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Clear coat question

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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 11:43 PM
  #1  
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Default Clear coat question

Does the C5 have a clear coat on the paint? I have a 97 and it seems to be getting wear patches in the clear coat. Can I have the car clear coated again or do I have to have it repainted. My C5 is a daily driver and not a show vehicle. I want it to look nice, but I'm not prepared to put out thousands on a new paint job.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 01:55 AM
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yes it has a clearcoat and you can get it re coated but as far as I know it's not that much cheaper.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 02:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Winterlude
yes it has a clearcoat and you can get it re coated but as far as I know it's not that much cheaper.


But, you don't have to clearcoat the whole car
Just do the panels that need it.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 06:18 AM
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Clearcoat came standard on Corvettes for years. I agree that perhaps touching up the panels that need it would be the way to go.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 08:29 AM
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I'd try buffing and waxing the car first, what have you got to lose? If the spot is real dull try wet sanding the area with 2000 grit paper, then buffing
with 3M perfect it 3000 (#6062) compound 1K to 2K RPM'S, it will turn a ho-hum finish to WOW!!!! I just wetsanded my entire hood to remove acid rain marks from the finish, it came out incredible, like polished glass. Wet sanding knocks all the orange peel peaks off the paint and creates a super smooth shiny finish! give it a try!

John
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 09:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Black 'n Tan
I'd try buffing and waxing the car first, what have you got to lose? If the spot is real dull try wet sanding the area with 2000 grit paper, then buffing
with 3M perfect it 3000 (#6062) compound 1K to 2K RPM'S, it will turn a ho-hum finish to WOW!!!! I just wetsanded my entire hood to remove acid rain marks from the finish, it came out incredible, like polished glass. Wet sanding knocks all the orange peel peaks off the paint and creates a super smooth shiny finish! give it a try!

John

How can you correct the orange peel effect by wet sanding? Isn't the orange peel in the paint and not the clear coat. Unless you wet sand the clear coat off I don't see how to correct it.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 03:34 PM
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Originally Posted by craig04c5
How can you correct the orange peel effect by wet sanding? Isn't the orange peel in the paint and not the clear coat. Unless you wet sand the clear coat off I don't see how to correct it.
orange peel is in the clearcoat.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 03:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Winterlude
orange peel is in the clearcoat.
Orange peel is in the paint also. Seems like wetsanding the clearcoat would only solve half the problem.

Best bet: go to the Car Care Discussion Forum or go to Autopia.com and ask the experts.

Last edited by WetteVette; Jul 20, 2007 at 03:49 PM.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 04:07 PM
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propercarcare.com is another good source for detailing tips.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 04:29 PM
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Once the clear coat starts to break down you pretty much need a complete paint. Not just the clear, the base also. If the hood or roof panel goes away you could do just some individual panel paint but it won't really match up. Will cost you more later.
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 04:41 PM
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Default What about claybar

I bought a claybar for my 98 C5 but haven't used it yet. What kind of results could I expect if I go thru this labor intensive process? BIGHANK
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 04:50 PM
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If your clear coat is in good shape you will remove all the contamination that collects on it and have a nice clean surface you will love. I use a spray wax as a lubricant, use plenty. Wash the car prior to using clay bar. If you drop the clay on the ground throw it out or cut that side off. Later use a quality wax. Ready to show!
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by WetteVette
Orange peel is in the paint also. Seems like wetsanding the clearcoat would only solve half the problem.

Best bet: go to the Car Care Discussion Forum or go to Autopia.com and ask the experts.
Or, in other words, "You are losing me. I can't say I don't know; so, go to another part of the forum."

LOL
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 07:44 PM
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When you wet sand you remove the orange peel of the top coat which is clear, and also as stated, I agree, if the clear coat is fogging, or opaque, a base clear re-paint is indicated.

John
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Old Jul 20, 2007 | 08:38 PM
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doing an entire car with clay is a major PITA! you need lots of lubricant too. Especially on a black car because you can't actually see all the contaminents you're removing or where they even are.
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