Paint is faded, can I do anything?

[PeaveyBassist]

My paint on my 87 325 is faded. It is a stock bright red color although I dont know the specific name of it. My problem is, the paint is faded in several locations. It looks like the car is different shades of red. If I take the car to a good detailing place and have them buff/wax/etc (what else?) would that really help it or restore the paint color? The clearcoat on the passenger side front fender is also peeling off. That bothers me. Any help would be appreciated. I wish I could repaint it, but I can in NO way afford to repaint the car.

Will

[hamann318is]

I'd try a cut and polish, at at least get the parts that are peeling repainted. That cut and polish did wonders on one of the red cars here (they all look the same to a schwarz kid ;)). I'm looking to get my wet sanded some day, but a cut and polish does help.

[Jb325is]

depends what its doing. If its oxidized, then yes, a good cut polish will do wonders, if the clear is coming off, then no, you need paint. If you get me some pictures i can tell you one way or the other

[Jon '92 325ic]

Take it to a good detailer and ask them

Take it to a good detailer and ask them if a wet sanding will correct the coloring. Wet-sanding is like your last option before repainting. You loose the top surface and so it's important to maintain a coat of wax on the finish after it's done (until you get the car repainted or re-clear coated). But make sure you go to a good detailer. Here's more info on wet sanding:

[Jb325is]

Shouldnt have to wet-sand if its oxidation,. Just take it somewhere, theres nothing else you can do

[bimmerphile]

do not try to do any of the above mentioned procedures yourself. wet sand, cut, and polishing needs to be done by someone with experience to be done properly. I am not expressing any doubt in you by saying this, but stating fact: if you try to cut and polish on your own car you will mess your paint up.


That said, make sure you take it to a detailer that isn't a detailer/body shop. They'll make a chunk of cash if they can convince you to repaint your car entirely.