C3 Laquer Restoration/Rebuff

[jim34671]

I've got an original unpainted '77 coupe that has sunbaked over the years in California.
The blue paint is faded and even comes off on a wash mit.
What's the best way to put any kind of life back in this paint?
It's a no hit body and 100% straight.
Thx
Jim

[Bill W.]

Re: C3 Laquer Restoration/Rebuff

If the paint comes off on the rag it is probably to late.You will need to remove the oxidized paint with a light to medium coumpound then polish with a high silicon polish or wax to get some oil back into the paint.If it soaks in like a sponge & turns white it is to late .Also if it is still the original paint it will be to thin for much buffing.Usually lacquer paint will not come off when washed or you sure it is not an acrylic enamel paint job? Bill

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Laquer Restoration/Rebuff

If it is the orignal lacquer it should have easily observable checking - tiny cracks, some of which might look like chicken feet.

I'm with Bill as far as suspecting that it is not the original paint. I suspect if could be a quicky repaint with alkyd enamel.

Go ahead and try compounding it and see what happens. You might also look at some hidden areas under the door sills and carpet, which might show signs of repaint edges. Also, check the color code on the body build plate.

Duke

[jim34671]

Re: C3 Laquer Restoration/Rebuff

Duke,
The car did in fact have a 'partial' repaint in early 1980 due pesticide overspray.(Insurance job)
I have just tried NO.7 RUBBING COMPOUND and it works amazingly!!
I did a portion of the hood and quarterpanel and the shine and luster came back like no other wax would.
I've used a soft rotary buffing wheel and it looks great.
I'll just continue and see how it goes.
By the way,what year did GM stop using laquer?
Thx
Jim

[Duke W.]

Re: C3 Laquer Restoration/Rebuff

I think '81 was the last year that GM used acrylic lacquer, and that would include the Corvettes built at St. Louis that year. The new paint shop at Bowling Green was set up for BC/CC.

I figure your original lacquer probably has some checking. My '76 Cosworth Vega has some checking in the original lacquer, even though it's always been garaged, and I only drove it every day for about four years.

Duke

[Grant M.]

Re: C3 Laquer Restoration/Rebuff

Not to pour 'cold water' on your enthusiasm over the results of buffing the paint, but you may discover it to be impossible to maintain the shine beyond a very short period (ie: weeks). I've tried the rub/buff approach on some pretty bad looking paint, and while it can bring back a fairly decent shine, in many cases it won't last because as one of the other posters suggested, the paint is toofar gone with oxidation and loss of oils. No wax/sealer/protectant that I've been able to find was able to preserve the shine thus obtained and a repaint was the only option. Hope that's not the case with your car, but be aware of the possibility.

Good luck!

grant