Suitable/good wax for a 50 + year old finish

[Imperialist67]

For a "late winter" project I'm planning to work on (to the extent that I can) the original paint on my '67 New Yorker, which everyone on here is probably familiar with (and hopefully not tired of by now) The original gold finish is in good shape, showing a little wear in spots, and light cracking in 1 or 2 places. Ditto for the white top, which shows more wear, but no cracks. Generally both present well, and are preservation worthy.

While LOOKING good there isn't much of a shine, and if possible, I'd like to bring some of that out. However, I'm not keen on trying just any old wax or polish. Not experienced with a 50+ year old finish, and don't want to try anything without some guidance.

I have used both paste, and liquid; with my only preference being for Formula 113 in the past, and but don't know if it's suitable for this finish. Did find a good tutorial in Hemming's, here is the link:

https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/11/28/detailing-tips-for-vintage-single-stage-paint/

Main question is: would a '67 C-body have a single stage paint, or is it sealed/clear-coated?

Not opposed to doing a multi-stage process in phases, as with the perpetual salt on the streets of DC this time of year, it's hardly leaving the parking garage for a while.......

Definitely prioritizing protection/preservation over shine/gloss factor. Not opposed to hand-application, rubbing, and should probably avoid using a buffer, which I'm probably not experienced enough at to use without damaging the finish.

Anyone suggestions here will be appreciated. MANY THANKS.

 

[Big_John]

My choice for this would be Insulator Wax » Collinite

Some high end application tips here: Collinite #845: The Definitive How-To Guide For This Legendary Wax

and the best ever, hands down, chrome polish is their Liquid Metal Wax » Collinite

 

[detmatt]

It’ll be single stage. I would start with a clean car of course and make your first step a going over with Meguiar’s clay bar. After that I’ll defer to what others suggest.

 

[tbm3fan]

It would be single stage if original. If you really wanted to get shine and protection you would need to be able to use a good dual action rotary buffer. From there you clay the paint, use a cutting compound (light, mild, heavy), then a polish, followed by wax and a sealant for protection.

A quick video to give you the basic idea on how to do things. By hand it would be a bit tougher when it comes to the compound stage. I think this is where people put swirls into their paint as compared to a forced dual action polisher. I have both a Flex and Makita polishers for using my Lakewood pads and either Wolfgang or Pinnacle products.

 

[1978 NYB]

Just be careful especially if you are using a buffer so you don't take the paint off the car.

 

[rapidtrans]

Wash, clay bar, wipe car down. Paint should feel smooth at that point. The clay bar lubricator is usually a quick-detail type spray. Should bring out the shine. I’d just hand polish it then. I only use power polishers if really needed and then start with the least agressive Mequires polish/cleaner. Then go with a more aggressive compound as required. I stick with Mequires products throughout.

 

[garyh]

Good thing it was not Clear Coat back then, It would have been dust decades ago! Just Sayin !

 

[tbm3fan]

Just be careful especially if you are using a buffer so you don't take the paint off the car.

Depends on the buffer. A straight rotary, yes. A dual action, no.

 

[Xenon]

When in doubt....
Take it to a detail shop and tell them what you want...

 

[Big_John]

It really all depends on how far you want to take it. With an old finish, less is sometimes more.

If it were my car, I would first clay bar the entire car using a detail spray as a lubricant. Then I would really look at the finish and decide what to do. Chances are very good that the car has been buffed out a time or two in its long life. There may be some paint repair here or there etc. It all adds up to a very thin coating of paint left that would be easy to cut through and ruin.

I might even skip right to the finish wax at that point, but it depends on how bad everything really is.

I wouldn't dream of going near the car with a rotary buffer. You can do way more harm than good.

If I used an dual action/orbital buffer, it would be with something that isn't very aggressive, like Meguiars M205 and a foam pad. I'd stay away from edges of the panels, even going as far as masking them off.

But since, it's an old finish, I'd be more likely to use a cleaner like this Pre-wax Cleaner » Collinite and apply it by hand, then finish with Collinite 845.

 

[pomonamissel]

i used a carnuba paste wax on my 67 300 rag . ,it was oem finish . carnuba wax don't leave a white film , it dries to a dull . then you work it off and then polish rag to pull the shine up . by hand no machine .

 

[live4theking]

i used a carnuba paste wax on my 67 300 rag . ,it was oem finish . carnuba wax don't leave a white film , it dries to a dull . then you work it off and then polish rag to pull the shine up . by hand no machine . View attachment 165950 View attachment 165951 View attachment 165952

Nice, me likes.

 

[pomonamissel]

it waas a great ride , and the new owner is enjoying it . i've still have two more 67 300 rags . one in process , one waiting . i guess i could wax up my yellow one . paints a few years old , never cut and buffed it .

 

[pomonamissel]

my silver one is a bit passed the wax it up stage .

 

[jct]

Car Care Products, Detailing Supplies, Auto Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789

 

[detmatt]

my silver one is a bit passed the wax it up stage .

View attachment 165955

View attachment 165956

The silver was the only extra cost paint option in those years, it was a hand rubbed lacquer iirc..

 

[pomonamissel]

ya it need a buffer to bring it back , lol ;) .

 

[tbm3fan]

These 300's were up for sale on Craigslist a some years ago at least. I remember four of them in an ad dating back to 2012.

 

[pomonamissel]

yes , that was me . i've cut down my hoard a bit . just two left the yelllow and silver . sold the gold and the white ones . both drove away .