Follow these steps if your ride is important to you and you really want to prep the finish like the pros.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 1](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_1.jpg) |
1. Show cars are never washed in a car wash, or even with a sponge in a soapy bucket of water. And you should always detail a car in a garage or under a carport; never in the wind or direct sun. |
![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 2](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_2.jpg) |
2. A sponge will leave light scratch marks, visible under low light, so use a tack cloth instead. This surgical blue cloth is very tacky but will not leave a sticky residue like some products do. It is also ideal for cleaning prior to painting. |
![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 3](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_3.jpg) |
3. Open the package and refold the tack cloth so it is puffy, slightly larger than your hand. Then wipe down the car lightly to pick up the dust.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 4](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_4.jpg) |
4. Take two or three long straight strokes using only light pressure. Let the cloth do the work. Refold the cloth as necessary to keep the dirt from scratching the surface.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 5](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_5.jpg) |
5. If there is too much dirt the Dupont E-4144 Sontera polishing cloths will work better. You can add water for better cleaning and they are disposable.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 6](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_6.jpg) |
6. Fold three or four of the Dupont cloths together and dampen well.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 7](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_7.jpg) |
7. Then squeeze out the excess water.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 8](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_8.jpg) |
8. The cloth should not drip water, or it will leave water streaks.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 9](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_9.jpg) |
9. Use the wet cloth the same as the dry cloth.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 10](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_10.jpg) |
10. The cloth will pick up the dirt.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 11](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_11.jpg) |
11. Refold the cloth as needed to keep the surface clean. |
![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 12](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_12.jpg) |
12. Never wash and reuse the cloth as that will scratch the finish.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 13](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_13.jpg) |
13. After cleaning, the next step is to mask off all the emblems, moldings and body gaps to prevent the polish from getting stuck in crevices.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 13](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_14.jpg) |
14. Lay the tape down with one hand as you push it into place with the other.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 15](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_15.jpg) |
15. You can use any quality car wax you like however 3M 05990 is preferred for show cars. This product only lasts a few days but it leaves a superior finish and it does not contain silicone, which causes problems when repainting. It is also much easier to apply. You can find more information about Carnauba Car Wax over at DriveDetailed.com. |
![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 16](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_16.jpg) |
16. Regardless of the product, the application is the same. Squeeze a small amount of polish onto a clean tack cloth.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 17](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_17.jpg) |
17. And then apply in a circular motion with minimal pressure.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 18](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_18.jpg) |
18. Let the polish sit until it turns dull and then wipe with a clean cloth until the residue is gone.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 19](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_19.jpg) |
19. You can use Finesse It part #5929I to remove stubborn scratches and stains. It might take a bit of rubbing but it is preferred to power buffing, unless you are a professional.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 20](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_20.jpg) |
20. Finesse will take off the polish so you will have to re-polish the area when the scratch or stain is gone.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 21](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_21.jpg) |
21. Use Forever Black on tires. This product will make the tires look brand new without making them shiny or fake looking.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 22](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_22.jpg) |
22. Start by cleaning the tire with a tack cloth.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 23](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_23.jpg) |
23. Use the disposable cloths with water and go just past the tread. For show cars, remove the tires, clean and blacken the tread and then wrap the tire in plastic until the vehicle is in place for the show.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 24](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_24.jpg) |
24. Apply the tire gel evenly and liberally.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 25](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_25.jpg) |
25. Then wipe with a dry rag to remove the residue.
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![Detailing classic cars and classic trucks How to polish and detail an antique, vintage, old, used or classic car or truck - step 26](https://www.antiquecar.com/images_3/bodyshop_polishing_26.jpg) |
26. And touch up as required.
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