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My in-laws drove from Atlanta, GA to Pasadena, CA to visit us for the holidays. My wife and I had previously driven it from Pasadena to Tennessee for our wedding and to give the car to my father-in-law. So this is a '99 Ford Escort that's seen some family history and a lot of cross-country miles. My in-laws drove through a sand storm on the way out, which put the finishing touches of epic paint thrashing on it.
When they arrived:
This was my biggest detailing challenge yet. I wasn't even sure if there would be anything salvageable under all the oxidation, swirls, stains, etc.
We worked on the car for several hours a day over 4 days. We started with a good wash with NXT Wash and 2 bucket method. Then we followed up with Mother's clay bar kit. My main products used for buffing were Medium Cut Compound with wool pad, Fine Cut Cleaner and Swirl Remover 2.0 with megs foam polishing pad. Here are some "in progress" shots and 50/50 shots:
Hood buffed with Medium Cut Cleaner/Wool pad followed by Swirl Remover 2.0 and foam pad.
I followed up with Show Car Glaze and NXT 2.0 Wax
Before stopping for the day I just HAD to see what was under the roof garbage. I buffed out a strip with Med Cut Compound and wool pad:
The next day I wanted to get some wicked 50/50 shots of the roof.
Hood Complete:
The rear spoiler was looking horrible, and I realized that the clear coat had become gummy and white, caking up the whole surface. We opted to sand off all of the clear and buff the paint up like a single stage paint and wax it. It looks a lot better and will last a little while until the inevitable repaint.
Clouds in the roof:
We finished the car the night before they left to drive back to Atlanta. I had to take final pics at 6:30 AM as they were pulling out of the driveway!
As they drove out of sight:
My father in law was with me the whole time and did some hand polishing work and the interior (sorry no pics). He was absolutely floored that this was even possible. The in-laws were freaking out and gushing with appreciation, which made me very happy.
When they arrived:
This was my biggest detailing challenge yet. I wasn't even sure if there would be anything salvageable under all the oxidation, swirls, stains, etc.
We worked on the car for several hours a day over 4 days. We started with a good wash with NXT Wash and 2 bucket method. Then we followed up with Mother's clay bar kit. My main products used for buffing were Medium Cut Compound with wool pad, Fine Cut Cleaner and Swirl Remover 2.0 with megs foam polishing pad. Here are some "in progress" shots and 50/50 shots:
Hood buffed with Medium Cut Cleaner/Wool pad followed by Swirl Remover 2.0 and foam pad.
I followed up with Show Car Glaze and NXT 2.0 Wax
Before stopping for the day I just HAD to see what was under the roof garbage. I buffed out a strip with Med Cut Compound and wool pad:
The next day I wanted to get some wicked 50/50 shots of the roof.
Hood Complete:
The rear spoiler was looking horrible, and I realized that the clear coat had become gummy and white, caking up the whole surface. We opted to sand off all of the clear and buff the paint up like a single stage paint and wax it. It looks a lot better and will last a little while until the inevitable repaint.
Clouds in the roof:
We finished the car the night before they left to drive back to Atlanta. I had to take final pics at 6:30 AM as they were pulling out of the driveway!
As they drove out of sight:
My father in law was with me the whole time and did some hand polishing work and the interior (sorry no pics). He was absolutely floored that this was even possible. The in-laws were freaking out and gushing with appreciation, which made me very happy.
Golly, that is amazing! Awesome job! 
I'm curious to see how long it will take for the oxidation to return (if ever). If you keep it waxed it should stay looking great for a very long time.
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