<ROOKIE how do I restore the paint

[mnwild_mntwins]

Hello all. I am by no means a paint and body guy. I have a 1992 Nitro that has been stored outside, uncovered (by previous owner) and needless to say, the paint is terribly faded. Ecept for a few cracks, it's in decent shape, but I'm pretty sure I could sand the cracks out. The bottom is black and gold flake and the top is white sith pinstripes. How can I restore the shine without having much paint and body experience? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Plainsman]

Re: <ROOKIE how do I restore the paint

3M makes some very good products

http://www.3m.com/Product/information/Fiberglass-Restorer-Wax.html

 

[dhatcher]

Re: <ROOKIE how do I restore the paint

yeah 3m is about as good as it gets, some people say pricey i say it saves you a paint job when the other less expensive stuff ruins your gelcoat

 

[nathan104]

Re: <ROOKIE how do I restore the paint

The round foam polishing ball that you can get at auto parts stores works wonders as well. My boat was horrible and I heavy rubbing compound alone didnt make a dent. But the foam ball worked great. Still had to wet sand most of the top though.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: <ROOKIE how do I restore the paint

What you have is gel coat not paint, there is a clear gel coat on the surface of the metal flake areas, whatever you do don't sand or buff through the clear. If you do, you will get into the flake and it will be very difficlt to get it to look good after that. Use a fine buffing compound at first and see if it cleans it up, if not then use a coarser one, the last resort will be to sand lightly, just don't go too deep. Most buffing compounds will work OK, just go slow. Most auto parts stores (Napa) will have the compound.

 

[LORDY611]

Re: <ROOKIE how do I restore the paint

I just had some positive experience with wet-sanding my "clear" plastic headlight lensed on my car that were yellowing. I used 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, then 2000 grit, followed by some polishing compound, and they look nearly new. Now, I have never tried this on gelcoat, but if you get to the point of nothing working, you might try this method. I would imagine it is similar to 3M products (actually I think the Wet-or-Dry sandpaper is made by 3M) but perhaps a bit more agressive to begin with. You might then be able to use some of the polishes that others here have recommended. Best of luck with the project. It would be interesting seeing some before and after photos.