Detailing Flat Black?

V

Vadar

New member
So back in November, I purchased a 1975 Ferrari 308 GT4 in the red/black boxer scheme. Finally, after many delays, I have possession of the car.



The paint scheme is a boxer scheme, where the upper body is red, and lower body is flat black (see photo).



The question is, how to detail the flat black paint? Should I use a polish on it? Just clean and wax?



I tried a search, and didn't really see anything.



Thanks,

Dom
 
I really don't know anything about flat black paint.



If it is mean to be flat, then polishing it probably won't add any gloss but it still might. Waxing it also might add some gloss to it. Not sure.
 
I would imagine it would be similar to dealing with a car with no clear coat. Just polish it as usual but don't expect much gloss. You'll protect it from whatever damage can come to flat black though. Maybe you should let me come out and take it for a spin so I can determine better what needs to be done. :D
 
Well, the car does not have a clear coat on it.



I just wonder if I polish it, will it ruin the look? The appearance is supposed to be flat black. Maybe just wash and wax that section, but only polish the red section.



Jngrbrdman, anytime you find yourself in orange county, CA, just stop by. I'll let you drive it, but you'll have to detail it afterwards :)



Dom
 
Dom said:




Jngrbrdman, anytime you find yourself in orange county, CA, just stop by. I'll let you drive it, but you'll have to detail it afterwards :)



Dom
Click to expand...



Don't tempt me Dom. My wife works for Delta so I fly for free. SNA isn't that far away. ;)



Polishing it isn't going to add gloss that isn't already there. I've polished a lot of cars without clear coats and I've never been able to get them to shine like they had one. You could probably just clay it and then use something like GEPC or PPCL and clean the area up a bit. That should at least leave it the way it came. Then polish out the rest of it and seal it. I doubt that putting a layer of sealant on it is going to detract from the look. After all, its still a Ferrari no matter what you use on it. :xyxthumbs Nice car, BTW.
 
I worked for a guy who had an old hot rod with a black "suede" paint job (just base coat, no clear) and he would wax it to give it a satin look. The car was rotary polished after it was originally painted. Your best bet would be to wax an inconspicuous area first.



I also would have to give it a road evaluation to truly determine the problem.:p
 
I would wash as normal....



I would not polish it or use abrasives if can be avoided for fear of breaking through the flat black color and exposing the underlying primer color...



I would experiment with different waxes and maybe even look at trying to use some 303 or similar product...it would give it a satin look but heck experimenting is the fun part.....



Good luck and tell us what you use and the outcome....



:wavey
 
Don't touch it. I was told by a bigshot from Ford Motor Co. that you are never supposed to buff it As far as waxing it, he said you are better off leaving it alone.
 
Auto Care USA hit it right on the nose....done quite a few of these in the past and you do nothing but clean it....it is meant to be flat...it is similar to some mustang striping and unless you want to change the look to satin with a low gloss leave it alone...

clean it thoroughly with a good wahing and maybe a water-based QD with no silicone or wax.
 
Dom, very nice car...

I'm in South O.C. in RSM. Depending on what products you already have and a mixture of what I have, hey, I'd assist you in detailing that bad boy. As long, as you gave me a ride. :xyxthumbs
 
Thanks for the help everyone.



84GTV6, yes, I still have my 164S. It is my daily driver. Love that car, and it seems so civilized compared to the GT4. The Ferrari will be a weekend/fun/occasional time trial car. But I still want it to look good!



I think I would like to have some sort of paint protection on the flat black area. It sounds like I should avoid polish, but just wash (clay?) and wax.



I use zaino on my Alfa, but I'm thinking for the GT4, I may just go to a wax product, since it won't be driven daily or exposed to the elements. I do have a container of Zymol sitting in the fridge, and I may try that initially. Or, I've been wanting to try PS21.



I think part of the fun will be experimenting...



Dom
 
Dom- Cool car that I think is underappreciated. Good choice!



On the flat black, my experience has been that flat and satin black can degrade just like any other paint, so I WOULD treat it. Just be gentle.



Clay and/or a VERY mild cleaner like PCL would clean and revitalize (sounds like a commercial) the paint without imparting a real "gloss" to the finish. BUT, the PCL might make it a bit "satiny", which you (and judges, if it matters) may not like. As others have said, try an inconspicuous area first and see what you think. Then wax it per usual. Just be sure to be CONSISTENT so all the flat black panels look the same and are streak-free.



The usual "just my $.02" disclaimers apply..
 
Just use a mist in wipe/ quick detailer on it.



If That doesn't work just keep telling yourself holy S#@T I own a FERRARI ! This is the combo I would suggest.



Also maybe lube the hinges on the door leading to the garage. This way your wife won't hear the door opening every five minutes when you sneek a peek at your new mistress. If she has any idea of just how in love with that thing you are its over.
 
Lube the door hinges! LOL!!



My wife already refers to her as the mistress. I ordered a ferrari book the other day, and my wife saw the e-mail and said "I see you're ordering some toys for your mistress".



I thought it would be cool to get a custom plate that said "mistress", but my wife doesn't like the idea at all...



Dom
 
Dom,



You joke when you talk about this new "mistress" but your wife is really worried about the attention she is getting. She may play along with the jokes, but If she thinks you care about that car more than her its over for the Ferrari. It may roll down the hill by itself or get carjacked. At the very least door dings and scratches.

In my detail business I saw this several times with some of my customers. So for gods sake pretend you love your wife more than that car. We Autopians couldn't stand to see anything happen to it.



Just something to keep in mind.
 
Did i read somewhere that whoever replied with the best answer would be awarded a ride on Mulholland Dr. ?? or was it PCH...

What would happen if you put a satin clear coat on that bad boy's flat blacK ?

Yank the FM/CD, put a amp and a a picup mic in the motor, and near the exhaust. Buy the lil ol lady a night out on the town for her and her best buddy, you know, movie and din din....and go have some real fun.....I'll be ready by 7:00... :up
 
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