1999 Mustang GT, do I need new paint or is it my clear coat?
I had taken my car to an automatic car wash where the thing comes down and actual touches the car.
After a few times I noticed it left my hood, roof, and other little places dull with long light scratches.
I don't know anything about the painting process, but my boss told me it's possible it could just be my clear coat.
I know you can't see my car and pictures would help, but can anyone tell me what to look for if it was the paint itself or the clear coat that had damage.
sounds like clear coat scratches, If the paint were scratched I think you would feel it/ be able to see a small indentation where the paint was gauged out. A simple wax/scratch remover should do the trip and I would recommend skipping the auto car wash from now on.
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98 V-6, AM CAI It now makes a little whooshing noise. 134 Hp 194 ft-lbs of torque
I would also say the clear coat. Most body shops will buff the whole car out for about $600.00. That's also why most people hand wash their cars to prevent that from happening.
Scratches in your clearcoat can go deep enough to catch your fingernail without getting down to the base coat (the color layer). The base coat is very thin, so if it scratched through to the base coat, you can most likely see the primer at the bottom of the scratch.
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2008 GT Convertible in Dark Candy Apple Red Metallic with black cloth top and dark charcoal interior. 5-speed manual. 3.55 axle. Interior Upgrade package (woven Charcoal), Premier Trim, GT Appearance package, HID headlamps, and CS side scoops.
I would also say the clear coat. Most body shops will buff the whole car out for about $600.00. That's also why most people hand wash their cars to prevent that from happening.
I tried buffing out the scratches with the polish and I literally couldn't get it out after I started buffing it.
I started lightly with microfiber towels just to see if it would do anything. It seemed to be working a bit at first. But...
It wouldn't go away after I tried buffing the rest away, so then I tried washing the car because my whole hood was white (my car is cranberry red)
Now my hood is white and a lot worse looking.
Is it time for me to just get a new paint job? (my back bumper has some moderate paint missing, front bumper is chock full of little dings of paint gone, right side needs a touch up, roof/trunk are faded, and now my hood is white and scratchy)
If so, what do I say to a body shop so I don't get ripped off and at least sound like I know what I'm talking about. (I do know that prep work is a lot of the battle)
Yes, you are experiencing paint "failure": quite common...you cannot buff it out, you will need a repaint...Maaco has the best deal, about $500 for basecoat/clearcoat, it won't win any car shows, but for the average working/driving guy, it's nice...they did all 3 of my cars...5 year warranty too
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"Goose, Hollywood's fine, I want Viper"
1995 Mustang GT Cnv 347(427 stroker being built!) almost done!
1996 Cobra with Kenne Bell 2.1 Supercharger and every other conceivable part you can bolt on it...650hp upgrade in the works
2003 Infiniti M45 V8 340 hp...a methadone treatment for reformed Mustang drivers
NO NO NO. you need to take to a proffesional detailer if you are not experienced. You have not even come close to needing a paint job, dont worry. first off as you know now, never ever ever go into a automatic car wash. the cotton fins on the wash will collect everyones crap and in turn you got scratches on your car. second, dont ever take your car to macco, no offense to anyone that may work there. You spend 500 on a paint job thats what youll get, a paint job that will last you a year in the summer sun then peel off the following.
You will need to either have the car taken to a pro, or you need to use a good buffer and a 3 step polishing process that will make the haze/scratches go away. I do this on the daily. I know what I am talking about. Worst case scenerio you will have to wet sand and buff which would easily take care of this. try without wet sanding first. let me know if you need any step by step help. I would be more than happy to explain each step to you.
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2004 Mustang GT---
BBK Shortie headers, Bassani o/r X pipe, SLP L/M cat back, Professional Products 75mm t/b and plenum, BBK CAI, SCT full custom tune, 3.73 Ford Racing Gears, Steeda triax short throw, BBK lowering springs, 17x9 17x10 corbra 10th ann (lipped) knock offs, Mach one grill delete and front lip, and some other little stuff.
What polish did you use on the hood, UrbanStrike? Pictures would REALLY help decide what exactly is going on. Include fading on roof/trunk - it would be easy to see if that is widespread clearcoat failure or just oxidation. Is there a noticeable edge to the fading or does it just blend in?
You can also ask around with friends and neighbors to find a competent body shop. They should be able to tell you what to do to get the paint to the condition you want.
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2008 GT Convertible in Dark Candy Apple Red Metallic with black cloth top and dark charcoal interior. 5-speed manual. 3.55 axle. Interior Upgrade package (woven Charcoal), Premier Trim, GT Appearance package, HID headlamps, and CS side scoops.
1999 Mustang GT, do I need new paint or is it my clear coat? 
It now makes a little whooshing noise. 
134 Hp 194 ft-lbs of torque 
