No block sanding allowed 
color sand and buff.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: huntington beach ca
color sand and buff.
Hi Lads, as a new owner of the 04 zo6 com..ed.. I was wondering if anyone knows if there is clear coat over the decals. Also, I can already see many micro- scratches in the clear coat and was also wondering if there is enough clear on the car to block sand and buff, much later,in the event I want to sell it down the road. Because I have 6, low hung fluroscent lights in my garage I see all the orange peel of course, along with many particles of dust and even hairs under the clear on the hood and roof. I'm not complaining, mind you, it's such an awsome car, I can live with the paint, I'm just thinking ahead. Thanks. Bob
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
Re: color sand and buff. (hartcliffebob)
I was wondering if anyone knows if there is clear coat over the decals. Also, I can already see many micro- scratches in the clear coat and was also wondering if there is enough clear on the car to block sand and buff, much later,in the event I want to sell it down the road.
There is no clearcoat on the decals. Do not block sand this car, you don't have enough clear coat to do this. Just use a good polish and an orbital polisher. For deep marks you can use a scratch remover. But please don't use sandpaper.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,076
Likes: 26
From: Nevada and Florida
Re: color sand and buff. (hartcliffebob)
My MY looks like a sponge under the garage lights. In sunlight it is perfect. A paint shop says they could sand off the factory CC and re-clear but very pricey. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Re: color sand and buff. (BHP)
Try using a clay bar (miss the decals). Start with a yellow clay bar, most mfgs color their mildest bar yellow. I've seen three grits. Then apply Race Glaze leveling compound (found in an automotive paint supply) by hand and finish with a good carnuba wax.
Check the shine on mine in my sig...
-Blackjack
Check the shine on mine in my sig...
-Blackjack
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 2
From: tucson az
sand
i did mucho scratch damage to my 98. i wet sanded with 1500, then used buffer ... can,t hardly tell where scratches were... i my opinion there is enough clear to do some scratch repair...as long as the scratches are not through the clear into the base coat.. :p:
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Well... do you feel lucky??
Bob, the factory uses less than half the film build of clearcoat that we shops use out on the street. I do provide colorsanding and polishing of factory paint for some of my customers that can't live with the factory finish. So I know it can be done. But then again I've owned a custom paint shop for 20+ years and have the experience to know when to stop sanding. If you have limited experience I wouldn't suggest you start learning on your pride and joy. Borrow your mother-in-laws car and offer to detail it for her and try a spot on that. 
then do your car. If you feel lucky and would like some reassurance email me. Good luck. Jeff
then do your car. If you feel lucky and would like some reassurance email me. Good luck. Jeff
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 822
Likes: 1
From: College Station TX
YES, it can be done...I had a '95 C4 that had a lot of swirls from waxing/buffing. I took it to Corvettes of Houston and for $250 the "wet sanded", pollished, and buffed it to a finish that looks better than factory new!
BTW- Most of the pre-owned Corvette dealerships who have what appear to be VERY, VERY clean vettes have put their vettes through this wet sanding process....I know Corvettes of Houston does that is why their cars look better than new and they can get more than retail. I talked to their workers back in the day.
BTW- Most of the pre-owned Corvette dealerships who have what appear to be VERY, VERY clean vettes have put their vettes through this wet sanding process....I know Corvettes of Houston does that is why their cars look better than new and they can get more than retail. I talked to their workers back in the day.
