I have a 1991 Cougar XR7 5.0L. Oxford White. It used to be my baby and I took incredible care of it, even though it was seriously old and all my friends had newer cars. One day I got a big-kid job and bought my current 03 Cobra. I take immaculate care of the Cobra because, well, that's what I used to do with the Cougar and now I have a car without rust bubbles or chipped paint... and I wanted to keep it that way. I use Zaino exclusively on the Cobra.

Since I got the Cobra, it's become my summer daily driver. The Cougar has been neglected for about 2 years and driven in 2 Cleveland winters basically being washed about twice a year. I simply lost my motivation in keeping it clean.

I've decided to sell it and find something a little better on gas. The Cougar, despite high miles, runs like a champ and has lots of go-fast(er) parts on it. I'd like to sell it and get $1k. I think the drivetrain alone is worth that (5.0 with bolt ons, rebuilt AOD with shift kit, rebuilt 8.8 w/ 3.73s). The paint and body has become the major downside of the car.

The rocker panels are completely rusted through and almost nonexistent anymore. That doesn't really bother me that much. It's other parts on the car that have started to rust, and the brownish color has "dripped" down on parts of the body. There is also sticky sap from the trees dripped on it from being parked in the street.

I was going to get an orbital polisher, some polish, and go to town... then maybe throw a coat of wax on it. I'm trying to do this cheaply, quickly and having the final result be decent enough to sell.

Any suggestions on an orbital polisher and polish?

Thanks!

 

Since it is an older car, I'd suggest using a random-orbit polisher, but still one with some "oomph". Porter-Cable makes a great one, that any novice, or pro can use with great results, and not have to worry about swirling, or burning paint. The Porter Cable would be great for your 03 Cobra too!

As far as polish/waxes go... For retail brands, I'd recommend Meguiars. They have a great retail product line that you can't get yourself in too much trouble with. They've got a 3-step system that you can find in most stores. Try it out, you'll be VERY pleased with the results.

Expect to take 2-3 hours for complete application time.

Have fun!

 

porter cable would be my advice, along with some 3m compounds. Wax, well everyone has one they like so i wont give you advice on that.

 

Clay bar before the polishing wouldnt be a bad idea either.

 

I wanna see pictures! lol

And on a car like that, judging by what you said, you might want to get several clay bars. lol And IMO for a car your hoping to get a grand outa, I would just do it by hand, go buy some polish at your local store and go at it. Not sure of the condition, so its hard to say what to get, but if its as bad as it sounds, get the gritty ****. Then finish it with NXT, doesn't last long, but has a pretty good initial look, good for selling.
Or, go even cheaper and just wash it, spray it down and get it nice and wet, then drive it a couple feet to a dry spot, take some pictures of it wet so the paint looks great, then sell it on ebay! LOL But dont lie about it, make sure you say the paint sucks. lol