Projects Faded dirty paint, cleaning recomendations?

Hey all,

What I have is a 58 Buick that is sporting a 20 + year old paint job. Don't want to re paint it at this time but I would like to clean it up some. It appears to be lacquer, definitely single stage, emerald green with a grey primer base (primer shows in a couple areas that are chipped). Since it had set outside here in the Midwestern with the previous owner for many seasons, plus a couple more with me, it has faded to a matte finish that I actually kind of like. The problem is the horizontal surfaces, hood, roof and deck lid have dirt, ******, and other unidentifiable contaminates that are embedded into the surface and don't come clean with commercial car wash soaps. That in itself I could probably live with if it was spread evenly across the car but it is kind of splotchy. Any tips on cleaning this up? Been thinking about trying other cleaners/solvent, wet sanding, scotch bright, magic erasers...
No doubt that this all would take a toll on the paint and primer may show through in a few spots but that may give it a little extra character if it's done right.

Thanks for any input

Alex

 

Have you ever tried comet? Cut that dead paint real good.

 

Try a clay bar.
I find it best to start easy and mild solutions.

 

What he ^ said. Then try a cleaner wax and then Maguires #7. Start with the gentlest system, you can always work up to more aggressive/abrasive cuts.

 

What he said. Way better than a clay bar. Use a firm sponge and lots of water.

Also search washing a car. There is quite a thread on the subject on how to wash a barn find correctly!

 

59 minutes before that thread was mentioned. LOL!!