This 1996 SC400 I got some weeks ago has an almost nonexistent clear coat on the roof, hood, and trunk. The paint in these areas is real dull...

The car has OEM paint. It's a very dark blue and it looks ****ING FANTASTIC (from the places that still have a very good clearcoat).

This car was actually repainted at the dealer and the job is very well done, but the previous owner had to car parked for months at a time under a tree and that tree sap/chemical KILLED the clear coat.

Is there a way to give the whole paint some type of restoration without actually having to repaint it. Like some sort of sanding treatment? Has anyone ever done this? Any links for reference?

I would give you guys some pictures, but the car is with the mechanic.

 

You could start off slow with a bug/tar remover and some polishing compound, but if that fails then you could go with wet sanding. Wet sanding can royally screw your paint up if you're not careful, so go light on it and do some research. Sign up to DetailCity.org and ask around there, I've received many helpful tips them. Good luck with it all and give us an update.

 

Thanks a lot. I'm gonna take a look at that place.

 

i think its an almost impossible task to just sand off the clear without damaging the paint at all. the paint and the clear coat chemically bond after the clear coat dries. for best results you need a whole new paint job.
even if you somehow remove all the clear, your paint is already fully cured so your new clear may not bond correctly, and could peel off again in no time.

 

I have detailed many cars. Most of the time bird crap will ruin the clear coat, and IF it sits on there a long time, it will eat right through the clear coat, down to the paint.
Use some light cutting compund first with a wool pad on a high speed buffer at 1500-1800 rpm. If that doenst do it, try heavy duty cutting compund with the same type pad and rpm. Make sure you spur the pad at each panel. Then if that doenst get it, then use 1000-2000 grit sandpaper, with lots of soap and water in a bucket. Be very careful around the edges. I cant stress that enough. Then dry it with a towel. Then go back with the cut compound, then some polish with a foam or cotton pad, then a good coat of flint wax. If that doesnt get it, then off to the paint shop. If you need further more detailed instructions, PM me.. Good luck and keep us informed.