65 Fury Convert

So it’s not an Acura or even a late model anything, but I’m here seeking the advice and wisdom from the Acurazine brain trust to detail the paint on my 1967 Mustang. The paint is probably close to 20 years old now. It’s a two part paint, base coat clear coat, and it still has a decent shine to it.





I call the paint job a 5 footer, as in from 5 feet away it looks good but on closer inspection it has its share of scratches and swirls. I’m going to polish the paint with the intention of removing the imperfections to make the red paint really pop.

Take a look at some of these close ups of the paint and you can see the swirling:
Front drivers side fender


Front of passenger side hood


Passenger side fender


Passenger side door (I need to get rid of all of that caked on wax as well! It's everywhere)


Water spots on the roof


Scratches on deck lid


Scratches on passenger side quarter panel




I’ve been following the Wash and Wax forum for a long time now, commenting on and admiring the results of other members here. I’ve also researched other posts and have a good idea of what I need to do. Don’t worry, I won’t be over complicating what I need to purchase and I will be calling our vendors, Phil at Detailers Domain and Nick at Auto Geek

I’ve polished in the past (we called it buffing) but I used wool pads, 3M compounds, and a big single action Milwaukee Tool buffer. I’ve retired this monster and will be modernizing my detailing arsenal with a Porter Cable 7424XP (from my research on this forum, this is the popular choice).

In addition to the Mustang, I’ll also use my new gear to detail the paint on my metallic grey 2010 Infiniti G37 and white Silverado.

This is what I am purchasing this week. If I get everything in time and the weather is good I will be working on the car this upcoming Sunday June 8th.

Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash
Meguiar’s clay bar
Porter Cable 7424XP
2 - Lake Country Orange 6.5” light cutting pad
2 - Lake Country White 6.5” polishing pad
Meguiar’s 105
Mequiar’s 205
Meguiar’s #21 Synthetic Sealant

You will notice I’m using all Meguiar’s products. I feel they have a good product line with reasonable prices.

Let me know your thoughts on what I am purchasing or just follow along. I’ll be taking before and after pictures and I will be posting updates and final results!

I can’t wait, this is going to be fun!!!

Jesstzn

The 6.5" pads are too big. Get a 5" backing plate and 5.5" pads . The white pads wont do much for you .. Get 4 orange ones . On the polish .. Tho they are good I gave up on the a long time ago. Too much dust and short working time. I switched to Optimum polishes a long time ago.

The #21 is great... Key is apply it very thin . You should be able to do that car with less than an ounce. With sealants less is better.

65 Fury Convert

Good advice on getting the 5.5" pads versus the 6.5". These old cars have a lot of sharp body lines. The 5.5" will give me more control

65 Fury Convert

BTW interesting that you mention the Meguiar's created a lot of dust for you. That reminded me of my old 3M products which would do the same thing. I'll compare the prices between Meguiar' s and Optimum. Again, thanks for your input.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

Before talking about anything else you mentioned it has a two part paint. Has the car ever been repainted? If that is factory paint it is going to be single stage. To check just use your cutting compound on a MF cutting pad and see if there is any paint transfer.

Can't really tell if it is clear coat or not.

Aman

Well he said the paint is about 20 years old, so I think he knows it's a base/clear setup.

65 Fury Convert

You are correct whether it is lacquer or enamel, single or base clear is an important factor. This isn't original paint. It was repainted once before.

C8N

The car looks amazing for 20yr old paint.
As someone already mentioned, do a test spot first.
I would love to see the results.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

Ah ok. Nice nice! Should be a fun project then. That clear coat should really shine then depending on how thick it is. Get some glassy finish there!

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

True but with no info mentioned on it I though it would be important to know. The car has had a repaint before so it'll be different tackling this paint.

stogie1020

In for the finished product!

Sounds like you are well on your way regarding tools/products. Everyone has their personal preferences so don't sway from yours unless there is a compelling reason (like the dusting, or ease of use, result, etc)...

65 Fury Convert

Just purchased:
1 LC-43-125DA - Lake Country 5 Inch D.A. Hook & Loop Flexible Backingplate
3 LC-78-22550 - Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Orange Foam Pad
2 LC-78-72550- Lake Country 5.5 Inch CCS Gray Smart Pad
1 M-10508 - 8 oz. Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut
1 M-20508 - 8 oz. Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finish
1 M-2116 - 16 oz. Meguiar's Mirror Glaze #21 Synthetic

And I didn't get the Porter Cable, instead I bought a DA polisher from Harbor Freight:


It was less than $60 including shipping with a coupon code I grabbed online. The reviews were pretty good so I think it'll do fine.
http://m.harborfreight.com/power-too...her-69924.html

65 Fury Convert

Forgot to order the clay bar Will have to buy some at the local auto parts store

C8N

I have been using this for the past year and a half.
Works pretty well.

d1sturb3d119

iTrader: (1)

Well if you do a lot of claying I'd suggest nanoskin products instead and IronX as well. Or you can buy the mitt. The sponge costs less and you can get the job done faster. I only use clay for really tight spots now, like wheels, mirrors, inside emblems, stuff like that. And it can be used over and over again. I think it's 25 cars before you have to replace it.


Yeah it works surprisingly well.

65 Fury Convert

No deliveries yet so no detailing this weekend. Instead I decided to change out the fluids.

Really looking forward to detailing the paint!

SinCity-TL

Sounds like you are headed the right direction. There is a method that has been out for a few years called "the Kevin Brown Method" using Maguire's 105, works really well on cars in need of TLC. Suggest proceding with caution using it on a 20 year old paint job.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...explained.html

1StGenCL

You get this done?

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

nice job and it looks beautiful