Maintaining any classic car while preserving their authentic, aged look requires the right combination of protection and care.
In this interview, we speak with Dan Hutt, a dedicated enthusiast about restoring classic American vehicles – including a rare right-hand-drive 1964 Chevrolet C10 Stepside and a 1994 Dodge B250 Camper Van.
The Interview
What vehicles do you currently own or work on?
I have my 1964 Chevrolet C10 Stepside. It’s a right-hand-drive truck making it unusual. It has a 350 small-block V8 and a 3-speed manual floor shift. It has a faux patina paint job that I have done recently. It’s completely solid underneath and drives awesome.
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My other current toy is a 1994 Dodge B250 5.2 Magnum V8. It’s been converted into a camper van inside with a modern setup look on the inside while keeping its original worn paint on the exterior.
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How long have you had them and what’s the story behind them?
The C10 is a truck I really wanted because of the classic Stepside shape and the character of an old American pickup. Rather than fully restoring it, I wanted to keep the aged, original-looking character and adding to that look.
I’ve been working on preserving the patina and keeping it looking like an old truck while making sure it remains solid and usable.
My Dodge van is the family road trip/camping motor. It was all converted before I bought it and has been done to a high standard.
How did you first discover Owatrol?
I first came across Owatrol through the classic car and restoration world. It caught my attention because it seemed particularly suited to older vehicles where you want to protect the existing finish rather than completely cover everything up.
Where on the vehicles do you use Owatrol Oil?
I use Owatrol Oil rust inhibitor mainly where I want to protect metal and surface rust, particularly on areas like the body and inside the cab. With the C10 having a patina finish, Owatrol Oil is useful because I can protect the metal without losing the aged look that I actually want to keep.
I have used it on a number of my previous classic American motors that have original patina. One in particular being a 1947 Ford Jailbar that didn’t really have much paint left on it due to its age and sun damaged.
It was sat in a field for years, using Owatrol Oil gave it a subtle shine and depth while protecting the metal work.
Where do you use Polytrol?
I use Polytrol colour restorer on faded and tired-looking exterior trim and plastics. On an older vehicle, those parts can become dull over the years and Polytrol helps bring the colour and finish back without making them look artificially new.
I have also used it recently on my 1994 Dodge B250 camper with great results.
What results have you noticed using Owatrol products compared to other brands you’ve tried?
The main thing I like is that Owatrol works with the character of an old vehicle rather than trying to make everything look brand new. I want to preserve the patina and age while protecting the vehicle.
What’s your top tip for anyone using Owatrol Oil or Polytrol on a classic car for the first time?
Take your time and make sure the surface is clean before applying it. I’d also recommend testing them on a small area first.
Owatrol Oil is great on old worn paint or metal work. I wouldn’t necessarily use it on perfect paint work. I have used it on the underside along with other products with great results.
What got you into Classic American vehicles?
I’ve always been into American cars and trucks, especially the older ones with big V8’s. I love the styling, the sound and the character they have. They’re completely different from modern cars, and I’ve always liked that old-school American look and sound.
A massive part of enjoying them is working on them with my two young lads and going to shows and enjoying them with them. My little mini petrol heads.
What project are you currently working on / tackling next?
The C10 is still the main project. I’m not looking to completely restore it – I want to keep the old-school patina look while making sure the truck is solid, reliable and usable. For me, that’s what makes these old American trucks special.
The vehicles I’ve had the pleasure of owning are:
- 1991 Ford F350 dually
- 1965 Ford Falcon Sprint (from Alan Mann racing)
- 1959 Chevy Apache
- 1947 Ford Jailbar
- 1965 Chevy C10 Sante Fe
- 1965 Chevy Nova Pro Street 383 v8
- 1961 Ford Popular 100e 383 v8
- 1953 Chevy 6400 Tipper
- 1954 Oldsmobile Rocket 88
- 1987 Land Rover 110 ex SAS Recon
- 1994 Dodge B250
- 1964 Chevy C10 Stepside
Owatrol’s Classic Car Application Guide
Owatrol Oil
Preparation
1. Surfaces must be clean, dry and free from oil, grease and any other surface contaminants.
2. Remove all loose and flaking rust and old paint back to a sound surface and edge.
3. Feather in any sharp edges.
Do not remove firm rust. Do not clean metal back to a bright finish.
Spot Test
Test Owatrol Oil on a small, inconspicuous area first to judge the final sheen.
Targeted Application
Apply wet-on-wet applications of Owatrol Oil to all exposed rust until fully saturated, then leave to dry (around 24 hours).
Polytrol
Preparation
1. All surfaces must be clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, grime and mildew. All waxes, polishes, silicone etc. should be completely and thoroughly removed.
2. Treat any mildew with a 50:50 bleach and water solution. Scrub the solution on to the surface and allow it to stand for 10-15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
3. Allow surface to dry for a minimum of 24 hours (this could be more or less depending on temperature and humidity).
Spot Test
Test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to judge the working time and final result.
Targeted Application
- Liberally apply Polytrol with a brush or lint-free cloth (or spray if you are using our spray can version)
- Leave the Polytrol to work for around 10 mins and up to 20 minutes maximum.
- Before it begins to dry and become tacky, wipe off all the excess with a clean, lint-free cloth. If you would like to achieve a shiny finish, buff the surface with a lint-free polishing cloth.
- Then, simply leave to dry.
Remember, Polytrol’s place is inside of the surface and not a top coating. As such, all excess product must be removed. Failure to do so will leave a tacky residue.
Further Reading
Take a look at some other blog posts we have on Owatrol Oil being used on classic cars:
Owatrol Oil used on Ewan McGregor’s VW panel van
Chris of Garage 87 showcases a project of his where he used Owatrol Oil on Ewan McGregor’s 1958 VW panel van!
Classic Cars: Why Dominic Chinea Uses Owatrol Oil
Expert craftsman and TV restorer Dominic Chinea uses Owartol Oil on his iconic Land Rover Series 1 project.
Owatrol Oil used on Toby Lee’s 1957 Chrysler Saratoga V8
Fantastic case study of Toby Lee using rust inhibiting Owatrol Oil to finish and protect his 1957 Chrysler Saratoga V8.
A huge thank you to Dan for using Owatrol Oil and Polytrol on his Classic Cars. You can find him on Instagram here and follow his projects.
We hope you found this post on how to preserve classic car patina with Owatrol Oil and Polytrol interesting! If you have any other advice or top tips, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
You can also follow Owatrol UK on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok at @OwatrolUK or join the conversation at #OwatrolUK
About Owatrol Team
Our team are ready and willing to support you with your requirements whether it is protecting your newly laid deck or renovating a luxury yacht, whatever the application Owatrol has the solution you are looking for.
