OK I knew that would get your attention.

My 87 300E was bought with a lovely swastika keyed in to the hood. Ive had the car for 6 or 7 months now and it is time to take care of this. Where can I start? I would like to attempt this myself, and if I screw it up, well I would bring it to the autobody anyway so it doesnt matter.

Also, what are some good steps and tips to restore the paint. For the most part the paint is pretty good, and I use Mcguire's products on it. But where should I start to get down and dirty and bring out the shine?

Any advanced techniques on application (ie: circles or straight lines on buffing,) would be appreciated. Also any techniques on tires, trim, and rims.

Thanx

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1987 300E

If the scratches go through into the primer or down to the bare metal there is nothing you can do but touchup. In that case I would recommend having a professional "airbrush" the afflicted area. Doing touchup on a large/long scratch (or design) can make for a similar colored scratch/design in my experience. If you still want to try here are the basics: wash the car then go over the area to be touched with #7 or something similar that will strip the wax and clean the paint. Using a toothpick apply colorcoat as thinly as possible to the scratch. Once you have covered the scratch with the toothpick method let it dry for about 30 mins. The touched areas should still be "below" surface level of the rest of the paint. Next, go back over the areas with clearcoat (if you have a clearcoat finish) and build the scratch up gradually in layers that way. If you go above the level then you can always spot-wetsand. (think pencil tip or eraser covered by 2K grit) If you have to wetsand anywhere be sure to MINIMIZE exposure to the rest of the paint. Following the sanding go over it with #9, #7 again, and finally wax. If that process didn't work for you its time for professional help (most likely a repaint)

Good Luck....Lee