Oxidation and how much can detailing bring back?

[Bramm]

Im currently looking for a 87~93 fox hatch driver for a summer project. Only rub is finding one at a project price that doesnt need paint and body work as i dont have the skill or resources to do so. However since this is going to be a cruiser mild street project im not talking show quality paint but its the primary factor im looking at.

I have noticed quite a few cars around very close to what im looking for with moderate to heavy oxidation/fading of the paint. What are the kinds of thing i need to look for that are beyond a good detailing without take'n it to a detail shop on the test drive? How much does the vintage of the car come into play? Are there even foxes this vintage with factory clear to watch for or watch out for?



Here is a example, a car im try'n to get some more info on before i travel to check out, off ebay with what imho is moderate oxidation. 89lx on ebay

Obvoisly paint and body work are foreign to me. Thats why im try'n to find a higher milage driver with good body and paint or a project thats started with good body and paint. Thx

 

[wytstang]

Oxidation can be remove by a "good" detailer. If it's faded to the metal or the clearcoat is pealing then your on your own lol. Here a good example of what a "good" detailer can do with 30yrs worth of oxidation
http://www.detailcity.com/showthread.php?t=11673

*the guy lives maybe 20min from me and has offered to teach me if I need any help he if good*

 

[korsburn]

i own a detail shop in chattanooga tn as long as your clear coat is not flaking at all you can bring a cars color back i dont care how oxidized it is. It might require some highspeed buffer but its nothing a good detailer cant handle.

 

[Kerpal]

The oxidation on that ebay car should be able to be removed by a good detailer. The roof is the only part that's even that bad, and since it's looks like it hasn't been touched in such a long time there should still be plenty of paint thickness left.