Clear Coat Repair

[tmsmini]

The clear coat on our smooth roof woodie is starting to degrade.
I see places like Eastwood have a "repair" kit, anyone have experience with any spray can versions?
Dupli-color has a kit as well.
We cant afford a complete paint job and I just want to stop the deterioration. Th reviews are all over the place with some people saying the kit worked well and other saying the opposite...

[94touring]

My opinion is anything like that is probably snake oil. What exactly is wrong with your clear?  Is it peeling or starting to fade?

[tmsmini]

The clear coat is starting to turn to dust in a few places.

[94touring]

Next question, how old is the clear?

[tmsmini]

Not sure exactly, over ten under 15

[94touring]

Sounds like a very low quality clear was used. You can clear over clear and that might work for you, but if it's turning into "dust" I'm guessing there isn't a real solution that's quick, easy, or cheap in the areas already failing.

[tmsmini]

I have a friend with a shop where we can create a paint booth. I think the plan is to prepare the whole roof and reclear...

[BruceK]

You might want to get a quote from a national chain like Maaco. A Mini's roof is a pretty small, well-defined area and it's easy to access. I had the hood (frunk lid?) painted on my Honda Beat by a local Maaco shop a couple of years ago because of the same clearcoat issue. I think they charged me $400 and they did a fantastic job. The paint looked great and the color match was perfect.  Something to consider if it's within your budget.

[tmsmini]

Good suggestion. We had my son's 67 Mustang painted at that type of place. I will have to check to see what is still around. My friend has a shop that he can turn into a makeshift paint booth, so we may go DIY.