I'd like some suggestions on how to clean up a neglected car...

B

boarderx

New member
I've been reading many posts about oxidized cars, but it seems to really remove oxididation a buffer is needed. So here's my situation. A friend of mine has a 94 or so VW Golf. The front left fender and one side of the hood seems to be fading or oxidized. I'm not sure if the car has a clearcoat. I don't have a buffer. The only products I have are Zaino products. I said I'd clean it up inside and out for a few bucks.



How should I go about cleaning up the car? What products do I need to buy? I plan on buying 3M SMR only because I need it for my car. I'd like to but some Meguiar's products so I have them on hand if/when I have a chance to detail other cars for people I know. Or should I maybe go for a sealant line of products for people that don't clean their cars very often?



So I guess the specifics questions I want answered are:



1. What list of products would you guys recommend to buy?



2. What steps should I take to clean up the VW?



3. After doing all of the work by hand, how soon will I buy a PC? :)
 
Your questions are pretty broad for anyone to spend the time to type up a long list of what to do. I also would never tackle a car with oxidation on it if I did not have atleast an orbital buffer. You will not be able to feel your arm after you finish.



Here is what I would do though:

1. Wash car

2. ProWax Duz-All

3. ProWax 's Clay Bar (Reason I do this after I get oxidation off is because a heavly oxidized car is like trying to clay sandpaper)

3. Meguiar's #9

4. Meguiar's Gold Class
 
I realize I haven't gone into too much detail. I guess I just want some broad type of suggestions to get a start, kind of like what you gave me Intel. Thanks!
 
If you want to stick with Meguiar's you might want to try #2 Fine Cut Cleaner at least one application, #9 SMR2.0 for several applications, wash, then go to Z5 and Z2.



In the 3M line look at FI2 machine polish, SMR for several applications, then wash.



With the more aggressive cleaners you may not need clay but evaluate the finish and decide from there.



Do a test for clearcoat (rub a little polish on and see if color comes up). But it is possible that the clearcoat has faded and allowed the color coat to fade as well. I hope that's not the case but you'll know it is if the color won't come back after several steps of polish.



Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
 
What colour is the car? I recently did this for a white Volvo by hand. It was oxidized all over. The paint was flat white. I went at it with 3m Perfect-It and a foam applicator. 2 hours later, I had the hood, roof and trunk sparkling like it was new. My fingers and my shoulder was on fire!



So guess what? I borrowed my brother's PC for the next one. Borrow, beg, or steal one. Your arm will thank you for it.



If you want them to continue to keep it up, stick with products they can purchase easily. Otherwise, they'll just say forget it.



I did the Volvo with SMR, clayed it with Mother's clay bar, then coated with #20. They said they like the carnauba look better, so then I topped with #20. Did the tires with EO Protectant Lotion, and scrubbed the wheels with Simple Green and then coated with #20. They were very happy with the results and will likely keep it looking that way.
 
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