Refining paintwork

[David]

I will not go in to the background why this needed to be done (details in Feb issue of Take Five) but I thought I would share some results of a bit of careful detailing of the paintwork on my P5B.

After an initial hand polish, getting it ready for the NEC - time was against us so a proper machine polish could not be done:


With more time on my hands and a decent machine polish....








Orbital rotary polisher/sander with Menzerna finishing pads, Menzerna final finish PO85RD polish. Car has not been waxed at this stage.

Lot of work but must say I am well pleased with the results so far. Only the rest of the car to do!

[Deleted]

Unbelievable. Looks like something the editor created!!

Strength with the rest!

[Phil Nottingham]

I think I can detect a hint of orange peeling on the offiside rear door - take it back

[David]

Thanks for your kind comments fellas.

The fiddly part was removing the ROVER lettering on the boot and cleaning the lettering with Megs metal polish. Just started on the roof. Once all the polishing has been done I think a cleaning coat of Lime Prime, followed by some *Supernatural is in order.


*or maybe Turtlewax Platinum - I found it it performs as good as SN on dark surfaces. Finish with a coat of TW Glaze Guard.

It was not only on the door Phil, as can be seen in the first photo - still plenty to do but happy so far. The initial polish before the NEC did remove some of the scratches, but the latest combination of machine, pads and polish has made the most dramatic difference.

Rather than trying to complete the whole car, I found completing a panel at a time keeps the enthusiasm going.

[norvin]

You have done a great job it looks fantastic, I must have a go at my car as I also have a pro polishing machine, you need to be carefull with them as you can soon go through the paint.

[Phil Nottingham]

Yes it is a very good finish now and better than new in BLMC days

[David]

Norvin, I would not worry about going through the paint. If you set it to its slowest speed and keep the mop moving you will be OK. It is difficult with modern polishes and machines to 'burn' paintwork.

Best to get some decent polish as T'cut though good is quite aggressive. I did half my car with a sponge mop and though there was bordeaux residue on the head it was very little and washed out with a bit of soapy water.

As always taking your time will reap the results.

HTH

[norvin]

Thanks Admin, this is my polishing machine it is single speed and very heavy, I also use sponge heads for cutting back paint, what I ment was you need to be carefull if you are not used to these type of machines.

[David]

Strewth that's a big 'un Oh er misses! ;D

Mightily impressed there young fella

I bought my random orbital sander/polisher from a car boot sale in Cheddar. Refurbished for a £5 so worth a punt. It has a velcro head so takes the polishing pads perfectly.