DIY paint repair?

Have a 98 mustang, bright red, and the paint on the trunk has begun to break down due to constant sun. What can I do to repair the damage, or do I have to pay through the nose to have it done for me?

Pictures as follows: (not sure about formatting so dont kill me)
http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr315/KHHill/DSC_0119.jpg
shiny car with shiny paint


http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr315/KHHill/DSC_0121.jpg
back side of car


http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr315/KHHill/DSC_0124.jpg
close up of the scars



The deteriorated areas are rough like finer sand paper and I'm just not sure what to do to fix this. It doesn't look like it has gotten down to bare metal so that's good, but I would like to make it look better. If I cannot, any recommendations for a stopgap will be appreciated.


Thanks in advance

If it is only on your rear deck panel, my guess is that this has been re-painted and not done so well. Painting, believe me, is an art and not something you really should attempt. I've been working on cars for close to 40 years and won't do paint work unless it's some car that no one really cares about.

Everything is a catalyst system now, so you can't just buy a quart of primer and a quart of paint. Just buying the paint materials can cost $75 to $100. And, then you need the compressor and paint gun. And, believe it or not, red is one of the most expensive colors.

Get an estimate from a reputable shop and, while you're at it, ask them their opinion of the fading.

Good luck.....

Looks like the clear coat over the red has frosted on you. I've got a stop-gap measure for you. This will help it look better than what you've got, but is by no means a rational solution for the problem. Coat the offending area with oil and let it soak in for a couple days and then wipe it off. It will take away the white frosting, but is a lousy way to do anything. Take it to a shop and get it done right. Good pics. You've really got a nice looking car. If it was mine I would spend a couple hundred dollars to get it painted. It looks good.