Restoring and Detailing My New '96 Challenger -- Need Advice

[blacter]

I'm cleaning up and detailing my newly purchased '96 Challenger and can use some help and advice in a couple of areas.

First, the trailer has some major rust issues (see photos). I plan to sand it down and then spray paint. Do you guys have any suggestions -- particularly what paint to use.

Another issue is faded gelcoat. Wonder what products you recommend to restore the shine.

Finally, the hinge on the storage cover behind the instrument cluster is loose. Is there a fix for that?

Thanks.

 

[devonte007]

Blacter,
Congratulations on the new boat!

I have a few suggestions that may help:

1: Rust on trailer - Not sure if you plan to just spot treat these areas or not but we repainted one of our boat trailers years ago and used Rustoleum Hammered Finish Paint. It worked great, just knocked off the loose rust and painted over the whole thing. It has been several years and the trailer still looks really good. http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=159 I actually took my jet nozzle off and the reverse bucket last year and repainted it with this last year and it is holding up great. Just brush or roll it on. You can get it at most major home centers like Menards, or Home Depot.

2. Faded Gelcoat - Depends on how bad it is, but if really faded I would go ahead and wet sand it then buff with compound and seal it with a good marine wax. I did this to a few areas on my boat this spring. Depending on how bad it is, you may want to start with 1000 grit, then move up with 2000, and 3000. After that just hit it with the buffer and a good marine cleaner polish and it will shine like new.

3. Loose Hinge - you should just be able to tighten up the bolts that hold the hinge on. Getting to the nuts and bolts can be tricky though. Usually the backside of the hinge has a metal backing plate, so just tighten everything up.

Hope this helps!