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need help waxing Tank

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by maybe4, Sep 1, 2011.

  1. maybe4

    maybe4 Member

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    OK I know that sounds stupid. But I've tried a lot of products and there is this film on it which I can't get off. It kind of looks like the way pealing varnish looks on the aluminum engine parts. what am I doing wrong, I'm ready to go buy an electric buffer but the car buffer seems kind of big for a gas tank. Anybody encounter this before - what products should I try?? If I can't get it clean and shiny I'm going to have to have it professionally refinished which I'm trying to avoid. All tips and tricks appreciated here :)
     
  2. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    That "film" is probably the original Clearcoat, breaking up.
     
  3. Maxim-X

    Maxim-X Well-Known Member

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    I think fitz is right. Try and get a couple of good pictures of what it looks like. If it is the clear, then you may have trouble removing just that layer without damaging the paint underneath.
     
  4. maybe4

    maybe4 Member

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    Yeah, that seems exactly like what it is......I've actually made it worse by trying to buff and wax it.......hmmm........
     
  5. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Fitz got it, that's the clearcoat peeling. Let me ask a friend who used to do this for a living what he says.

    Dave F
     
  6. cutlass79500

    cutlass79500 Well-Known Member

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    about the only thing you can do is carefully try and sand it down you more then likely will sand to far especially if your not familiar with body work. More then likely your gonna need a paint job
     
  7. PTSenterprises

    PTSenterprises Member

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    Clear coat peel for sure. The only real option is to repaint. Most people do a lousy job with rattle can paint, but with the right technique it can actually be done and give good results. Another option is do your own prep and have a pro shoot it.
     
  8. lostboy2

    lostboy2 Member

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    Thats what I had to do. I did all the prep work and had a pro shoot it for me because I didn't feel comfortable back then to do that part myself. It only cost me $50 for him to shoot it which I didn't think that was too bad. If I ever have to do it again, I am going to give it a try myself. The worst thing that could happen is that I would have to re prep it and have someone else shoot it for me.
     
  9. dwcopple

    dwcopple Active Member

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    wet sand with soapy water and 1500-2000 grit and buff gently with a good polish like Meguiars #7 and then coat with a good wax like Meg's #26
     
  10. SecaSuca

    SecaSuca Member

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    That's it exactly. My GF details cars (she is a bit taken aback by my rattlecan work btw) and it is incredible to see her take the sandpaper to a black cars shiny paint to get the scratches out.
     
  11. Maxim-X

    Maxim-X Well-Known Member

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  12. maybe4

    maybe4 Member

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    awesome feedback, thanks men!
     
  13. Maxim-X

    Maxim-X Well-Known Member

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  14. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Maybe4, Here's the reply I got from my friend:

    "Not much you can do when the clear coat starts to peel. Send me a picture if you can, but honestly, it's repaint time."

    Dave Fox
     
  15. maybe4

    maybe4 Member

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    OK well then it's time to decide whether I want to keep it red or GO Black with some new side covers.
     
  16. maybe4

    maybe4 Member

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    Oh and thanks for checking with your professional Hogfiddles!
     

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