What to do about clear coat death?

[720inOlyWa]

My 720s all have slight variations in finish oxidation, especially on the hoods and the tops of their cabs. It looks like the clear coat is blistering off of the paint underneath it, creating a sort of psoriasis of the finish coat. I can't rub it out.

 

I haven‘t really looked into it, but I presume that these trucks were finished with an acrylic enamel paint, probably with a poly clear coat on top. If this is correct, could I carefully sand off the existing clear coat mask the affected areas, and re-shoot it with high solids polyurethane clear?

 

Has anyone doe this? Any advice for the foolhardy?

[datzenmike]

Bet you sand right through the paint. Clear coating simply does not work. Bring back the old style paint.

[720inOlyWa]

You should‘t have said that, Mike!  I make and repair acoustic guitars- have done it for many years.  My sanding and finishing skills are some next level shit beyond your regular body shop dude. I could do it. It would be a very picky job, but I bet I could get it off cleanly with a ton of elbow grease, ‘inspiration‘ and some Micromesh abrasives. I removed the giant NISSAN from the tailgate, leaving only the original paint in pristine condition. I could remove the clear coat form a hood and cab.

 

Problem is, what could I replace it with? Would high solids polyurethane clear work? That is the nub of my question.

 

If the original paint is acrylic enamel, gearing up to shoot it, let alone matching the paint, would be expensive and nearly impossible. Okay, impossible. I may be crazy to try, but it seems like the simplest cure for hood psoriasis would be to gently remove and re-clearcoat.

 

The simplest cure, of course, is to just not be bugged by it‘s complexion. But when a solid rehab is possible, that intrigues me.

[tdaaj]

Try a high pressure washer, start at the edge of the clear coat and blast it off. Works well with GM vehicles

[Cosmonaut]

Can a person remove the clearcoat as you spoke of and just ad another layer or two of the original paint...n just for go the clearcoat all together?

 

If the answer is obvious, I apologize....I know nothing of paint...

[Crashtd420]

Do you have a hidden spot on the truck or any old fenders or something where you can try your idea ....

Maybe even talk to an automotive paint supplier they may have a better idea of a product you can use....

[]2eDeYe]

Embrace the patina :lol: 

[datzenmike]

I find the original color thin and flat. It relies on the clear coat for protection and gloss.

 

Don't think the 720 had this in the first place did it? Clear coating was a late '80s and on fuck up just like water soluble primer that doesn't hold paint on the car. Just look at all the cars on the road with missing clear coat and paint scabbing off!!!.

[720inOlyWa]

I just presumed that I was seeing a clear coat peel. How these trucks were originally finished is a mystery to me still. I agree about the color underneath. It needs that clear coat, if that‘s what it is. until all else is repaired, and I have stopped time on my hands, I will continue to embrace the patina.

[WAGON JON]

Three options: leave it alone, spray more on, or get a new paint job.

[datzenmike]

Maybe it was repainted?

[petercscherer]

My 1982 720 is all original with single-stage paint. Buffed on it by hand for 3 hours, looks awesome now!

[Duncan]

Take a piece of your micromesh and slightly sand an out-of-the-way area of paint.  If there is color on the paper, then you'll know if it's clearcoat or single stage.  I would bet it's single stage.

 

 

Has anyone doe this? Any advice for the foolhardy?

[russaroll]

Embrace the patina :lol:

This right here but, be prepared for everyone to ask if you're going to paint it.