Patina question

[angustami]

Ok so I just recently bough a 68 SWB 911
I have located the correct steering wheel and am now in search of the correct period radio. I believe everything else to be original other than the exhaust.
The seats are currently being redone in the correct period leatherette.

My question is about the paint,........it has an awesome Patina and I was wondering what I should do with it in order to keep the Patina.
Should I just wash and wax or other?

Ive had many Porsches and Ferraris and it was all about keeping them as clean and presentable as possible.

However with my new 911 I want to keep it 100% original and with the Patina.

Hope this makes sense......


Thanks
chas

[John Straub]

Yep, just wash and wax, then...drive it and have fun!

John

[jjohnston]

I can't see the quality of the paint well enough to know what the possibilities are. If the paint is merely tired (faded, lightly marred, lots of micro scratches), as opposed to more significantly damaged (cracks, deep scratches, rubbed through in places, etc.), you might be surprised what a skilled practitioner of paint correction technology can do. It's nothing exotic, but there is stuff to know and a bit of a learning curve, so you might consider finding a high end detailer who can give you an estimate on what a day or two of work might cost and produce. You can do it yourself, of course, but there are risks if you've not done this before. Go to the Rennlist site under competition, then under concours to see some nice before and afters. Another site is Autopedia.

[mrgreenjeans]

but respectfully, is this not an erasure of the patina if this happens by way of the detailer ?

Is it not the correct thing to keep it clean and minimize the "over restoration" that can come from a 'cut and buff ' ?

I have an old Audi 4000 S, one of just a small handful imported with all being Zermatt, 5 speed with unique spoilers front and rear , blackout trim, unique interior , wheels, etc.
Rather than giving this old rust free, well patinated paint and interior a complete re-furb I have chosen to leave it as is...... besides the fact I could be so upside down in value in a heartbeat it would make my head spin, I find it a complete hoot to just go out and look at it and just ----- imagine

once all this stuff is rejuvenated or 'cosmetically enhanced' , history has just been washed down the sewer drain with all the wash water.
never more to return
never more

[50/50]

You already know the answer.. leave it as is and enjoy it.

[uptheorg]

Here is a really good recent video on the 1-2 day process that a detailer could do for you (referred to in post #3):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYed_Hnrql4

[Varooom]

Hey Chas,

50/50 is right! Do not let those guys who see the car and tell you you need a paint job. Those are not the 'Patina' crew you want to chat with. Just keep the 'oils' in the paint with the correct waxes and glazes and that car will be TOP! As an owner of 2 patina Porsches(and a few other classics) and help maintain about 30 original Porsches from '55-98, I have seen my fair share. With over 30 years experience in auto detailing, there are other ways to 'strip' the waxes off the car and no need for fancy laptops and tools.

That video is not 100% correct, sorry. Do not follow and totally misleading. Dishwashing soap?? NEVER! First, that car is NOT a Speedster. second, that car is a repainted restored vehicle and many of the 'high tech' gadgets he was using works with new car technology with water based paints thinner than your hair. All new cars have 2.5-4.5 paint meter readings. I bet that Porsche Cabriolet has a meter reading of starting at 22.0! Also, never clay bar with soapy, foamy water.


.

[mrgreenjeans]

seems to be :

'to geek or not to geek, that is the question'

so. as apparently a guy with little to no knowledge of high tech tools, laser lites, nice shop, and video / speaking skills, I am thoroughly over joyed in now taking comfort in the fact that my lazy , inept attitude and slovenly ways, has now Triumphed the day. Thru my own slothfulness have saved my patina AND not gotten my jockeys in a twist.
I am overwhelmed with pleasure and am going right out to the garage and sit down, maybe crack an ice cold coke and enjoy my cobwebbed patina with new found measure.......

[Gumby]

Here is a link to a very comprehensive single stage paint restoration 7 step process preserving the patina

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/ca...+1-65310.xhtml

[angustami]

Thanks Steve
thats Im sticking with the patina :-)

Hey Chas,

50/50 is right! Do not let those guys who see the car and tell you you need a paint job. Those are not the 'Patina' crew you want to chat with. Just keep the 'oils' in the paint with the correct waxes and glazes and that car will be TOP! As an owner of 2 patina Porsches(and a few other classics) and help maintain about 30 original Porsches from '55-98, I have seen my fair share. With over 30 years experience in auto detailing, there are other ways to 'strip' the waxes off the car and no need for fancy laptops and tools.

That video is not 100% correct, sorry. Do not follow and totally misleading. Dishwashing soap?? NEVER! First, that car is NOT a Speedster. second, that car is a repainted restored vehicle and many of the 'high tech' gadgets he was using works with new car technology with water based paints thinner than your hair. All new cars have 2.5-4.5 paint meter readings. I bet that Porsche Cabriolet has a meter reading of starting at 22.0! Also, never clay bar with soapy, foamy water.


.