1978 Fiat 124 Spider
This car sat unused outdoors in Boston for several years. It has the original paint with no clearcoat. If it had a clearcoat, it would probably have needed a new paint job. A light compound, fine polish and wax brought the finish back to its original shine. A car with a nice original finish will command more attention and respect at any car show. And way more cost effective.
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0746.jpg)
"Before" photo
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0749.jpg)
"Before" photo
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0751.jpg)
"Before" photo
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0752.jpg)
"Before" photo
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0756.jpg)
Starting to look good
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0757.jpg)
Looking better
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0763.jpg)
Looking good
![](barnfind/Fiat124Spider/IMG_0765.jpg)
And we saved $11,500!
1950 Ford F3 Pickup Truck
Sitting in a barn since 1960
![](barnfind/FordPickup1.jpg)
"Before" photo
![](barnfind/FordPickup2.jpg)
Hood after washing
![](barnfind/FordPickup3.jpg)
After careful washing, polishing and wax
![](barnfind/FordPickup4.jpg)
Door after rehab
![](barnfind/FordPickup5.jpg)
Hood after polish and wax
1955 Ford Thunderbird
Sitting neglected in a garage since the 1980s. Careful cleaning, buffing and waxing brought the finish back to life.
![](barnfind/Tbird1.jpg)
Before
![](barnfind/Tbird2.jpg)
After
1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster
Sat in a Beverly Hills parking garage since 1971. The paint, chrome, vinyl and leather all came back to life. Cleaned and preserved. Contrary to popular belief, barn finds should NOT be left as-is! This is not patina — it is dirt, filth and neglect.
![](barnfind/300SL1.jpg)
A few "before" photos
![](barnfind/300SL2.jpg)
Untouched for nearly 50 years!
![](barnfind/300SL3.jpg)
Chrome very dirty and pitted
![](barnfind/300SL4.jpg)
Paint was badly faded
![](barnfind/300SL5.jpg)
Wheels were dull and pitted
![](barnfind/300SL6.jpg)
Careful cleaning and polishing by hand brought the chrome hubcaps back to life
![](barnfind/300SL7.jpg)
Vinyl interior panels, "after" and "before"
![](barnfind/300SL8.jpg)
Wheel "after"
Paint and bumpers look great, repainting not needed!
![](barnfind/300SL10.jpg)
The paint now has its original shine
|