Classic/Antique Car Repair: MGB paint - uv damage, random orbit, polishing compounds

Question
Good morning!  My 1976 B roadster was repainted black by
the previous owner about 6 years ago.  The paint surface
on top of the bonnet and boot cover appears to be "faded",
possibly from uv damage.  Altho' theres some swirl
scratching all over the car, the fading (lack of depth) on the
boot and bonnet are really discouraging.

What would you recommend to restore the original color
depth to those two surfaces?  I've used Meguiar ScratchX
and NXT polish, which make the rest of the car look
*great*, but haven't really helped on that "faded" problem.

Thanks.
Tom

Answer
Hi Tom:

IF (and a big if), you have enough paint thickness, you could obtain some 1000 (one-thousand) or 1200 grit wet sanding paper and gently color sand the paint just to a uniform "flatness - no gloss) with a sanding block and then using a variable speed buffer and some machine rubbing compound--gently buff the paint back up to a shine.  This is tricky and unless you know how to run a buffer also somewhat dangerous for the paint....you can burn/cut through,catch an edge of the buffer, etc.  Frankly, it is a job you might want to leave to a place that advertizes doing "detail" work on cars.  In fact, if your not experienced with this type stuff you probably ought to take to this type of place to at least get their opinion before  you do anything else.  If it's bad enough (and black usually is) you just might have to have it repainted.  
Alternatively, you might have some luck with just using a series of rubbing/ polishing compounds going from a medium cut to a polishing paste and using a small hand held random orbit car polisher type unit. Use seperate pads for each different combound and work carefully as you go.  The smaller "car-wax' type hand held electric, random orbit polishers arent' as likely to damage your paint as a large air or electric "body shop" type buffer.
Good luck!