Probably never been waxed or polished body...help
 

I've got a 95 stang, new to me, but it was a south Flordia car. The body is in great shape, but the paint, not so much.

It looks as though its got a lot of oxidization build-up on the paint. There is a lot of grime too that won't come off with a regular washing.

I tried the claybar method and it works really well at cleaning the body, but doesn't get rid of the oxidization. I also tried a small spot with a rubbing compound and then the polishing compound after. It worked well at restoring the shine but not necessarily all the grime.

I think it may need a bit more work but what is the correct/best process? Would it be best to claybar then use the rubbing compound? Should I just use the rubbing and polishing compounds?

Also, I found the rubbing compound left some scratches in the coating, I assume this is normal. How do I eliminate them?

Thanks everyone....

(clearthroat) .... SNAKEBITE, this one's for you.

^^^thanks-your funny^^^ It sounds like your clean coat may be comprimised and if so I hate to say it but you may need a repaint. I would if you could consult a reputable body shop in your area. If the paint is salvagable I would do this, compound, claybar, polish, wax.

My concern is with the compound you will eat through the clearcoat as it sounds like you need a very aggressive compound. If money for paint is out of the question i would machine apply all of the above products. Oh if you go to a bodyshop they may be able to machine your paint back to shape but this they will inform you of. Good luck either way.

I agree that it might be wise to bring it by a decent auto body shop for them to have a look.
You might be better off having them buff the entire car for you.
If they are reputable and the paint isn't too far gone they'll tell you that it can be done and save you lots of time and grief.
Be prepared to hear that it can't be done as well as the paint may be too far gone.

Is it oxidation on the surface of the paint or is it the clear coat that has deteriorated?



Good luck either way.

Friend had similar problem a few years ago and little cash - so tried a recomended mustang friendly body shop. He lightly sanded the clear coat with extremely fine grit, then shot a light coat of clear, 2nd slightily heavier coat of clear then 3rd normal coat of clear with slightly longer flash times in between coats.
After buffing looked good, not show shine but just as good as some factory jobs.
Try spinning this trick past a (honest) body-shop and see what they say.