Oxidation on both metal panels above the headlights?

[pcm2a]

I just got a sweet 1992 lx 5.0 today and it is in the most amazing shape. The only problem is these two panels, drivers and passenger side (quarerpanels?) seem to be heavily oxidized.

The first thing I did was to take some turtle was polishing compound to them. It says it is for small/medium oxidation. After I gave it two treatments I also applied some meguiars wax to it. What you see in the attachment is the after and it is at least 50% better than before.

Has anyone seen this before and know the best way to restore it to 100% beauty?

 

[Gearbanger 101]

I'd say for a 20-year-old paint job, you're doing pretty well. A little rubbing compound, some polish and a good buff and then go drive the wheels off of it.

 

[wythors]

Those areas are part of the front bumper cover, so they are made out of a plastic, as opposed to the metal of the fender. They are painted separately from the fenders at the factory and often don't match perfectly. Like the giant Canadian said, get it as good as you can and enjoy the car.

 

[pcm2a]

If I can't get the paint to match pretty close I'll probably take it down to Maaco (yikes!) and get a fresh slap of cheap paint on it. I'll stop by the auto store today and see if they have anything better than this turtle wax polish I have.

How many times can you apply the polish before there is no paint left...

 

[RangerJoe]

Just be aware that plastic paints have an additive that allows it to flex so it won't crack and peel off when the bumper flexes. This is probably why the factory paints it seperately. MAACO will probably not do this right and in 6 months you will probably have cracking and peeling paint.

A slightly dull factory finish looks better than a poorly done new paint job in my opinion. I say it looks pretty good as is. Just enjoy it, or find someone who will do the job right. Good luck with it.

 

[pcm2a]

About 12 treatments with the turtle polish and one side is 95% restored and the other side is 80%. I can live with that I'll get pics of the whole car up shortly.