If that doesn't help, try a light compound.
Faded Paint
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: carrollton Texas
Faded Paint
Hi Everybody I'm new to the forum, been wanting a Corvette since I was a teen, now I'm 66 years young I GOT ONE, It's an old 1985 C4 the red paint is faded< I'm a DIY> could I just wet sand, prime and paint, that sounds to easy, Thank You for any help you have for me, OH Yeah never painted a car before. Thank You, Fred 
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
You might try asking over in the "Paint/Body" section of the Forum. Lots of good advice and tips from experienced painter in that section
Oh. you have to post pics of your new toy!!
Oh. you have to post pics of your new toy!!
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 706
Likes: 47
From: Denver Colorado
If the faded paint is factory coat it will be color coat and clear coat. You can not wet sand that to remedy fading as you will just cut through the clear and expose the color coat which will then oxidize really fast. Sounds like new paint for you 
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
when I got my red 85 the paint looked good but on closer inspection, it had faint lines like spiderwebs on the hood.....I had a custom shop repaint it and I know they had a heck of a time getting it off and smooth...not anything like dealing with a metal car....cost me 6 grand for a good paint job....
by the way, welcome to the forum....get a gm factory service manual, you'll need it....e bay is usually cheapest....
by the way, welcome to the forum....get a gm factory service manual, you'll need it....e bay is usually cheapest....
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: CANISTEO New York
As was said, if it is original paint then you are going to have a heck of a time sanding it back. I did mine about 2 years ago and never again ... next time I'll pay someone to do it.
That being said, if it is "just faded" try a medium cutting compound first then a good quality Polish. A lot easier and cheaper to start with.
That being said, if it is "just faded" try a medium cutting compound first then a good quality Polish. A lot easier and cheaper to start with.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
welcome to the forum. I too wanted a vette since a teen and also in my 60s and just got one about 1 1/2 years ago. My paint is also in poor shape, clear is peeling and paint is faded where it has peeled. Sure, a paint job is planned but right now, who gives a crap,. I love driving it. Gonna study and bone up on what needs to be done the proper way, then think I will give it a shot at doing it myself. I have nothing but time and pocket change. Its gotta look better than now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 381
From: Lunenburg MA
Sanding can be a PITA. On my '87 the hood was peeling, so that was sanded. The rest was just faded with some chips here and there. Filled the chips, scuffed everything, sprayed a coat of sealer, two coats of color and three of Southern Polyurethane's clear. I think it came out great.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: carrollton Texas
Just wanted to thank all of you for the info, good info, It's faded so bad it looks like a two tone paint job, there is one good thing about it I'm learning how to get in and out better,Damn. Thanks Fred C.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: carrollton Texas