Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Car paint restore-able?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    Mk1 VW Cabriolet

    Car paint restore-able?

    Hello,

    I am currently in the market for an E30, and I think I found pretty solid car. The only thing wrong with the car is that the paint is fading a bit. As I haven't buffed or waxed a car before, is this paint still in good enough shape to make it look good again?

    Thanks,
    Roman

  2. #2
    richardodn's Avatar
    richardodn is offline Old Guy BMW CCA Member
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Lakewood, CO
    Posts
    9,941
    My Cars
    20 440ix cab, 12 X3 35ix
    The thing that typically goes on the paint is the clear coat peeling off. There's not much you can do with that along the lines of buff or polish.
    "Howdy, Folks!"

    1986 Delphin 528e - Roof rack equipped lumber hauler.
    1989 Zinnoberrot 325iX Sedan - I miss this car. (Deceased)
    1998 Avus Blau 328iC - Someone else's project now
    2008 Platinum-Beige X3 3.0si - Current project
    2012 Alpine White X3 xDrive35i - My new snowmobile.
    2020 Estoril Blue 440i xDrive cabrio - This car is a blast to drive.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    canada
    Posts
    193
    My Cars
    2001 740i
    If it's single stage it's restorable as long as it's not too far gone. If it's base clear and peeling or faded then you are SOL. Here is a restored/unrestored comparison of my 318. The whole car was pink like the right side of the hood. This is single stage paint.

    Last edited by bymep; 04-18-2018 at 07:19 PM.
    1991 318is
    2001 740i

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Valencia, CA
    Posts
    1,682
    My Cars
    Imola E36 M3 E30 Touring
    If it's a non-metallic color, and it's original paint, it will be a single stage paint job. No E30 factory paint job had clear coats, except metallic colors.

    Single stages can be polished back to a nice shine, until you run out of material.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    1,498
    My Cars
    E21 323i, E36 M3
    Quote Originally Posted by earthwormjim View Post
    Single stages can be polished back to a nice shine, until you run out of material.
    Can confirm. I've accidentally gotten to primer on a late zinno bumper before. If the car has never been buffed before you should be able to get it looking potentially better than new.


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    Mk1 VW Cabriolet
    This is the current condition of the paint.

    Last edited by rstrobel1621; 04-19-2018 at 11:17 AM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    corpus christi, texas
    Posts
    6,738
    My Cars
    No e30s, again :(
    you can do that one. it might not be perfect but it will be way better
    No e30s again.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    Toronto
    Posts
    492
    My Cars
    e30s
    it looks to be original and probaby hasn't been poilished before. Typically when this happens the sides of the car don't get the direct UV exposure so it stays much shinier. But if it's a repaint in some areas like the sides you're still ok. There is a way to check how much paint you have using a guage (mm's) if you are ok with getting a pretty decent shine you don't need much with single stage. If you want an exceptional finish it's recommended you water sand the surface and then polish. But I'd suggest that someone with experience/professional do that if you aren't so inclined. The safest polisher out there is a Duel action (DA) which won't risk you burning through the paint and you will get a very nice finish overall. Key is to have professional grade polish/product for the best results.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2018
    Location
    Indiana
    Posts
    8
    My Cars
    Mk1 VW Cabriolet
    Ok, thank you for all the advice!!!

Similar Threads

  1. RIXCAR | car painting and restoration workshop | exhaust tuning
    By Rixcar in forum Vendor Comments & Supporting Vendor Info
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-29-2014, 01:11 AM
  2. car paint question.....
    By dieselm3 in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 05-12-2003, 03:52 PM
  3. HELP!!! CAR Paint thinning!<@
    By MaloventEvil in forum Car Detailing and Show & Shine Prep sponsored by Autogeek.net
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 05-09-2003, 06:56 AM
  4. Finally getting my car Painted!! Have some ?s
    By scottycs in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 04-15-2003, 09:19 AM
  5. You think your cars paint is smooth? Take the test...
    By Hyperion in forum Car Detailing and Show & Shine Prep sponsored by Autogeek.net
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 05-14-2002, 01:30 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •