How should i detail this?

R

Robb

New member
My uncle just got this 'new' car, its a 54 ford, and im going to be detailing it for him. Ive never done an older car like this and im wondering what to use. My plan of attack is this-

wash/dry

clay

light polish(there are no major swirls present)

glaze #7

nxt



this sound good? I may wash it a week or so after i detail it and top it with s100



also, what is a good way to really clean the whitewalls, i have never cleaned tires like that before.
 

Attachments

  • 4-9-04 012.jpg
    4-9-04 012.jpg
    128.5 KB · Views: 413
Does it need detailing? It looks like a showcar. There may be no need to clay it unless you feel the fallout. I was watching a show on car makers and famous people who buy them and it mentioned that show cars are often NOT protected, just polished. They are garaged and some guys feel the wax takes away some of the properties of a good polish job.





It is most likely a single stage paint..no clearcoat. Any clearcoat safe product should be ok on that single stage, but there are products for older paints that work great.



As for whitewalls, I only use One Grand's White-All. Spray on, let sit, scrub if needed, and rinse. White walls are very bright! There are also many other products that will work, too.



I'd really go over it and make sure it needs detailing. Remember that anything that comes into contact with the paint can swirl or scratch. The less friction the better. Therefore, the less its touched, the better.



I'd love to do that chrome though!



R Regan
 
I agree with WCD. It does look very good and detailed according to the pic you have up. I definitely wouldn't do anything too intense to increase the chances of the Ford getting swirls, scratches, etc. I would go with a good car wash and a quick detailer spray such as Quikshine or Meg's QD, etc.



For whitewalls and tires & wheels for that matter, I use EO all wheel orange clean cleaner. But, I wouldn't use it if the tires are not in bad shape, EO can be pretty strong. According to the pic, just cleaning them with simple car wash may be all you need.:up
 
Don't clay or polish unless needed. Ask him if he knows how often the car was driven, may only need a clay job on the front bumper and the front of the hood if anything.



I also wouldn't polish unless you need to, only polish where you see swirls.



Wash and if possible, go straight to the glaze/wax.
 
Sorry, shouldve mentioned in the post, he does drive it alot, weekends, shows, pleasure driving in the summer. The picture does not show it, but the chrome is swirled up and definately not at autopian standards. It has been repainted about 10 yrs ago he said. Ive looked at it and really feel it needs to be polished. Im only going to use a mild polish, ie. 9 on it. Is that going to be safe or should i just wash it and put a coat of wax on it. He said he definately wants it waxed. Thanks
 
I don't think you really need to be so kid glovish with the car. If I were doing the car I would test an area with a mild cleaner like Poorboys SSR1 and see how it looks. If it is pleasing then continue with #7 and then seal it if so desired.



If the SSR1 doesn't do enough then I would try something like Light Cut or DACP, even Meguiars #3 may work well here.



I would even use my PC or Cyclo. I used to do several older cars like this back in California and the single stage paint is pretty tough.



Tape off all the molding and then use some fine chrome polish and #0000 steel wool for the chrome. Slice a lemon in half and rub it over the chrome, helps give it a nice shine!



For whitewalls I used to use "Comet" or "AJAX".....I once used "BORAX" also and they all worked great.



Post some AFTER pics please:)

Anthony
 
Why is everyone so hesitant ? I say go for it ! If your looking for something real light, and with pretty good protective qualities, go with # 20, or chemical clean with either AIO or ColorX......Either of those three will give you better protection then S100.......
 
I agree tht there's no need to baby it. I *would* use a glaze like #7 on it, though. Some ss paints seem to really benefit from such products.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top