Preserving Patina - How To Tips and Tricks

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Patina preservation is underway!

I have just done the step with the orange pad and haven't applied any wax yet. I love this old paint, it's amazing what you can get out of it with a little effort. The reflections are crazy to see. Trying to remove all I can like badges, lights, and trim.

Now a question to the group, this is a well preserved example of a FST 40. I wasn't expecting the paint to clean up this well. Do I replace all the removable parts like the hood hooks, badges, lights with new OEM to freshen up? Or put the worn originals back on? I am 50/50 here. The originals are nice (and will be kept regardless). But I also like the pop of some fresh new parts on a polished up patina body.


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Hood pad removed, original Capri Blue paint hiding.

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Hood before. Hooks and pads removed. No polishing done yet.

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2 passes with the Griots compound and orange pad on the fender, apron, hood, bezel, and below the soft door. Only pieces not done in this photo yet are the windshield surround and soft door pillars.

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Left - B pillar polished, Right - soft door pillar untouched.

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Cleaning up nice! Had to test fit a new OEM badge I had on the shelf. Very happy with the results so far.

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That was a question i was asking myself when i bought my rig with original, patina paint. Ended up replacing badges, but have kept the old hardware. Happy with that compromise and once I saw the new badges in place i had absolutely no regrets. Old badges are now on the garage wall!
 
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