gloss coat/ pros and cons

[GABeote]

I'm going to have my 1970 Caddy repainted and I'm trying to decide between gloss coat or not. So far I have not heard any good news for having the gloss applied. HELP..Any ideas???

[rapideo]

Do you mean clear coat? It seems to usually be soft and easy to scuff and scratch. Many new car/truck buyers complain about it.
My truck was repainted last year at an independent shop, their clear is soft too.

[EddieF]

Love them old Caddys. To me, a perfect garage would consist of a 4000lb+ smooth ride along side a 2800lb screamer :)
Basecoat/clearcoat...on new cars the basecoat is paper thin. The clearcoat seems plenty hard, but may wear over time exposing basecoat. Im guessing here. I have wetsanded the clear on my 93 caddy to remove swirls from previous owner and it came out like galss. However clear will wear much sooner :(
Id say go to a car show and get a look at enamel, laquer and basecoat/clearcoat paint jobs.

Whatever you go with...make sure they put it on thick enough to wetsand and buff. Will shine like glass.

Edit...id probably stay away from clearcoat. Whenever i see a car pass by with half the clear peeled off the hood or roof i freak.

[vetteonr]

The best formula is 2-3 thin coats of base color followed by 6-8 thin coats of clear. That's how you get that deep looking finish. If it's done properly, it should last a long time.

[OffRoader]

Go to DuPont's website and check out the expoxy based paint/finishes called "Imron". I could tell you how tough it is, but better you read about it yourself. It's B.A. stuff!