A little polishing compound.

[Guitarmaster]

I have a 75 F model otherwise known as "Riley" and when I bought her, her paint was less than desirable. Not terrible, but quite oxidized. Pretty much what you would expect from 40 year old paint after sitting in a hanger.

I decided to go at her with some polishing compound over the past couple days. The results were pretty phenomenal! In the areas that I have gotten to, the paint looks almost brand new! I'm excited to get the rest done. But it's a really big job!

I will have pictures of the finished product when she's all done.

Cheers!

[rbridges]

you're not doing it by hand are you?

[Guitarmaster]

Yep. I have a polisher, but it seems to work better by hand

[rakesb]

Anyone recommend a good, safe polishing compound?

[MooneyPTG]

3m makes a 3 step product that cost 50 per step. 3 different pads as well. Will make you bird look new. Step 1 may be to aggressive on some planes. It can remove overspray it is that strong. Step 2 polishes and step 3 removes any swirls. Use it on my cars as well. Need a good polisher with Velcro pads to get the rpms. Comes in quart purple bottles

[Andy95W]

Anyone recommend a good, safe polishing compound?

For light oxidation, I've had great results from Meguiars Ultimate Compound. Pretty much just wipe on and wipe off. Finished with Meguiars Cleaner Wax, also wipe on and wipe off.

For heavy oxidation, elbow grease and patience is all that has ever worked for me.

[carusoam]

A collection of Meguire's products made my '65C really shine except the spots of paint that just fell off after 45 years....

A lot of soft towels.

Done by hand.

You will get to know every screw and fastener on the plane. Then you will replace them all with their stainless equivalent!

Best regards,

-a-

[N201MKTurbo]

When you are done your plane will look awesome and your arms will look like Popeye's

Just remember the part of the plane that is most important to look the best is the top of the left wing!

[HRM]

I have a 75 F model otherwise known as "Riley" and when I bought her, her paint was less than desirable. Not terrible, but quite oxidized. Pretty much what you would expect from 40 year old paint after sitting in a hanger.

I decided to go at her with some polishing compound over the past couple days. The results were pretty phenomenal! In the areas that I have gotten to, the paint looks almost brand new! I'm excited to get the rest done. But it's a really big job!

I will have pictures of the finished product when she's all done.

 

 

People don't realize that half the time that ugliness is only skin deep 

 

(Looking forward to the photos! Before and after if you don't mind.)