Years of grime in Gel Coat body

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by hi-tech cobra

I’m starting to work on the body after the car has been sitting for many years. We washed it but noticed a film of dirt and grime is stuck in the gel coat. Testing a small area, solvent Goof-Off removed it as did lacquer thinner and last but not least Fabuloso with a scruff pad. The first 2 (solvents) methods also removed some of the gel coat and caused it to gum up. The fabuloso/scruff pad method took forever but worked.

Is there a better way to clean off the in ground grime before hitting with primer?

From the retired bodyshop owner here on the site

Interlux brand fiberglass surface prep, part number YMA601
and
Interlux 202 fiberglass solvent wash


Use a gray scotchbrite pad and make certain to flush with water. Do not apply in the direct sunlight. Carefully read all instructions.
Both of the above are low VOC, modern day mixes.



Bill S.

[hi-tech cobra]

Thanks olddog and mrmustang. Being impatient I didn’t want to wait for the Interlux product but it does look like a great solution. So I tried something under the cabinet: Totally Awesome cleaner degreaser. Using a Grey scruff pad....the grud came off with minimal effort and didn’t attack the gel coat badly.