So I did a preliminary search using the phrase "single stage" but all the threads were addressing painting with it or mixing it or using it in some manner. I have this '72 Vista that I know was repainted and it is a terrible job, there is also some major rust near the vista windows on the top BUT I cannot afford the kind of body work/paint job I want for it for at least a few years. If I can just make the car look decent in the meantime it would be nice. Cleaning, polishing and waxing it might suffice but I have read that it really only works on single stage paints. So how do I tell what is on this car? I don't know when it was repainted so I am totally in the dark about this. There are some spots that look more shiny than the rest and then there are some places that look really dull and might be original, I am not even sure if the whole car was repainted or just done in places. I will take some pictures if that will help but it has been overcast for quite a few days now. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Take some rubbing compound on a white rag and rub the snot out of a spot on the car. If a trace of color transfers to the rag, it is single stage. If no color, rub some more with compound. If still no color, it is likely clear coated.

tc

 

Great, that makes sense. I should probably pick a spot that is kind of non-obvious depending upon the results.

 

If you pick a spot that is really non obvious, you can use lacquer thinner instead of compound....