Stop time on 32 year old paint...

[Alwaystubed]

I am looking to just maintain what I have left of my trucks paint. It is original and in good shape for the most part. On the hood the single stage is wearing thin and the primer is showing a bit. I am looking just to maintain what is there without taking much more paint off. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[BillyJack]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

If you don't mind doing some reading, check out this thread and the accompanying article. http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44023&highlight=M07
Mike has written a superb tutorial on a non-invasive method of restoring of single-stage paint. It's a long read, but worth the time. I followed his procedure, which is essentially a clay job, multiple vigorous applications of #7 Show Car Glaze, a light polish, then a final waxing. On my El Camino, the reward was a 1st place trophy at a local Chevy show. I have been using M07 for over 30 years, but didn't realize its true potential until Mike's article.

Bill

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

I'd suggest the M07 as well at least on the hood.
Perhaps ColorX on the remainder of the truck.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

I'd suggest the M07 as well at least on the hood.
Perhaps ColorX on the remainder of the truck.

x2 good choices.

[Murr1525]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

Maybe Mike can explain, but I am not sure why heavily rubbing in #7 by hand with terry cloth would be less agressive than wiping around some #9 or #80 with a smooth foam pad by hand.

[Alwaystubed]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

Great read. Thanks. I have the #7 but with Mikes technique, I will give it a go!

One question, my #7 has a unpleasant sulfur type odor that I don't recall on previous bottles, is this normal?

[rst08tierney]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

Great read. Thanks. I have the #7 but with Mikes technique, I will give it a go!

One question, my #7 has a unpleasant sulfur type odor that I don't recall on previous bottles, is this normal?

How old is your #7?

[Alwaystubed]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

How old is your #7?

It's about 6 months but has smelled foul since I got it.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

I have a pretty fresh bottle. I just gave it a sniff test. It certainly doesn't smell pretty (or look pretty). It kind of has a shoe polish smell. I guess that makes sense, seeing it's a polish.

I didn't notice a sulfur smell, it's more of an oily but sharp smell. I could maybe see how you could think sulfur from the sharp part, but I don't detect an egg like smell.

[Alwaystubed]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

I have a pretty fresh bottle. I just gave it a sniff test. It certainly doesn't smell pretty (or look pretty). It kind of has a shoe polish smell. I guess that makes sense, seeing it's a polish.

I didn't notice a sulfur smell, it's more of an oily smell.

I must have got a bad bottle. Mine smells like polish and rotten eggs but more putrid. It's really strong.

Anyhow, one last questions. I noticed some crows feet on some parts of the paint. Is it best to leave these alone? I assume I would need to take off a lot of paint in order to remove these?

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

I must have got a bad bottle. Mine smells like polish and rotten eggs but more putrid. It's really strong.

Anyhow, one last questions. I noticed some crows feet on some parts of the paint. Is it best to leave these alone? I assume I would need to take off a lot of paint in order to remove these?

Those crows feet are signs of paint cracking either from heat or from the paint being dry + heat.

If they are on the hood, I'd look at were they are at in relation to your exhaust manifold and other heat sources to determine if heat is the source of the issue. Then look at insulating the hood if possible. Minimally opening it after parking it, if this is a weekend driver.

M07 is going to help replenish the oils but, I wouldn't attempt correction of the crows feet. The cracks will go right through to the primer or you'll be so close to the primer by the time you get rid of them.

The M07 will help slightly in covering them. You might want to using a wax like Gold Class Carnauba Plus after you've used the M07.

p.s. I'm not a crowsfeet expert of expert by any means. I suggest a second opinion. I do however have similar issues with my 1980 Camaro.

[Alwaystubed]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

Thanks again Bill. The crows feet are only on the cowl portion and on the top portions of the doors. I will try the carnuba wax as well.

[Alwaystubed]

Re: Stop time on 32 year old paint...

Here is a very close up shot-1" away macro- of the crows feet. I also have started on the M07 treatment and after just 2 coats and a 12 hours 'soaking' I can already see improvement. I know I will need much more. I will post some pics of the results later.