car wash scratch removal?

[numskal]

I'm looking at buying a really clean 88 BMW 635, champagne with tan interior. The paint on the top of the car is excellent (hood, roof, trunk), but the finish on both sides from the door handles down is dull (looks like the paint is thin) and scratched as if attacked by those rotating brushes in the car wash. Any particular method of buffing and/or available products that could bring the luster back up to match the rest of the car? I'd really hate to paint it over because the rest of the finish is original and excellent. Any suggestions appreciated, Thanks!

[BullShifter]

Its hard to say without seeing it but, it sounds like a polishing(2-5 steps) is needed with a high-speed buffer. Don't use a high-speed buffer if you do not know how, you'll do more damage than good.

You could do it by hand or w/ orbital buffer but, you'll only be covering the damage for a few months then its has to be done again. High-speed is the only way to remove the top layer of paint properly.

Take it to a good detail shop for their opinion. Ext. detail can range from $60 and up. Expect to pay around $125 for a quality job.

http://www.topoftheline.com/swirscratrem.html

[hnydam]

I agree... you could do it yourself with a DA orbital if the damage isn't too deep. Can you post a close-up picture of it? That might help with more accurate advice. Otherwise, you'll have to take it in to have it really polished by someone who knows what they're doing. HOWEVER, please be careful of who you choose to detail your car. There are zillions of "professional detailers" who really don't know what they're doing- at least in the area of polishing. Only go to someone who you've been referred to. Preferably, the person who referred you should've had a complete (incl polish) detail done. On the other hand, there are also some excellent detailers out there. Just be careful.

[numskal]

Thanks, I'm having a pro take a look at it to see what can be done