993James993

The 1990 is starting to show its age.

Has anyone successfully dealt with oxidation and fading of Guards Red paint on their own or should I get a professional to deal with this?

It seems like a great DIY but I don't want to make matters worse. If you've done this what products did you use? How did you like the results? Photos would be welcomed.

I've searched here and found dozens of posts but nothing that really addresses my questions.

Here is a miraculous transformation of a similar vintage BMW. Scroll down to post 157:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...t=91146&page=8

Thanks,

Jim

DWS964

I was amazed at the difference following a thorough claying and polishing with #2 and #3 polishes from Griots using a random orbit Porter Cable. The red really popped after that. That is when I discovered that these cars do not use a base/clear coat. Yes, the pads came out a bit red, but that is what enables a single stage color to "pop" a lot more than a 2-stage paint.

Chunkyd65

+1 on Claying and Polish... I had a shop do mine ($300) after the car had been stored for 5 years... Great results...

SuperUser

try this:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ge-paints.html

deutschland-dobson

A machine polish by a professional or even buy a DA polisher and have a go yourself (safer than a rotary) will be the best way to bring back the colour. Hand polishing just wont give you the results and youre hand will fall off first!

Chris

Bearclaw

One more option, if cost is no object (extremely labor-intensive), is color-sanding. However, even though I've done a lot of work by hand, with a random-action and a rotary, I would never trust myself to undertake this - it is best left only to a (highly experienced) pro.
But I've seen the results on single-stage paints, including a GR car, and the results are extraordinary. There is some debate about its effect on the longevity of the paint, however.

brad@tirerack.com

The paint on these cars is not tough to work with. Buy yourself a good Griot's kit for $200 and do it yourself. It's not hard. Give me a call for some pointers.

993James993

Thanks for the replies. I'm planning to get a Porter Cable 7424 buffer and appropriate polish/wax. I'll post a DIY thread once I start.