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Older Single Stage Paint

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  • #1

    Older Single Stage Paint

    Gentlemen (and Ladies),

    Need some help for a friend who lives in Seattle. He has an '83 BMW with SS paint and wants to 'get it cleaned up.'

    He stated that the paint looks 'pretty good' (we all know what that can really mean), when I saw it last summer, it was (to me) in need of a heavy dose of #7 for a start and some gentle 105/205 work...but I'm thinking DA, not 'hand.'

    I have told him not to try and do it all in one day, as to not become discouraged.

    Due to the fact he will be doing all of this by hand, I REALLY need some recommendations for cleaner/polish and wax.

    Thanx!

    Bill
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Older Single Stage Paint

    Hi Bill,

    For single stage paints you really can't go wrong with those products:

    Cleaner/ Polish: M83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish, M80 Speed Glaze
    Pure Polish: M07 Show Car Glaze

    If even more muscle than M83 is needed than Ultimate Compound should deliver.

    Wax selection: Ultimate Wax on darker colors, NxT Tech Wax 2.0 on lighter.

    The vehicle is not white, right ?

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Older Single Stage Paint

      Sometimes best to shine things up, and get a better idea of what you are working on. Then worry about defects later.

      #80 or SwirlX by hand would be good choice for a mild product by hand or machine, and then UC for a stronger product for defect removal by hand or machine.

      The pure polish follow up will be a good idea, either #7 or just the DC Polish. And then wax of choice.

      Of course a good washing and claying can be first.
      2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Older Single Stage Paint

        I highly recommend you have him read Mike Phillips' tutorial: http://www.autotraderclassics.com/ca...sationId=21363
        As I've posted here often, I've used this process a few times and consider it absolutely essential reading for anyone interested in restoring old SS paint. The first 5 parts of the article deal with the results that can be had working by hand. As an example here's a split shot of my El Camino roof during my first try with Mike's method. The driver's side was done with 4 passionate rubs with M07, the first of which was allowed to soak overnight. The passenger side (left side of the photo) had numerous glazes, polishes and compounds applied by rotary, with both foam and wool pads.



        Given the improvement shown, to say I'm a devoted disciple of Mike's tutorial would be an understatement.

        Bill

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        • #5
          Re: Older Single Stage Paint

          My 15 year old motor home has single stage paint on the lower part. Over the years I thought I had tried most everything until last summer....M80 produced fabulous results!! The finish looks better than new. I recently went over it with Synthetic Xpress Spray Wax and it looks great!! Actually does look WET.
          Barry

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          • #6
            Re: Older Single Stage Paint

            Thanx all for the replies!

            One thing I should have included was/is...I really thinking OTC types of product. I just don't him to say, "Hell with it. This is too much."

            Greg: Not white, blue. I can his 'blue' towels now.

            Mat: Agreed. I have no idea of how bad it really is, but just to get 'shiny' will be a goal first and foremost.

            Bill: I have Mike's 'thesis' on my computer and was thinking about sending that...but he may just get way overwhelmed...but at least he can 'see' what can be done.

            Barry: Good idea, if I am thinking straight, M-80 is kinda like M-7 on steroids. Wonder how that is to use by hand?

            Again thanx Guys...

            Bill

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Older Single Stage Paint

              Everything gets milder used by hand, so the #80, SwirlX, Ult. Polish start to be real similar in cleaning ability. But the #80 and Ult. Polish will have more oils.

              Following up with a pure polish kind of evens that out as well though.
              2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: Older Single Stage Paint

                Bill,
                As you well know, I'm completely sold on Mike's SS process. However, If I was trying to make a substantial improvement without power tools, with the minimum steps, wash, clay and an aggressive rub with M80 by hand would be the route I would take. He could always massage in M07 after the M80 if he was inspired by the results and willing to put in more effort, even on a panel-by-panel basis.

                Bill

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: Older Single Stage Paint

                  Originally posted by BillyJack View Post
                  Bill,
                  As you well know, I'm completely sold on Mike's SS process. However, If I was trying to make a substantial improvement without power tools, with the minimum steps, wash, clay and an aggressive rub with M80 by hand would be the route I would take. He could always massage in M07 after the M80 if he was inspired by the results and willing to put in more effort, even on a panel-by-panel basis.


                  Bill
                  Point well taken.

                  I DID forward him 'The Thesis' yesterday, I'll give him a day or two and see what his mind set is.

                  Just a little side note on this car...it only has 40K miles! Always garaged, or at least in a covered something or other. I just wish I had given it a better lookie see last summer (I was doing his boat...Have Buffer will Travel..LOL).

                  Thanx again Bill...

                  Bill

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Older Single Stage Paint

                    a 1983 BMW with only 40k on the odometer

                    tell me more

                    what model?
                    original owner?
                    etc etc etc

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Re: Older Single Stage Paint

                      Yup...original owner. Off hand, I don't know the model, sorry. To me, a non-discript 2 door sedan.

                      "She" bought it before they got married (late marriages for them) and had basically just driven it to work...10 mile round trip. Then after marriage, she was (actually both of them) were able to take the bus to work...hence, the lil car just kinda sat. Very little driving.

                      That's about I know, or remember.

                      Bill

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