Just got my 72 SS back from the paint shop and i'm somewhat disappointed with the orange flame base coat clear coat(original 65 code) but, should I wet sand the car and if yes with what grit sandpaper and what technique should I use? What is the purpose of this procedure?

Thanks
Joe

Color sanding & buffing will flatten orange peel, dirt, smooth minor surface imperfections, change gloss from that cheap shine that most new finishes have. It will seldom correct body imperfections that should have been corrected prior to paint. You were not specific as to what your concern was regarding the product you recieved. If the shop achieved a decent texture & finish that would compare to a typical original clear coat finish, unless you paid for a <show> finish they have probably done their job. Be very careful trying to color sand and buff yourself unless you have experience. Even experienced painters can screw up (buff through & burn ) a finish. If you want a better finish, and you recieved what you paid for, talk to shop that did work and try to negotiate for some assistance. Perhaps they would assist in teaching, or color sand and buff for an additional amount. REMEMBER, if they buff through their paint, in most cases, it is their problem, if you do, it is yours. Karl

If you really want to attempt this
start with 1000 grit then go to 1200grit
the 1500grit. You then will have to buff again with compound. However I think moreambitionsthanbrains gave you the best advice.

damjoe-- Found really decent tech artical for you to study. How To Color Sand Your Paint. If you want to learn more,it was in August 2001 Car Craft. If you can't find it e-mail me your fax # Still suggest working with shop that did work! Karl

Joe what exactly aren't you pleased with? If there are runs, sags, or Orange Peel; The shop that did the work should buff it out for you! If you are not happy with the color go to the shop with the sample they/you provided and have it matched, if it does not match (and you have a good contract) they should re-paint.. Give us more details about the job, it's quality, cost, and what you were told you would get?

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)

When wet sanding, a little bit of liquid dish soap in a pail of water makes the job a whole lot easier. When you just use water, the paper likes to stick to the surface being sanded. The soap acts like a lubricant to keep the paper from sticking.

If you intend to wet-sand, and I recommend you do, are you prepared to buff it? What kind of buffer do you have? Have you ever used one? Why didn't the shop sand & buff your Chevelle? Usually that's included as the shop SHOULD want their work to look it's best.??????

If they want to charge extra, you can sand it yourself to save money, but I would recommend a professional buff the car.

Buy MacGuire's new wet sand paper at an auto body supply store. 1,000 and 1,500 grit. It works much better than 3M because it is a true uniform grit and 3M is not.

Start with 1,000 with a small rubber squeegee. Use the squee gee often to wipe the water off of the sanded surface. You want a uniformly smooth, dulled surface and you only want to remove enough top coat to get to that point. Once you have the entire panel or car done with 1,000, move onto the 1,500. You won't have to do as much work here. Use the squee gee OFTEN! Stay away from ALL edges! Don't sand them at all!

Use the SEARCH function that this site provides with the words; wet sanding; color sanding. A LOT of great info there. More than you'll get on this single post.

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MY 69 (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/xchange/xchange.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=22&exact_match=on&photo_size=full)
My 65 (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/JPs65frt.jpg)

There aren't any runs, sags, or Orange Peel. The quality from a 1-10 is about 7.5. The original color is the GM Orange Flame(Code 65). The body shop should me a sample color of the actual paint. It looked good, but when it was on the car, It looks like a pumpkin color. I was expecting more red shading. I guess it's something I'll have to get use to.
Thanks
Joe

Unfortunately wet sanding is not going to help you out! The only way would be to read your contract, have the colors matched by a supplier, and go back and have it shot the correct color if you in fact have a different color than what you requested! Any reputable shop will re-spray if the color is wrong!

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X-Ray View of my Chevelle :D (http://www.normieschevelle.com/sideview.jpg)
Getting Closer (http://www.normieschevelle.com/passfull.jpg)