I recently bought an older car (an red 86 porsche 911). The paint was in good shape, but it clearly had never been through anything much more than a light detail (wash & wax, probably all by hand.)



I used my PC on it to bring it back to life and my pads all turned red, the color of the car, even when using a lighter grade material like optimum polish. When I do my RL and 04 Sequoia, no paint appears on the pads, probably because I've been taking care of them very well.

What does paint on the pads tell you about the condition of the car's paint? Lots of oxidation, I'm assuming.

Should I be concerned about doing any damage?

How far can I go on the detail? I detailed it using Menzerna IP (orange), then OP (white pad). After I was done, I could still see some light scratch marks so I went back and used Opt. compound (orange pad) on just the hood. The hood now looks a lot better after this second round, but is it safe to be doing all of this and should I now redo the rest of the car or wait another 6 months until the next detail?

Lastly, I cleaned the pads, but should I now use these pads only with this car? I'm assuming yes, particularly since the white pad will never be white again.

Thanks for the help!

 

The paint on that car is called a "Single Stage Paint" meaning there is not a clear coat top coat so you are actually polishing the paint thus the paint is being transferred to your pads. You are FINE, nothing to worry about that is perfectly normal on older model cars. If you want to polish the rest of the car to match the hood go for it. As for the pads you can re-use them as long as they are cleaned. Just because they are stained by the red paint does not mean you cannot use them on other cars, you can re-use them.

 

Thanks, if there is no clear coat, how is the paint protected or is some kind of protectant already mixed in w/the single stage.

 

Like conan777 said, the paint is fine. Single stage paint is very common in older cars. How are you washing your pads? I get the best results from using a powdered citrus pad cleaner such as Snappy Clean or DP Polishing Pad Rejuvenator.

rlerman,

A single stage paint is still protected like a modern clear coat paint. Just clay and polish then use your favorite wax or sealant. Single stage paints are more susceptible to paint contamination and oxidation without the clear coat protective layer. From a polishing stand point, single stage paints are typically easier to perform correction for swirls and scratches. With a single stage paint you just need to be a little more diligent in your paint care regime.

 

Sweetjazz.

I clean the pads with dawn and warm water, let them soak for a while before cleaning them. I probably should be using something a little stronger for cleaning or maybe something made for cleaning them. My next order...

I notice the pads don't seem to last as long with this single stage paint, they breakdown a bit more quickly compared to when I do my Acura RL.

 

I decided to go round two on my Porsche. Well worth the effort, even if my back is now aching pretty bad. All of the micro marring is gone, there is almost no spider webbing and it's got a great shine, the megs synth 2.0 really makes the final finish very soft, but it protects really well.

The car is garaged and only driven in good weather so it didn't need a rewash or clay, both of which were done a few weeks ago. I just wiped the car down with 50/50 ipa. then one round of OC, another for OP, then IPA and finally a coat of Megs Syn 2. About 4 hours total. The pads are a mess even after cleaning with dawn.

The pics aren't great as the weather here has been terrible and it's overcast. Not bad, though, for a 22 year old car with original paint!







The pad on the right is a white pad, the one on the left is orange, at least that's what they were when I started.

 

WHo cares what color the pads are! That Porsche looks AWESOME!

 

Was thinking the same thing...what an amazing looking car...how much did you pick it up for if you don't mind me asking?!??!

I've always loved the older porsches...especially if you slap some wheels off a 90's one. Love it.

 

I thin I got ya beat...........this was from a 91 Bimmer, use to be an orange pad....

 

I would love to work on a single stage paint job but one has yet to come my way.

That Porsche looks sweet man.

 

Porshe looks great! you should be very pleased

 

Thanks guys, means a lot to hear such comments from the experienced ones on this board...

Are you making me an offer?

 

Ha ha...not sure yet. I'm always looking at older cars etc...other "fun" cars to own...but older that can be restored and made to look new. You did a great job with her so far!