1. Looks pretty sad to us, but Peter calls this
chalky old paint “moderate” oxidation. Maybe
there’s hope after all. We’ll work on the passenger side first, and then compare it to the
untouched driver side to show what a good
rehab can — and can’t — do.
2. Another issue is that the soft, urethane body
lowers on the GT fade differently than the
painted steel. Some parts are molded red.
Others, like the rear fascia and door molding,
are painted in basecoat/clearcoat. Note how
the molding beneath the 5.0 badge is turning
magenta, while the door molding is going pink.
Once the steel is polished, the urethane lowers
will look really old. The painted steel and
urethane will both need attention.
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3. Evaluation and rehab begins with a thorough
wash — two washes actually. The body needs
to be cool and out of sunlight. With the body
panels wet, carefully mist some Westley’s
Bleche White on a panel or smaller area. This
is strong stuff, so go easy. Wipe with a clean
microfiber towel. The Westley’s cuts organic
crud such as bird droppings and bug guts.
Rinse thoroughly. Next comes a second bath
with Dawn dish soap to cut the wax and inorganic stuff. Rinse and dry.
4. Three differe