original paint, and original interior care
 

Hey folks-
Need some of your guidance. My 69 Nova, has both original paint, and all original interior. The paint has some fine scratches, as well as just all over fine cracks. Cracks I can deal with, the fine scratches I want to remove.
The interior is just overall old / very mildly dirty. Just want to safely clean the door panels, rubber mat, and upholstery. What do you suggest as far as scratch removal, and good overall cleaner and wax for original paint, as well as interior cleaning.
I am not a complete novice, but have never worked on 48 year old material, and do not want to cause any damage to "ole Blue"
Thanks so much!
Chris in NJ

----Is your interior fabric or vinyl? .......Bill S

Vinyl door panels 735 "cloth" for 69 nova

When you say "fine cracks" is it "checking" of the laquer?

How do you intend to deal with the cracks?

K

i am thinking just checking...nothing big at all, like a paint lifting crack...but yes checking. not sure how to handle that aspect either.

----Toothbrush and Simple Green in small 1 foot areas at a time along with a clean towel on vinyl. Id like to know about the fabric myself.......Bill S

Darrell (cook_dw) started an excellent thread on original paint and interior preservation here:

https://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?t=133473

He mentions several products and techniques that worked well for him and others.

My experience with the Meguiar's #7 on darker color lacquer paints is that it makes a huge difference. Depending on the level of oxidation you have, you might have to use a more aggressive technique like buffing with #3 first to get the paint to a condition where the #7 will work best. These are proven old school products that have been around for decades and still work well.

I tried his recommendation on using an Oxy Clean solution and brush to clean the grain of an original vinyl top & interior and it worked well, but as Bill stated I also have had good luck with Simple Green - and it is a little friendlier on other surfaces.

What type of brush would you guys recommend to clean vinyl seats and door panels?

Tony-

Bill's toothbrush idea is good and I've had good luck with a fingernail brush. The smaller brushes seem to work better and unfortunately will take longer - especially when working in 1 foot square areas at a time - but the results are much better.

As mentioned in Darrell's post the trick is to keep the bristles from folding over and then not being able to get in the nooks and crannies to clean them out.

Thanks Jake...I will give it a try!