Paint, Single Stage?

[Rock-N-Blues]

On my 1991, base model, white cargo van, the paint does not appear to be a base coat/clear coat, but instead, older style single stage paint. Was it standard practice for base and/or fleet style units to get single stage finishes, or had they simply not yet started using base coat/clear coat in 1991? The reason I'm asking is that the body and paint on my van is pretty close to choice and I want to know what I'm dealing with before attempting to clean, buff and otherwise shine up 26 years of never having more than an occasional wash job!
Thanks To All,
Gene

[markmitch]

In the 80's through approximately 95 they used single stage alkyd enamel on most vehicles of that era. Rustoleum is a formulation of alkyd enamel which is oil based
and many older hot rod builders use it to paint car.truck bodies that will sit for a year or more just to protect the body till they are ready to strip it for rebuild/body work etc. Somewhere between alkyd enamel and 2 stage paint they used acrylic enamel which is water based. Your van would most likely be alkyd enamel according to most body shops. chevymaher is a member here and he does paint work so he may have better info. Hope this helps, Markmitch

[Rock-N-Blues]

Hey, Thanks Mark,
That's kinda what I assumed, though I wasn't aware of the specifics of paint types and time frame. FWIW, a good wash and good old fashioned Mother's Carnuba Cleaner wax does an excellent job!
Thanks Again,
Gene

[chevymaher]

Get a 3000 sponge sandpaper. Just hit it with that. Soapy water and scrub it like a good wash. Then buff. It will look good as new. The 3000 don't really take any paint off it just knocks the oxidized surface layer off and speeds the buffing process up.

[Rock-N-Blues]

chevymaher,
Are you referring to these:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... 473&rt=rud

and then use the abrasive side?

I have very little experience with finishing , detailing, etc, and am also not sure how to properly buff and wax. I've always been a kind of "utilitarian" kinda guy and have worried little about appearance. I don't know what kind of buffer to use or what compound and/or how to properly use. My wife bought me a Craftsman buffer years ago (when I used to have new vehicles) and the only thing I ever used it for was removing/buffing wax. Is this an appropriate unit. It is similar to this:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-10-in-bu ... ockType=G2

Please Enlighten?
Gene

[chevymaher]

That polisher from sears will work fine. I got one of those to. If your a beginner those are better you dont risk burning the paint.

The pad you show is basically a scotch brite pad and it will work fine on the coarse side. This is actually what i was referring to. They are for actually buffing the car.