On 1/4/2012 2:22 PM, Chip wrote:
It can be done, but it will more likely end up as the first step in a repaint. Judicious use of 600 grit will speed the process, then step up to 1,000,1,500, and finally 2,000. A good buffing at that point should give you acceptable gloss. However, base coat/clear coat paint jobs are usually lighter on the thickness of the base coat than a single stage paint job. Sanding through the base coat on edges, ridges and corners will qualify you for a repaint. Also given the age of these cars, there are probably some nicks,scratches or other damage that should be addressed to give you a good looking paint job. If you have or can borrow the equipment, you may be able to get away with spot priming the sand throughs and repairs followed by the paint and, if you want to, a clear coat. If you don't feel confident about that procedure and don't want to spend what a good paint job would cost, see if a school near you has an auto body training program. They usually are looking for projects. Plan "B" would be to talk to a local body shop about a price reduction if you do all of the sanding and grunt work . Most of the MAACO type shops offer low prices, but use their own proprietary paint colors and do the prep work on a flat rate basis which doesn't allow for good or careful work in most cases. Again they may be willing to spray the car for a lower price if you bring it in prepped.Does anyone have any experience with color sanding old paint on their Benz?
Mine is the original light metallic blue, with the hood, top and trunk with clear coat peeling.
I have recently been reading about this process, which starts with a 2000 grit sand paper to work through the layers of clear coat until you get to the original colored paint.
After that, they follow it up with rubbing compound and polish. Most use a buffer which I will not do. I am not sure how much I have to loose with the top of the car, as the clear coat is a real mess.
I have been big on the idea of keeping my car's paint totally original and would love for this process to have some merit.
Any thoughts?
Chip
Houston
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