DIY Network

'65 Mustang Restoration: Color-Sanding Paint Finish Auto-paint specialist Kevin Tetz offers insider tips how to achieve a show-stopping finish for your classic auto. From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-510

In this final phase of the restoration of our '65 Mustang, body and paint expert Kevin Tetz returns to Classic Car Restoration to demonstrate techniques for color-sanding the Mustang's exterior paint. This pro-level process remove blemishes and smoothes out the finish. After sanding, Kevin uses an electric buffer to buff the finish to a brilliant and glossy shine.

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Paint specialist Kevin Tetz demonstrates the techniques for buffing out a paint finish using a power buffer.

Tools and materials:

electric buffer
ultra soft pad
2500 grit sandpaper
soft cotton rags
hand sander
buffing compound

Hand Sanding the Finish

• After wiping the car down to remove dust that would scratch the surface, remove the top blemishes by hand-sanding the surface.

• Use 2500 grit paper. This grade of sandpaper is ultra-fine grit and won't take off too much surface.

• Tip: To keep the sanding pressure even, wrap the sandpaper around a flexible sanding pad.
  

  	Figure A
  	Figure B
  	Figure C
  	Figure D

• The first step is to spray the surface with a soapy water solution which lubricates the surface to prevent any scratches.

• Use the fine sanding pad to lightly scuff the top layer of paint, which is actually the clear coat finish on our car.

• It's important to re-spray the surface with water periodically to lubricate it and prevent a dry, rough sand.

• Continue the color-sanding process, adding soapy water as needed and checking your progress as you go.

• Apply a small amount of buffing compound to the paint surface and spray both the area and the buffing pad with regular water to prevent dry-buffing.

• Spread the compound around and slowly start buffing (figure A). The trick is to keep the buffer moving and let the weight of the buffer do the work.

• Repeat the buffing procedure, keeping the buffer moving across the surface.

• This second stage (figure B) takes less time than the first, more aggressive buffing.

• The third stage is an ultra soft pad that brings the surface to a brilliant glossy shine (figure C).

• The final stage is to hand polish the surface using soft cloth (figure D).

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the restoration procedures as shown in episode 310 of Classic Car Restoration. The steps seen in this demonstration are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

Important: Always dispose of automotive fluids (gasoline, antifreeze, motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, lubricants, paints, thinners, etc.) and other toxic substances responsibly. Many auto centers offer recycling of automotive fluids.

RESOURCES :

Special resources for DIY's Classic Car Restoration 500 series: 1965 Mustang

Mustang Club of America
www.mustang.org

Mustang Central
vintage Mustang parts
www.mustangcentral.com

Motorbooks Publishing
www.motorbooks.com

Class-Tech-Cars
www.class-tech-cars.com

Holley Performance Products
www.holley.com

Flowmaster Exhaust Products
www.flowmastermufflers.com

Genuine Hot Rod Hardware
www.genuinehotrod.com

Revelation Racing Supply
www.rrs-online.com

National Parts Depot
www.npdlink.com

Classic Auto Air
www.classicautoair.com

Pertronix Performance Products
www.pertronix.com

Stainless Steel Brake Corp.
www.ssbrakes.com

Painless Performance Products
www.painlessperformance.com

Loctite Products
www.henkel.com

Paintucation
www.paintucation.com

Dupli-Color Paints
www.duplicolor.com

Norton Abrasives
www.nortonabrasives.com

Dremel Tools
www.dremel.com

Classic High Performance Audio
Product: audio equipment

Direct Source
www.the-direct-source.com
Product: stereo electronic equipment

Dakota Digital Instruments
www.dakotadigital.com
Product: digital dashboard

Mustang Project
www.mustangproject.com
Product: LED sequential taillight system

GUESTS :

Kevin Tetz
paintucation.com
Paintucation.com specialized in automotive body, paint and restoration services and instructional restoration videos.