Abused mustang

[DJHA90]

What whould you use to try and improve the looks of a car that has sat outside for 10 years. It's paint looks dull and oxidized (as one would expect). Cant afford a paint job right now and need something I can do myself. Would buffing it out with a polish work?

 

[Trbofox]

Zaino, a friend of mine bought a 93 Lightning a few years ago in Kentucky and the truck had sat outside for years, very oxidized paint, I wish I had before and after pics cause it was unbelievable what that Zaino could do.

 

[MustangDanny]

Get a machine and some compound and...

 

[wytstang]

Yup a real buffer and some compound will really wake the paint up. Here mine I just did last week (I used Wolfgang's Deep Gloss Sealant for paint protection)

A far as I know this car has spent the better part of it's life outside 24/7. Now it looks better then some other new white gt's I've pulled up next too.

 

[attackkatt]

Try the clay, it really takes the ox out

 

[attackkatt]

really depends on how much paint is left. A detail shop can do a great job. Just ask a car lot manager were they are going. A good detail shop will save alot of work. Sure it might cost a little but you won't have to buy stuff you may never use again. Just add it up first.

 

[wytstang]

Worst thing you can do is ask a car lot manager. They don't look for quality they want it done the cheapest period. Google detailing forums and find one that has a regional sub forum. Then ask for a detailer near you, preferable one with a good rep on the board for doing quality work.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

I would just paint it. The oidation will come back.

 

[jcsuli74]

Zaino, a friend of mine bought a 93 Lightning a few years ago in Kentucky and the truck had sat outside for years, very oxidized paint, I wish I had before and after pics cause it was unbelievable what that Zaino could do.

Ditto on the Zaino, if you cannot find any and what to try it your self first and dont want to use a buffer, (i bought an 86 f150 last year that was bad), i used clay bar, Meguiars paint cleaner, then Meguiars Paint polish (twice) then a couple coats of wax. turned out really well (for being doen by hand) and i used a random orbit polisher/waxer.

not to hijack this thread but TRBOFOX loved the article in MM&FF.

 

[94project]

Try to find the PRESTA system. I use it in my shop and it works wonders. Its a 3 step system. First a cutting creme, then a polish, then swirl remover. Never did me wrong

 

[jprovence]

Cut and buff with a machine polisher, variable speed nice die grinder type. Use a good buffing pad Foam perferably. Buff until nearly dry. Then wipe excess. Do Not use the chintzy orbital types for 29.99 from autozone. Just be carefull not to heat up the paint and dig too deep. Use Meguiars Mirror Glaze #4 Heavy cut cleaner. Stay away from edges and take your time. You can only really get away with doing this once or twice at most on a good paint job.

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

Cut and buff with a machine polisher, variable speed nice die grinder type. Use a good buffing pad Foam perferably. Buff until nearly dry. Then wipe excess. Do Not use the chintzy orbital types for 29.99 from autozone. Just be carefull not to heat up the paint and dig too deep. Use Meguiars Mirror Glaze #4 Heavy cut cleaner. Stay away from edges and take your time. You can only really get away with doing this once or twice at most on a good paint job.

Not if you don't have experience. That is a disaster waiting to happen. Look to the local forums. You can correct a lot of problems using a very safe DA polisher and OTC products.

 

[jprovence]

He wanted a method to get rid of oxidation, that is the best way