Hot Rods Preservation of a 1940 plymouth

Guys I had every intention of painting my 1940 plymouth truck, but as I drive it more the current finish is growing on me. I have used Polishing compound, rubbing compound and a cleaner wax, but the surface rust is keeps reappearing in the moist air and fog of the mountains. How can I help preserve the original 77 year old finish on the truck, or is it best to sand it all down and start over.



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Park it inside.

Or don't worry too much about it...if it degrades a little more over time, it will still take the same amount of work to redo it all. It's a neat looking truck, I'd put off redoing for a while longer. One problem with old trucks is that it will take far more time, money, and work than you can imagine to restore the body. And lots of them never get finished. If you enjoy driving it, then keep it as is as long as you can.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^what Jim said.............

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Do a search here on the hamb of GIBBS.
Have heard nothing but good feedback.

 

Cool truck for sure.
First off, you can and no doubt will do what pleases you but.........................
Please DO NOT do what I'm seeing far too often lately, DO NOT clear coat it.
I just saw a truck two days ago that had that done to it and IMO looked terrible.

 

Polish and wax the paint. Be careful not to get any wax on the rusty areas. Oil the rusty areas. If you can get the old fashioned Simoniz or Johnson's paste wax with no cleaner or polish in it so much the better.

Or just wipe the whole thing down with an oily rag, but don't be surprised if it attracts dust.

I have never tried it, but possibly paraffin wax dissolved in paint thinner would work better. You might try it on an inconspicuous spot.

Without a wax or oil protection the paint will oxidize at once.

Remember, any wax or oil will have to be removed before you do any bodywork or paint work.

 

In the long run if your body rusts to shit, everything else involved won't matter.......