'63 Coupe Survivor!

[Scott S.]

Hello,

Just bought a certified survivor and the paint is obviously checked and fading in some areas. Is there any suggested care for the old lacquer paint? Washing OK, can a carnauba wax be used to shine it up a bit? Just trying to get some expert advice to help maintain a nice BG "Survivor" status.

Thanks!

PS - I was advised that a teflon based wax by either McGuiar's or Turtle Wax would be a good choice as it doesn't turn white and has some oils in it to hide the cracks a bit and it also acts as a preservative.

Any other advice would be helpful

[Jay G.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

I have Org. Factory Laquer Paint on my 67. Contact Mequairs via their 800 line for Tech advise. Explain you needs. Their advise and products worked great on our org. 37K mile Vette.

[Jack C.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

Scott, I have an original paint 68. When I brought her home I thought I made a mistake because of the paint. I did some checking around and finally went with ADAMS products. They have the whole package. Look them up on the web. I used to be a MaGuire's guy but now only ADAMS for me exclusively. You can actually call and speak with Adam, the inventor. I have included the link.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/

[Nick M.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

I too am a convert to Adam's Car Care Products. Adam is a regular at Carlisle and for my money, sells the best car care products on the market. I've tested just about everything he sells and in my view, beats the pants off the competition by a mile! And on top of that, regularly offers discounts on his website.

[Scott S.]

• Can be applied to all exterior rubber, plastic and vinyl trim to restore color and shine without leaving white residue.
• Unlike conventional waxes, ICE™ can be applied in direct sunlight or on a hot surface without streaking or wax build-up.
• A single application will provide extraordinary shine however, multiple layers will further increase depth of gloss and shine.
• Formulated with light stabilizers to protect your car’s finish from the suns damaging UV rays."

Adams stuff is a little pricier.

[Jack C.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

Scott. ICE sounds like it's a wax, you want something else that will revive the paint like Adam's.

[John D.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

Adams stuff is a little pricier.

Scott, The lacquer paint on my 63 coupe, the LWC is almost 30 years old now. I use ICE on it all the time. It realy is good stuff. Doesn't leave any white powder either. John D

[John M.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

• Can be applied to all exterior rubber, plastic and vinyl trim to restore color and shine without leaving white residue.
• Unlike conventional waxes, ICE™ can be applied in direct sunlight or on a hot surface without streaking or wax build-up.
• A single application will provide extraordinary shine however, multiple layers will further increase depth of gloss and shine.
• Formulated with light stabilizers to protect your car’s finish from the suns damaging UV rays."

Whatever you do, avoid using ICE on a Black or very Dark colored car.

I don't know if it's a silicone based material, or what it is, but it leaves oily smears that will leave you rubbing for hours to remove it.

Nice for hiding minor spider webbing, but I learned this lesson the hard way on my Black 69.

If your 63 is daytona Blue, you'll be in for a treat with this stuff.

[Scott S.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

OK, talked to Adams and decided to go with their Revive polish combined with a little Swirl and Haze remover depending on condition of painted area. Apparently 80% Revive and 20% Swirl and haze on better condition, checked paint area. I'll have to play it by ear and take it easy to ensure the best results. Sounds like a better solution then the Ice stuff.

Thanks!

[William B.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

On older lacquer paint we always used 3M HAND GLAZE, avaliable at most body shop supply houses. It always seemed to condition the paint without wax or silicone. On new lacquer paint jobs it was always safe to use because it never sealed the paint and the paint could continue to breathe.

[Jack C.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

OK, keep us posted. On a dark colored car, I always use white cloths so I can see what I'm taking off as I do a section.

[David C.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

I agree with William - I love 3M Imperial Hand Glaze. It is nutrients for paint, much like hand cream is for dry skin. Then finish with 100% carnuba wax, which won't leave white spots. Do these two steps after any buffing ( if there is enough paint left to buff)

[Mark K.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

Whatever you do, do not use a polish on your car's surface. If it is a survivor, then the paint, especially at the fender peaks, is likely to be very thin and you could polish off the paint at any of these peaks or in areas where there was little paint applied. ONLY use a wax type product to protect the finish that you do have. I have used turtle wax on my original paint 31K 67 435 with some success. I think the paint speaks for itself:

[Jim T.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

Is McGuairs #7 still considered a good product for feeding the paint?

[Tim S.]

Re: '63 Coupe Survivor!

Is McGuairs #7 still considered a good product for feeding the paint?

Yes it is! While is does not last like a conventional wax, it creates a great finish with depth and color!
Tim