Red car fade

[355spider]

I’m having my garage extended, which means I’ve had to evict my car, I did plan to store it at a family members however that’s now fallen through which means I’ll have to leave it on the driveway, 7-10 weeks is the estimate.

I’m slightly concerned about red paint fade, I’m aware this wouldn’t occur overnight, however how long are we talking bearing in mind this is a 90’s car ( so not modern paint) and the driveway is south facing?

Im reluctant to put a car cover on as I’m quite ocd with scratches, although I’m open to.

[Simon_GH]

I think some car waxes claim to have a UV filter - not sure how effective they are though. I have seen temporary structures which look like car tents but don’t know much about them.

[sherman]

The old saying of that will buff out with a bit of T cut actually is correct in this case.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-...

[355spider]

sherman said:

The old saying of that will buff out with a bit of T cut actually is correct in this case.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-...

I assumed once the paint fades a respray is the only solution, hence all those pink Royal Mail vans?

[Belle427]

You can cut the dead layer away so to speak but its only a matter of time before it goes again. A good protection layer may help somewhat.
I wouldnt use T cut personally, something like Autoglym super resin is better.

[Lester H]

355spider said:

sherman said:

The old saying of that will buff out with a bit of T cut actually is correct in this case.
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-and-body-...

I assumed once the paint fades a respray is the only solution, hence all those pink Royal Mail vans?

No need, unless you are an absolute perfectionist. I was chatting this week to the chap who prepares cars on a nearby small indi with a good reputation. They use Autoglym products. He was repairing a door lock on an ageing A3 and it looked a good shiny red- more than adequate- and he said it came in pinkish and he had buffed it with a gentle powered polisher. I suspect the gloss may not endure like a re spray, but consider the cost!

[Bobupndown]

I always have an urge when I see a neglected red car to polish one panel, or half a bonnet of it.

[The Rotrex Kid]

Ultimately the answer is ‘it depends’

I would assume that from your name is a 355, if it’s Rosso Corsa then from a quick google, it will be base+lacquer. In that case, if it were to fade, you wouldn’t have much luck cutting it back as you’ll effectively be just polishing the lacquer rather than cutting the paint.

I would think that if it’s lasted 30 years, the likelihood of it fading in a few weeks is very unlikely. You could stick a car cover it if you’re that worried.

[cuprabob]

Bobupndown said:

I always have an urge when I see a neglected red car to polish one panel, or half a bonnet of it.

By any chance, did you used to sell Mer polish down the market?

[Caddyshack]

Roughly where in the country are you? You can stick a 355 in my secure garage for 10 weeks. I am Surrey /hants.

[Bluevanman]

I'd give it a thorough waxing with a quality wax.
If it's 90's it's probably basecoat and clear,if the basecoat fades .....which it can do..... nothing will polish it back up,so protection is the key

[Baldchap]

You are worried about a car being outside for less than three months?

I think you'll be ok.

[InitialDave]

Simon_GH said:

I have seen temporary structures which look like car tents but don’t know much about them.

I've got a car stored in a small one of these, from Machine Mart I think it was, they're pretty sturdy once assembled. Metal frame with a fabric cover ratchet strapped taut over it.

But for the same cost you could have a professional detailer give the car a coat of protection and a going over, which might be of more benefit to you.

[355spider]

Caddyshack said:

Roughly where in the country are you? You can stick a 355 in my secure garage for 10 weeks. I am Surrey /hants.

Thanks for the offer, however I’m northwest

[355spider]

Baldchap said:

You are worried about a car being outside for less than three months?

I think you'll be ok.

Rain and snow less so, however the car having 90’s red paint, and my drive being south facing I think I had a legitimate question to ask.

[355spider]

The Rotrex Kid said:

Ultimately the answer is ‘it depends’

I would assume that from your name is a 355, if it’s Rosso Corsa then from a quick google, it will be base+lacquer. In that case, if it were to fade, you wouldn’t have much luck cutting it back as you’ll effectively be just polishing the lacquer rather than cutting the paint.

I would think that if it’s lasted 30 years, the likelihood of it fading in a few weeks is very unlikely. You could stick a car cover it if you’re that worried.

Yes rosso corsa

I think I’m going to purchase a cover, any scratches will be an easier fix than potential fade, or worrying about it anyway

[aeropilot]

Baldchap said:

You are worried about a car being outside for less than three months?

I think you'll be ok.

Indeed.

Even parked outside in somewhere like California for 7-10 weeks wouldn't have any impact over that short a timeframe, let alone in UK...

[Bluevanman]

355spider said:

Yes rosso corsa

I think I’m going to purchase a cover, any scratches will be an easier fix than potential fade, or worrying about it anyway

I'd be more worried that the cover may cause micro blistering than scratches.
You're worrying about nothing in my view

[355spider]

Posts noted

I realise I may be worrying unnecessarily considering the timeframe, however I wasn’t completely confident making that call without asking for opinions on here, and given I’m OCD over the paint and worst case costs to rectify I felt the need to ask the question.

[Bobupndown]

cuprabob said:

Bobupndown said:

I always have an urge when I see a neglected red car to polish one panel, or half a bonnet of it.

By any chance, did you used to sell Mer polish down the market?

Ha ha, remember that, normally a Mini bonnet, my dad was a big fan of Mer so naturally I used it on my Minis. Also did the lighter fluid set on fire trick, but thinking about it you could probably do that with no ill effect on a panel with any polish or wax applied.