I've got nice original paint on my '72 164, but it does look somewhat tired and has some (not bad) oxidation. The owner of a local body shop said he'd recommend compounding the entire car to bring up the color. Any thoughts on this?

compounding is to wet sand lightly and than "compound" is a heavy grit cutting compound. I do it all the time and the results are great. It will even hide the tiny thin cracks (if any) chicken scratches. You could even have the old paint wet sanded and re-shot with clear coat paint, to re-new the look of the paint.
--
Kevin * HONDA spanking,1985 240DL * VOLVO ON!!!!

I'd start with a high quality "cleaner wax" like Mother's California Gold. These type of waxes have a very mild abrasive in them to help strip off any old yellowed wax. That and a LOT of elbow grease!
I had an old VW double-cab (miss that beast) that was a powder-blue color and very oxidized. Several weekends and very small areas at a time and I was able to bring it back (except for the roof... no paint left but the primer was nice and shiney!). Ended up being a nice medium blue.

g'luck,

Mike!

From my own personal experience polishing compound works great on these fine quality original finishes. You'll be amazed at the results, but it's a lot of work! Go for it!

Mike M.

Do you know if there's any reason why I would need to get this done professionally? As opposed to just doing it myself?

Any other reason? Time. Set a few hours aside in the day to do this.

-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

Nope, just make sure your car is nice and clean so you're not scrubbing any dirt into the paint and all will be good.
--

Actual "rubbing compound" can be a little corse if your paint is thin...I'd start with something a little milder maybe "polishing compound" or turtle wax makes a product that I like real well called "color back" If these don't do it for ya then try the rubbing compound.

whatever you use do it in the shade and on cool metal...I have made a couple of pretty nasty mistakes trying to polish a hot car.

oh and it's a lot more work but I have ALWAYS had the best results doing it by hand, rather than a buffer...probablly because I don't really know how to use a buffer properly??

Bret
--
rust free in west Texas

I don't have any photos of it but I compounded my car before and it was pretty bad oxidization. Not original paint though so and I'm in texas so cars get baked here. It definitely helped clean it up and then when I waxed it it was super duper shiney. I'd say go for it.
--