[Martin Armour]

Hi Forum,
I see there are lots of expert detailers out there.
The roof on my 1992 Spirit appears to have minute cracks (hardly noticeable but there) all over the center panel. I note that it did spend a few years in Calgary Alberta Canada where the temperatures are extreme (ranging from -40 to + 30+). Obviously, it was not always kept out of the sun.
The color is Balmoral Green.
I took it to a paint shop and they said they could respray the roof. As the car is over 25 years old I am not prepared to risk it as I think it will need an entire respray if the roof is done.

Also, the hood has swirl marks where it has been polished incorrectly. I was going to try a clay followed with Carnauba wax. I have had so many conflicting recommendations about this I am stumped. Some say "Don't use clay it will screw it up" some say it is a must.

Can I ask for your opinions?
Thanks, Forum.
Martin.

 

[Wraithman]

Clay with a lubricant removes all the junk on the paint surface. I would look into fine cut polishes followed with a glaze compound to elimate swirl marks. Autotopia has a great website for info and guidance. I am assuming you have a dark colored car.


The vinyl roof expands and contracts and does not like long days in the sun. Attached are pics of my vinyl roof on the Wraith. It too had small fissures and splits. I restores the roof and you cannot tell where the repairs were made. The grain was matched as well.

 

[Wraithman]

I used products from SEM. They have a long history of making coatings and excel with vinyl especially for marine use. I discussed my needs and they suggested SEM "soap" to clean the surface, flexible filler for the defects and water based topcoat that was matched in their lab from a sample of new Everflex.
The result is obvious.

 

[kartelan03]

Keeping my car looking great has always been a challenge, but with the help of clay towels for cars, it's never been easier. This powerful tool gently removes dirt and contaminants, leaving my car's surface smooth and polished. With the added benefit of prolonging the life of my car's paint job, clay towels have become an essential part of my detailing routine.