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C5 Clear Coat

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Old 02-02-2020, 02:00 PM
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Rob0702
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Default C5 Clear Coat

I am the original owner of a 2003 C5 Coupe, Torch Red. The car sees limited use with only 16,380 miles on it. It has been garaged since new, and I keep it covered when inside the garage to keep damaging dust off of the surface. I wash the C5 with good quality liquid car soap dissolved in warm water. Then the car is waxed with high quality P21S car wax. When the car is outside in the sun, I notice what looks like extremely microscopic pitting on what I believe is the clear coat. I have tried claying the car, but this did absolutely nothing. I didn't want to try anything radical for fear of damaging the clear coat further, or worse, the paint. Has anyone experienced this issue? What can I use to bring the finish back to that deep, mirrored appearance?
Old 02-02-2020, 02:07 PM
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peteinpa
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You may want to take it to a professional detailer for evaluation.
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Old 02-02-2020, 03:18 PM
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Rob0702
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Originally Posted by peteinpa
You may want to take it to a professional detailer for evaluation.
That is a good suggestion. I planned to do that if I couldn't any advice on the forum. I was hoping to be able to take care of the problem myself. I heard there was a good professional grade polishing compound made by 3M. I'm curious if anyone else has had the same problem and what they did to fix it.
Old 02-02-2020, 03:52 PM
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knewblewkorvette
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Ask in this form:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...discussion-10/
Old 02-02-2020, 08:09 PM
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stingray76l82
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I had the same problem . Mine is 2002 ZO6 the top looked like tiny pin ******. Took to a clay bar nothing touched it. Had professional detailed come over and do a full detail. Told me my clear coat was wearing off. Took to a body shop I go to they stripped and clear coat applied. Hope that helps.
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Old 02-03-2020, 05:36 PM
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Edmund Iverson
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Brian from Apex Detailing had posted a video that featured a C5 Corvette with many clear coat problems, perhaps this video could be of some help identifying your concerns--
​​​​​​
Hope this helps!
Old 02-04-2020, 12:40 PM
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Vetteman Jack
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I’m going to move this to the Car Care Section for more comments/recommendations.
Old 02-05-2020, 01:25 PM
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Gixxerman
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Claybar only removes contaminants, buffing is what will remove surface imperfections. I would definitely go to a pro to have them at least check it out, gauge the clear make sure you have enough left to buff them out before you hit the paint.
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Old 02-05-2020, 03:52 PM
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vader86
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Sounds like its time for a paint correction with a good pad, compound and polisher.
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