Oxidation removal?

[skywalker1020]

I have a 94 4Runner with 194K miles. The paint is pretty nice considering the age.

The top of one fender, along where it meets the hood, from the corner light to the front door, the paint has a patch that is whitish. It is the same thing you see on many cars when they are getting older. Usually it occurs on the parts of the car facing the sky (hood, roof, trunk). It looks like there is a white layer of something on top of the red paint, or that the red paint has worn through exposing a white layer underneath.

Is this likely oxidation? Or did the paint actually wear through? Is the clear coat disentigrating?

I could post a pic, but it is such a common thing on 15 year old cars that I hope you know what I am talking about.

I would like to know what this is and how to fix it. I have polished it with a Meguires polish several times. This does not do anything.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Uneek]

Most likely it's the clear coat. It might be possible to buff it out with a high speed rotory buffer and some aggressive polish and compounds. Be careful with a high speed rotory buffer, otherwise it's best left upto a pro or detailer.

 

[skywalker1020]

Thanks for the reply Uneek,

I have a polishing compound, though I have never used it. I do not have a high speed rotary buffer or any other kind of buffing tool. Because I do not want to spend the money or risk further damage to my paint, I do not want to buy one. Are you thinking that polishing by hand with the polishing compound will not do the trick?

If I decide to have it done professionally, do you have any recomendation as to what type of shop I should go to? Any idea of the cost? Would they be likely to just buff certain sections for a lesser fee or might they make me pay for the entire car?

Thanks for any help.

 

[XJeepguy]

If thats really oxidation or chem build up ON TOP of your paint . Try the stuff I use.
Meguiars Clay block

http://www.meguiars.com/?auto-detailing-clay/Smooth-Surface-Clay-Kit

I have had decent results with that , follow the directions !!!

Use that stuff on weathered paint and the end result is really impressive .

Follow the above link and read the FAQ on it

 

[Uneek]

The problem with using compounds and polish by hand is you can't move fast enough to generate enough friction to create a bit of heat to fully work the compound and polish.

One type of shop you can visit are detailers. I had a car detailed once for $300, it was a complete exterior detail. Another would be a body shop. You would need to inquire either and see if they are willing to do a partial retail... the body shop might.

 

[khooper]

For the most part, oxidation can only take place when the surface of your car