hey guys my parents asked me if i can clean up their grand national that has been sitting on the side of my house for 3 years, well aparently my neighbor painted their side of the wooden fence and got white paint specks all over the passenger side of the car,

the car needs to be detailed badly, but i was wondering what is safe to use to get the dry white paint specks off, i would probably have to use a wheel on the car but im unsure of what product to use i dont want to damage the paint (basicly i dont want it to look worse then it is) i have some compound but not sure if i should use the abarasive stuff with the grit in it its 3m microfinishing compound. what steps would i have to take i would like to try to avoid wet sanding if possible as i am nervous working with paint finishes on cars lol

thanks in advance

 

Start out with a clay bar.

 

Where on L.I are you? im right in suffolk. I'd wash it first. Then go with the claybar. You would be amazed at what comes off. See if that does anything then go from there.

 

im located in wantagh. thanks for the help ill start with the clay bar. ive never used one so ill give it a try

 

Ditto.

Jeff

 

^ claybar X2
If some still remains, bust out teh polishing compound then claybar again.

 

Simple..... sell it to me. Im in queens.

 

Remember that GNs weren't painted with a 2 stage like all modern cars, they were a one stage lacquer. Start with the least abrasive step, and move your way up till it's done. Clay bar! If that's not enough then use a very light compound, don't go crazy and burn up whatever is left of the paint by being too aggressive. If you're not too good with a wheel, try doing a small area by hand.

 

Are you sure on that??? Because I remember my buddy's Standard 85 Regal had Base / Clear, and when talking with my buddy with an 86 T-type he's also talking about Base / Clear when he does the paint and he's trying to maintain stock?

 

Yes, I'm sure. The one stage black lacquer was the only available paint on the later GNs, and was not available on the Regals, or T-types. The others were painted with a base/clear.

 

Ahh I didn't know that!! Thanks for the update

 

ok guys clay bar is working, one section at a time, its taking a while but its working thank god. what would be next after the clay bar. Cleaner wax, polish, compound...?
i wanna hear from the pros in detailing

 

I use:

1. Clay bar
2. Meguiars pre wax stripper
3. Meguiars polish
4. Meguiars tech wax

Without seeing the car we can't tell you if it needs to be compounded or not, but I'd steer clear unless it really needs it. I dislike any sort of cleaner wax. The above steps work best for me. If you had money to burn, I'd go with Zaino but the above will get you where you want to be.

We expect pics afterward.

 

thanks for the help, i will have before and after pics, car is not perfect but i think it will shine up pretty good for sitting for so long

 

Zaino is your friend Goes on easy, and they have multiple layers to give the car that 'Wet' Look, even if there is no true clear coat