My 2 cents. All modern auto paint requires a clear coat for protection and gloss. Back in the early days, cars would roll through paint (multiple layers of paint were applied), then many painted exterior parts had to be rubbed out with compound to accomplish a true glossy surface. Top coating with color evolved to reduce the need for polishing. The dealership might polish here an there if needed when prepping for sale. Since the 1980s finishing evolved into just spray color, top with clear coat, absolutely no polishing (two stage painting). Later chemistry changes were mandated to eliminate the nasty stuff, but still remain paint color then clear coat.

I have had cars from the 60s with factory paint. Back then, if it sat outside all the time, paint was trashed in 2-3 years, quicker in sunny climates. The 70s got more durable, but the improvement was not great.

 

Ordered some OEM (AC Delco) clear coat to go with the OEM AC Delco paint. I'll make sure to post some pics when I get around to repainting.

 

UPDATE!

So as I mentioned in my last post, I went with the restoration method that hummerz referenced. Watched that video posted from Chemical Guys, along with a bunch of other videos and articles before I ordered the V34 and V36 compounds and polishing pads from Chemical Guys. Already had a backing plate attachment for my Milwaukee drill so used that and not the polishing tool. Here are the results:


tools used to polish


Results after polishing vent cap


Results after polishing fender


Polished this area too just to see differences of plastic vs. metal

[LOL!!] As you can tell, there is literally ZERO difference after using the products I got from Chemical Guys. I really don't know if it's operator error or if the products just aren't good enough and sanding/repainting/clear coating like @650Hawk and others mentioned is the only way to go. This was my first attempt at polishing anything using a drill and polishing pad so it most definitely could be my inexperience as to why I did not see any difference after polishing. I was really confused once I wiped up the vent cap and fender so I decided to try and polish the area on my hood outlined in red in my last picture but that also did not seem to make any difference whatsoever. My paint in general does not look bad at all but there are definitely minor scratches and imperfections in this area that I was hoping to get rid of with no luck.

It was honestly both funny and disappointing at the same time but thought I would go ahead and share. I feel like I should watch some more videos and try to go over it again but I don't want to ruin something more than it already is I guess. If you have any suggestions then definitely throw them my way. Otherwise, might wait until @650Hawk updates us with some before/after photos with the GM paint and clear coat.

 

 

I think an orbital polisher with cut foam pad would have done a a better job than your drill, but how much better may have been difficult to measure.

I have a Dewalt Polisher with wool bonnets for the boat and I would only very sparingly use that monster on a truck/car.

My go to auto polisher is an old Harbor Freight (Chicago Electric brand) Dual Action variable speed dial model that they no longer sell. It just will not die and does a great job.

 

X2^ KU1525 Detailing/restoration takes the proper equipment and patience!