Newbie trying to find perspective (little long)

[DJStillman]

Hey all:

I registered a couple of days ago, and have read literally HUNDREDs of threads dealing with polishes, waxes, detailers, buffers, clays, etc. Fortunately, I had already been learning about this before I found this site, so I had an idea of the places for each thing.

The car that has sparked such intensive learning (and spending) is a Silver 1998 Oldsmobile Aurora. Beautiful sleek lines, aerodynamic would be an understatement. It did not get the love it deserved in its past, so I want to try and give it some now. I have a nice looking roof, a reasonably clean hood, and a decent trunk. Unfortunately, my rear left fender in particular, looks very oxidized with odd downward water streaks on top of front to back streaks that look like scratches, but do not really feel like scratches...

So, after those long two paragraphs, my point. I have been looking at many brands of products trying to figure out what I could do for my car that would last it 4-6 months, and have resillience for once a week car washes with my brand new Versa-Angle Wide Body Brush ($10 at Big Lots, yeah baby!!). I love the fact that a lot of the Meguiars products are available retail, and for a lot less than some of the products that I had been looking for. But, I am confused. There are several product lines, and I want to figure out which one is best for me.

Also, I see a lot of people using different numbered products. I found the list of numbers on the stickied thread, but there is no chain of task/strength to these. I know the first time I use a lot of this stuff, I will go like one step milder than others probably would, so that I do no damage to my car, and I also have a 1991 Plymouth Acclaim with intact paint that I can practice on first, along with my Chicago Rotary Polisher. I know I need the right sized backing plate and foam pads for that, as well.

So, where to start? The wash I have right now is Black Magic Wet Shine Car Wash. I figure going Meguiars after I am finished with this stuff, or if it is not good enough, I can go on now and use that on the Acclaim. So, which line car wash? While I do not want to buy a gallon of anything, I would be fine getting a slightly more expensive product if it is really worth it. I did a lot of reading about the versa angle brush before I decided to get it, so I am hoping strongly that my car likes it...

I know I will need a clay. I think the only clay this car has seen is the red clay from construction around here... So, I will probably go with a mild one to begin with. And, if I clay with a mild clay and there are still unseen/unfelt contaminants on my car, and I polish it, will I hurt my cars finish?

And then, the polish. Can you see the theme here? I want to do all of the right things for my car, milder than recommended first, and something to last and give me some protection. Sounds like what everybody else wants, when I read it after typing it...

So, is there anything/anyone who can help steer me through the see of numbers and lines?

BTW, I think my aluminum wheels have some sort of protective coat on them, since brake dust scrubs right off, and I see no scratches...

I hope to become a productive member of this forum soon, and to give many many pictures of my learning and before and afters...

Thanks for the help.

David

[don63011]

Re: Newbie trying to find perspective (little long)

Dave. I too am a fledgling at detailing so I'll give you what advice I can. The main thing is to read everything you can. MOL is an excellent source. You might also look at these sites.showcargarage.com[buythe dvd. You'll be glad you did ] detailcity.com, autopia-carcare.com, autopia.org, ocdgarage.com & adamspolishes.com. Bear in mind that all of these have products to sell and the varying brands will make your head start to spin and your eyes glaze over but they all have information you can use . I have probably made close to 200 pages I have copied from them. As I said I'm just a beginner but maybe this will help.

[Murr1525]

Re: Newbie trying to find perspective (little long)

Wow, you must have had some time to type...

The numbers, #80, #83, etc, etc are just part numbers. There is no real order to them.

I dont think you will want your first detailing to be done with a rotary, as it is quite agressive, and you could cause damage pretty easily. But someone with more rotary experience can help you out. The machine most people around here use, esp new ones, is a PC, or also called a G-100. Check the Hot-Topics forum for a thread comparing the Rotary/PC/Orbital Buffer.

As for soap, the two you will see in most stores are Nxt and Gold Class. They are both great. But, I think the Nxt is a little stronger of a cleaner, and helps a little with hard water, while the Gold Class is a bit milder, but then leaves behind a nicer finish. So pick which sounds right for you. The Meguiars soap will definatley be better.

Well, ideally, the clay will get everything. But, if you miss a spot, the worst that can happen is your pad will pick up the contamimant, and you will cause a few swirls. Nothing horrible, but not great. You'll find the claying is pretty easy though.

Assuming you are going to start off iwth your buffer, the #80 Speed Glaze and #83 Dual-Action Cleaner Polish are what you will be looking at, but I'll let other rotary people help you out more.