sure you will find one on here.

But any chance of pics, it may not be that bad. If your car is single stage black, and you only lifted pigment when you "thought" you applied passion.... it just may need some more passion.

SwirlX with passion should have turned your applicator black if it is single stage.

[Johnny SanFran]

Re: Single Stage Lacquer Scratches ?

I forgot my camera today ... my Monte Carlo is like 20 minutes away in a garage ... I'll get some pics this week ... regardless, I'm likely going to seek a pro that is confident that he can get them out without causing more problems. Thanks.

I may start a new thread asking for a referral ... my car is so perfect and 100 % original besides these blemishes ... I would never get over it if I screwed it up.