Paint question (original paint)
 

So I spent a few dedicated hours with some rubbing compound and got my paint looking really good. It had become really oxidized and ugly looking, almost to the point of being pink.:icon_tdow So now it looks great, but I know its just going to be a few weeks before it starts looking not so great again. Is there anything I can do to make the shine last longer (maybe a few months at least) before it oxidizes again? I've tried wax and it never seems to work. I'd love to have to do this only once a year... :dunno:

Well - you could move outta Texas - podnah! ;)
Star I have an _80_ Sunrise red RX, also with original paint - and NO garage. OK, living up in the Great State of Alaska might help in the winter, but man, we get BAKED here mid-summer - and for 20+ hrs a day! It the UV bro. I am going to recommend my wax, just as 50 others will do with their fav brand too - but look at my car and judge. I wax it twice a year (bear in mind 5 mo driving season)
1) when it get put away for winter
2) when mid-summer hits - and even then the older fall wax job is still beading (frankly, I could get away with the one wax, but I'm a bit anal)

I use Zainos wax products (http://www.zainostore.com) - the site will bury you in choices but here's what I use - going on 4 yrs now:
-Zaino #2 Show Car Polish (for clear coat paint, which yours should be, if not they have a non-clear coat wax too, which I use since my 80 SA isn't cleared). Don't let the word "Polish" throw you - it a WAX, and it has a fab UV blocking agent so it helps cut the fade rate.
What I also like is how stupidly easy it is to apply. Its liquid, and in spite the old adage about only getting a great wax-job if you have to muscle it in, this stuff is a breeze. They actually recommend you leave it on for 30min+ before buffing to enhance the effect. Buffs off like baby powder, a snap.
I admit I was suspicious something this easy to use could last, but it _does_ ! Virtually all summer. I 'd think in TX if you waxed with this 3x a year after your initial compounding, you should be good to go.

The other thing I'll recommend is a CAR COVER. Keep your wheels out of the sun! These can be a real PITA because traditionally they are heavy, bulky and a hassle to use. BUT: I found a great, light weight, portable cover - super tough, totally water proof and breaths - and can even be washed in your home washer. Just fold it up and chuck it in the hatch
Its a Covercraft Weathershield HP. Seems damned expensive at some $250+ but am in my 4th year and NO issues as to wear, tear or water leaks (I have a cheaper "standard" Covercraft for my Saab: $135- starting to wear holes, seams undoing - you really get what you pay for). And I should mention my SA's cover does double-duty as the winter (in Alaska, remember!) "garage" for my SA. Comes out like a new penny the next spring. And really: $250+ for a cover vs new paint at $X000??!

Anyway - bit of a rant - but really appreciate your situ with an original sunrise car and the desire to keep it glowing....
cheers
Stu Aull
80GS
Sunrise Red
Alaska

Thanks for the info, great stuff! My car is also non-clearcoat so I guess I should try that same Zaino. I had been using turtle wax (the stuff you have to muscle on :lol:) and I'm just tired of that stuff. It also seems to get into panel gaps then turns bright white and just looks like shit. I have a cover I can use, I just need to wash it because its quite dirty. Again, thanks for the info man.

Well I couldn't find any Zaino at autozone so I got meguires instead. Hopefully it works just as well, but it was a breeze to use and the car is damn shiny now. I love it. Looks brand new! (minus the hail damage :lol:)

Stu, your car is just gorgeous...probably one of the nicest original first gens in existence.

Edit: Took a few pics.

Try not to mind the passenger side door and all of its little dents..:(

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...0/RX7/02-2.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...0/RX7/01-2.jpg

Now if I could only find a good way to shine up the rubber moldings. Tire shine never seems to work for me.

Meguires is my second choice. I've found nothing that compares with Zaino. I think you can only get it online. Maybe they've started letting dealers sell it retail, but I always order online. Now they have a testimonial from Alaska and Florida.

Star - thanx for kind words :)
(Disclaimer: Mickster has the nicest SAs in existence - but thanks anyway)
Car looks FAB! Sunrise Rules! But, my rotary brutha - the Mequires is wasted muscle - that crap will NOT last - looks great a few weeks, then... :P
Order a bottle of the Zainos now, so you'll have it avail when you (*sigh*) need it in Aug. It can only be bought on line. Great service, quick delivery, no dicking around...

Stu Aull
80 GS
Alaska

You're making me want to get that wax now lol.