Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

[angelsong21]

I'm new to this forum, and while I've looked around for awhile, I haven't seen the information that I'm looking for (though I'm sure it's here somewhere). I'm also a complete dunce when it comes to car detailing (never done anything more than wash and wax in my life), so there's that...

My fiance has a neglected 1998 maroon Ford F-150 with significant swirling and oxidation. I'd really like to help restore the paint to the absolute best finish I possibly can without breaking the bank. I'm not sure that the Ultimate Compound from the local big box store is really going to help and wonder if I need to use the professional compounds.

Do you all have any recommendations on the exact steps and products that I should take to bring his paint back to as nice of a finish as possible? I do have access to an orbital sander and such -- just need advice on which products to use, in which order, an with which applicators. I'm hoping that I can use the same products on my 2007 white Nissan Sentra which has water marks and swirls despite quick wax after every wash and a detailed wax every 6 months.

Thank you so much for your help!

[Murr1525]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

Any chance of pics of the truck? That would help most.

[angelsong21]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

Any chance of pics of the truck? That would help most.

I would take some now but it is currently raining. We live in an apartment so we have to park outside. I can upload some a bit later, however.

ETA: Basically it has sat in the West Texas sun for about 4 years with no real attention, and then another 2 years here in Dallas outside (never garaged) with one wash and one wax. Without a picture, I can say that there are swirls and scratch marks easily visible in the sunlight, some areas of heavy oxidation (which I doubt I can do much about), and spotty oxidation throughout the surface of the truck. It looks blotchy almost like permanent water-spotting.

[Murr1525]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

Well, the big question is the 'oxidation'... There is a higher chance of it being clear coat failure.

[angelsong21]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

This is not a picture of his personal truck, but this is exactly what the paint condition is in:

[FX4619]

I think ultimate compound would take care of that as long as you have the right technique with that polisher.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

*If* it is just advanced oxidation, then you should be able to remove that with a compound. If the clear coat has begun to fail, there isn't much you can do for those areas as it will rapidly continue to deteriorate if you compound or polish the failing areas away.

We'll have to sit tight and wait for pictures to best diagnose the problem and a plan of action.

[angelsong21]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

Here are the best pictures I could get after drying a few areas on the truck. I hope they are at least somewhat helpful.

[1994Gen1L]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

I would give Ultimate Compound (UC) a try with a DA polisher and then Ultimate Polish (UP) followed by liquid Ultimate Wax (UW). It will take some effort to get it in to decent shape. It may even take a few weekends to get it to where you can live with it. The chips and scratches that go down to primer or metal can be improved with the use of Duplicolor Touchup primer and paint in a tube.

[Murr1525]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

Yeah, looks like some UC worked in would be worth trying.

[angelsong21]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

Thanks, guys! I know I won't be able to get it back to excellent condition but I'd like to get it back to as good of quality as I can get it to prevent any further damage. If I'm truly able to get some decent results without spending the money on the "professional grade" Meguiar's products, that's a relief. Thanks for all your input.

[1994Gen1L]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

I would wash it once and then clay bar it really well. You may find that two clay bar's are used before the paint is smooth. Just remember, it will not happen in one or two hours. It will most likely take three or four, 8- 10 hour day's working on it before it's in a condition you can live with.

I'm really looking forward to the outcome. Are you working by hand, DA or Rotary?

James

[BillE]

Re: Neglected Ford F-150... where to start?

Thanks, guys! I know I won't be able to get it back to excellent condition but I'd like to get it back to as good of quality as I can get it to prevent any further damage. If I'm truly able to get some decent results without spending the money on the "professional grade" Meguiar's products, that's a relief. Thanks for all your input.

Don't get too wrapped up with thinking that "professional grade" is any better than what is available over the counter. Ult Compound is a first cousin to M-105, as is Ult Polish to M-205.

Bill

[FX4619]

Thanks, guys! I know I won't be able to get it back to excellent condition but I'd like to get it back to as good of quality as I can get it to prevent any further damage. If I'm truly able to get some decent results without spending the money on the "professional grade" Meguiar's products, that's a relief. Thanks for all your input.

Don't get too wrapped up with thinking that "professional grade" is any better than what is available over the counter. Ult Compound is a first cousin to M-105, as is Ult Polish to M-205.

Bill

^^ This. Marketing at its best. The bottle says professional and its more money so people automatically assume its better. Granted the professional line may be more efficient for certain jobs, the consumer line products are right there with them.