To sand or not to sand?!

[maverck]

We just got a new to us ‘82 SC.

The roof is so sun oxidized that the paint is etched with grooves in it.

Eventually we plan to do a full repaint, however in the meantime I am wondering if it is worth it to sand/buff? Could I restore it in any way, or is it not worth it? The paint on the vehicle is the original paint.

If yes, what should be the process?

I am pretty handy with a polisher / paint correction however I have never encountered something like this.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[maverck]

Here is a pic of the roof.

[EC900]

Looks like someone already did some scuffing. You’ll need a heavy cut to correct that. Since you’re going to paint anyway, test or hone your skills if you have the tools and compounds. Looks to me like a light 1000 grit wet sand first, but this also looks like you could find yourself down to primer coat real fast. Are you set up for spraying a filler primer and maybe a single stage urethane top coat if the process gets overworked? You could just do some heavy cutting and 3 stages of correcting and hope for the best just to get some shine back. How about more photos not so close, like to see the rest !

[maverck]

Originally Posted by EC900

Looks like someone already did some scuffing. You’ll need a heavy cut to correct that. Since you’re going to paint anyway, test or hone your skills if you have the tools and compounds. Looks to me like a light 1000 grit wet sand first, but this also looks like you could find yourself down to primer coat real fast. Are you set up for spraying a filler primer and maybe a single stage urethane top coat if the process gets overworked? You could just do some heavy cutting and 3 stages of correcting and hope for the best just to get some shine back. How about more photos not so close, like to see the rest !

I was actually thinking that as an option instead of sanding as well - just do some heavy cutting and see if I can make it look better than it does.

I am not setup for spraying any filler so if I go overboard, I guess it ramps up the paint timeline! However my wife and I want to save up to do the paint / exterior right when we do it, so I don't want to jump the gun.

[911obgyn]

You could stop by a paint shop and have them check how thick the paint is.
Is that single stage or clearcoat? I cant tell from picture.

[Bill Douglas]

962porsche on the Paint, Bodywork & Detailing Forum - Pelican Parts Forums is a champion on the subject.

[Dpmulvan]

Send more pics hard to tell but that paint looks toasted and those scratches look pretty deep.

[Sboxin]

maverck,

We had Orange peel when we painted our rear Turbo flare addition.
So . . . I did the research . . . sanded with 800 - 1500 wet paper - then polished in 3
steps to get a finished product - it still looks a bit amateur but for a race car good
enough . . .

A couple of photos to show our steps . . . The 1978 is an original color Mocha Brown
and the top and doors are still original paint . . .

Wish you the best on your project,
Regards,
Roy T

Wet Sand:



Polish with power buffer:



Finished product:

[maverck]

Thank for all of the info this far!!!

Started working on the trunk today that was pretty hammered, but not grooved like the roof.

This is mid polish, before I hand cut around the emblem. You can see the difference, especially on the upper right hand side. It shined up better than I expected!!

I used a four stage process from Griots, with an orbital for this.

[sugarwood]

Leave the sexy patina and focus on mechanicals.
Enjoy the SC !

[EC900]

Nice results with the Griots, look good. That emblem is easy to remove, just don’t loose the nuts or badge (zip lock bags). BTW, there’s a 79 SC now on Bringatrailer with maybe the same sort of clear coat detachment. Seen this on many silver 911/912.
Take a few steps back and let’s see that entire car - before and after !
Good luck.

[maverck]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Leave the sexy patina and focus on mechanicals.
Enjoy the SC !

One option I was thinking was clear coating the top as is!

[Aurel]

Originally Posted by maverck

One option I was thinking was clear coating the top as is!

Another option would be to put a vinyl wrap on the roof only.
Easy to apply, easy to remove and looks good while waiting to paint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPH5cV5z4Do