Bringing life back into Jeep with shot paint

[imported_Speedy]

This job I am looking into seems like quite the task, so I figure I'd better "ask the experts" (you guys!) before going about it.



The vehicle is a red, 91 Jeep TJ (the traditional kind), and the task at hand is to try and bring life into the neglected paint. I have seen some pretty amazing before/after results here on autopia, so I figure there is hope.



The paint, at its worst (like on upward facing surfaces, like the hood and fender tops) is like sand paper to the touch. The sides are bad, but "work-with-able", I suppose.



From what I have learned so far, wet sanding, and then polishing seems to be the way to go? I am a rookie at this (as in, "I've never wet sanded before), nonetheless willing to try it. The only thing I am scared about with the sanding deal is wearing through the paint. Then again, the shape of the paint really could not get much worse, so its fully worth the shot.



The Jeep is my girlfriends, and she is "inheriting" it as here first vehicle...so who better to get it looking spiffy than here detailing fanatic boyfriend! (With autopia's help, I know I'll come through!)



Thanks for any input!

If I can get ahold of a digital camera, I'll try to post pics



Scott

 

[shaf]

No one replied? :nixweiss I hope this doesn't come too late...



Wetsanding is actually one of the very last things you want to do, once you've exhausted other options. Sometimes large amounts of contamination (sap, tar, etc.) can make the horizontal surfaces feel very rough. If this is the case then try claying.



Unless you mean "rough" as in "rough and faded", if it has heavy oxidation and the colour is going in these areas.



You need to give the Jeep an assesment into what kind of problems it has, such as surface contamination, oxidiation, swirls/scratches, etc. and this will lead you to what products and steps you need. Swirls/scratches are not as cut-and-dry to solve, but there is always a starting point depending on how bad it is.