Help! need to restore 41yr old paint

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally posted by Mark2
Ok, now I feel stupid I didn't know they were fiberglass back in the 60s. Why don't they make more cars of fiberglass, seems like a good idea?

Nothing to feel bad about! I believe all Corvettes were 'glas, from the original in...um...'54? As to why more cars aren't...cost, mostly, I expect.

[RedSoxRacer]

from the original in...um...'54?

FYI.. the original was the 1953

[Pete-FWA]

Fiberglass was primarily used to keep the weight of the car down. It is much different to repair than metal, as it requires a very different process. Many people who have done both say they would rather work metal than 'glass.

BIG difference on that '62, RedSox! Good work bringing that one back to life.

[Setec Astronomy]

Originally posted by Pete-FWA
Fiberglass was primarily used to keep the weight of the car down.

That was something that I thought as well, but I didn't mention it because I wasn't sure the strength-to-weight ratio was really that good.

The National Corvette Museum (corvettemusuem.com) says this: "A prototype fiberglass-bodied Chevrolet full-sized convertible is accidentally rolled during a test run. Because the body survives with little significant damage, the decision is made to adopt fiberglass for the production body material of the upcoming sports car."

Although modern composites have better strength-to-weight ratios than steel, I think a lot of automotive SMC (sheet molding compound) applications have to do with the production volume of the part and the lower tooling costs.

[Restoremy64]

thanks for the continued input!

Forum members: Sincere thanks again for the feedback!

Mike - thanks for such great forum 'management' and advice to so many.

I've adapted the plan:
Bringing the paint back:
(Step / Activity)
1 / #7 pre-treat by hand and let soak overnight
2 / 'Clay' the car
3 / Second coat of #7 (maybe not necessary but sounds good!)
4 / G100 Polisher with #80 and 8006 pad
5 / G100 Polisher with #80 and 9006 pad
6 / #7 by hand
7 / Finish with NXT
note: I'll buy some #83 to use only for the heaviest scratch areas like the back.

BTW, ordered everything through Chris at Meguiars 1-800. Great Job! He went 'above and beyond' in helping with the order and ensuring it arrives by the weekend!

I'll update the original post with some B4 and afters.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: thanks for the continued input!

Originally posted by Restoremy64
Great Job! He went 'above and beyond' in helping with the order and ensuring it arrives by the weekend!

I'll update the original post with some B4 and afters.

Check your PM's and your e-mail.