Yes it is basecoat/clearcoat paint that is all original.
Just wanted to double check. As for getting paint to "pop", or getting the metallic flake to "pop", usually when people describe the paint like this what they mean is they want the metallic flack to jump-out and dazzle your eyes.
If you're working on a clear coated car then getting the metallic flake to pop means making the clear layer as clear as possible so you eyes can see through it to the color coat and metallic flake under it. This is does in the correction step.
when trying to do this on a single stage paint then it can be difficult if the paint is old because the flake will be oxidized inside the paint and you can't polish out each flake. This is why I wanted to double check the type of paint you had because the 1980's was the transition time from single stage paints to early basecoat/clearcoat systems.
Besides the 1980 Corvette at the 2007 NCRS Nationals, the other oldest all original Corvette with the original clear coat finish that I've buffed out was this 1982 Corvette.
It's hard to find clear coats paints this old that are still in great shape. All too often too many other detailers have hacked them up and they get repainted.
It belongs to April who's known as "The Vette Lady"
In the background is Chip Foose signing autographs. After this show he asked me to come by his shop to talk to him about sanding and buffing out his cars, which I did but nothing ever came from it. I tried multiple times to take over the sanding and buffing of his cars but just never got the phone call. He's a super nice guy but also a very busy guy. I think we'll have a chance to work together in the future, at least I'm always willing.
