See below:







Classic white, single stage paint job. I've got these swirl/dirt marks pretty deep in the paint. Not sure what they are, but I suspect that I am the culprit (bad waxing technique).
Heavy scrubbing helps (like with a scouring pad), but there has to be a better, less bone-headed product or technique.

Plan is to then recover the paint as much as possible.

From what I understand...

1.) wash thoroughly

2.) clay bar

3.) ?? (remove swirls?)

4.) Meguiars #7

5.) Wax.


Any ideas? What to do?

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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

Obviously I need some cutting compound of some description.

Don't be shy... throw me a bone here.


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1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

I would avoid any rubbing/buffing/polishing compounds at all costs (as well as scrubbing or sanding), simply because it's literally removing paint and that's the worst you can do to single stage paint. So I think you're on the right track. What I would wash it with though is Dawn. Normally you wouldn't wash a car with dish soap since it removes wax, but that's what you want in this case. Then definitely clay bar.

I would start with that and then see where you're at with the swirls.

Thank you, fantastic advice!

Will report back.

__________________
1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

Is this the original paint? I'd like to know how it turns out as mine is the same color but unfortunately was repainted at some stage. my paint is cracking badly and looks awful on close inspection so I'm going to have to do someting similar to what you are trying.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

It sure is.
And it's actually "classic white," I later found.

Will post some before and after. This course of action was inspired by the Meguiar's #7 post in Diesel Discussion, as well as these two pages:

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

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-to-articles-by-mike-phillips/66800-4-steps-restore-single-paint-paint-1972-mercedes-benz-280-se.html

Philosophically, I lean Wabi Sabi.
Hoping this is the best I can do to embrace the patina.


-


.

__________________
1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

I'm interested in the progress. Looking closer at your second pic next to the license plate I now see the same kinds of small crazing cracks I have in my paint. Though I think mine are quite a bit worse in places. I know mine has been repainted, why I have no idea. So I am thinking I'd have to use some kind of rubbing compound to cut down into the paint and remove those cracks.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

I've just noticed in your sig. Your car and mine are both 81 240D manual's. Mine was originally an LA car as well. Hell, they could have come off the line right next to each other back in the day.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

Possibly so! I purchased mine from a guy in Marin County, though who knows where it began its life.

I also have a number of those spiderweb cracks, difficult to tell how deep they go.
Well, here’s nothin’

Pics to come.

__________________
1981 240D 4sp manual. Ivory White.

worked wonders on my china blue wagons with single stage paint.

https://www.malcoautomotive.com/Rejuvenator__One_Step_Auto_Paint_Restoration-details.aspx

A couple of questions if you don't mind...

After buffing it out with the Rejuvenator did you finish it off with something else? If so, what?

How bad was the paint before you used Rejuvenator? Any before/after pics?

Also, how has it been holding up? Is the shine still there after a few months?

Thanks!