I Need Some Opinions

[GotBeat5.0]

So lately my girl has been bugging me to detail her Jeep so since I got my new Dewalt (woot dewalt or bust) im gonna start getting the things I need.

But heres the thing the car has NEVER been detailed since she bought the car in 02. I was wondering if maybe doing the claybar to get all that dirt out and then doing a light cut and buff method (start at 1500 then 2000) then do the componds and finish off with a nice polish.

Or should i just do the claybar and then next do lets say the NXT line.

I want this bad boy to pop I plan on doing an over the top detail. I just want some other opinions before I go tackle this project.

Thanks ahead of time

[brickyardz]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

I would suggest you check out some of the links in the "Site Navigation" on the home page in the upper right corner. There is one on the 5 steps and others in the "List O Links"

Using a rotary buffer on the Jeep may not be needed. A dual action polisher may be all thats needed and it's a whole lot safer than using a rotary buffer. You don't want to take of more paint than you need to. If you have never used a rotary buffer before I don't suggest you start on your girlfriends Jeep.

Based on the condition of the finish different products will be needed. If the Jeep has never been detailed before most likely it will need to be clayed before any paint correction and wax are applied.

Check the links and if you still have questions let us know.

[roushstage2]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

Have you used a rotary before?

Follow these steps: The 5 Step Paint Care Cycle

[Mike Phillips]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

Tackling any car with a rotary buffer usually means going around in once, and often times one or more two times, depending on how aggressive you get and how good you are.

If you can get the finish back to 90% of what you hope for by hand or with a dual action polisher it will be a lot easier than doing a "Complete" rotary buff-out.

Here's a couple of threads to read, the first one touches on what it means to buff out an entire car...

Can a Rotary Buffer like a Makita or DeWalt be as Idiot-proof as a PC?

Here's another outline of the process...

Learning to use the Rotary Buffer


Seriously, if it's a daily driver, you can get it really nice and avoid the rotary buffer... just do the below as outlined here,

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

Wash
Clay
Clean - Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner
Polish - Optional - Deep Crystal Polish
Wax x 2


Go inside and have a glass of milk and a plate of fresh baked cookies your girlfriend will have baked you by then.

[yalerd]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

I agree with the guys here.
If you can do the job using a DA it will be much easier, great improvements can be achieved.

Maybe you can't get 100% of perfection but I know for sure that close to it you can be using a DA.

[Jeepster04]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

Im a little worried since you said " my new dewalt." How much practice and experience do you have with a rotary?

What Jeep does she drive? If its a Grand Cherokee with the plastic cladding then be sure to tape off the plastic really good.

You need to wash and clay the surface then inspect the condition of the paint before jumping in with a rotary. Most likely it will only need some #80 or #83 with the PC.

Haha, did Mike really say to have your GF bake some cookies.

[GotBeat5.0]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

Im gonna take a look at all the links you guys provided. Thanks definately

I have used a rotory buffer before I used to do detailing at differ shops and stuff so im not a newb at that at all. I also do have a reg ol orbital buffer as well. So either or works wit me.

[Jeepster04]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

A orbital buffer isnt the same as a Random orbital buffer(PC). You will not be able to get the same results with it as you would a PC or a G-110. Orbitals are ok for applying wax and things of that nature but not polishing.

[GotBeat5.0]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

Alright guys so I spent the last like 4 hours reading this site on alot of my questions and this is what Ive decided to do with the Jeep (dont be afraid to add suggestions) First off I went and bought a PC 7424 for this project.

Now heres what im gonna do for the ultimate detail

A Good Wash
Body solvent.
Claybar (med)
Now heres where Im not sure what to do first Do I go first with the #80 or #86
then possibly #7
NXT wax
#21

Any thoughts/Suggestions?

[brickyardz]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

Alright guys so I spent the last like 4 hours reading this site on alot of my questions and this is what Ive decided to do with the Jeep (dont be afraid to add suggestions) First off I went and bought a PC 7424 for this project.

Now heres what im gonna do for the ultimate detail

A Good Wash
Body solvent.
Claybar (med)
Now heres where Im not sure what to do first Do I go first with the #80 or #86
then possibly #7
NXT wax
#21

Any thoughts/Suggestions?

1. I would suggest the Gold Class or NXT car wash soap. If you don't have a grit guard, use teh 2 bucket method to reduce putting scratches in the paint from the dirt your taking off. Also make sure your using a good terri cloth or microfiber towel like the water magnet or supreme shine to dry the car. This will help absorb dirt particles in the nap of the towel and prevent you from dragging them across the paint and scratch it.

2. I am not sure what you are reffering to as a body solvent but don't think that step is necessary.

3. For claying the car I would suggest getting the Smooth Surface Clay Kit. It comes with a bottle of Quick Detailer (for lube) 2 mild clay bars and a Supreme Shine Microfiber to remove the QD with. This will most likely be cheaper than buying the medium clay unless you already have all the other products needed for claying the car.

4. What you need here will depend on the cars paint and what your trying to correct. Its different for each car. The best thing to do is mask off a test area of about 2'x2' start with the least agressive product and see if it produces the results your after. If not, then move on to a little more agressive product. Once you have determined what product to use on the test area to get the results your after you can now proceed with that product on the entire car.

Typically, I will start with #80 and then try #83 with the DA Polisher if the #80 doesn't work but that isn't an exact formula. When I recently did my Z, I actually got better results doing 2 passes with #80 than one with #83 which is why doing the test spot(s) is so important. I have also used #2, fine cut cleaner which is inbetween #80 and #83 but does not have any of the polishing capabilities, it is a cleaner only.

5. Using #7 isn't necessary, especially if you use #80 or #83 but I do believe it will give you a more brilliant shine and the deep wet look, especially on dark colors. I used it on my Z and it did make a differenece and I liked the results.

6. I have used NXT but not #21. My most recent detail I used #26 and really liked it a lot. NXT is easier to find in the local store although #26 is carried in some of the auto part stores now too. What you choose here is a matter of personal preference. I liked how the #26 went on and came off with virtually no dust. I also liked the shine it left behind. Any one of the 3 will look great. For a daily driver I would suggest starting with the NXT 2.0. While I haven't used the new formula it has the same properties as the UQD and think you will like that for the rain when the water just glides off the car.


I am sure others opinions may varry a bit and for some of the steps you just need to make a choice and see how you like the results and adjust from there in the future.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: I Need Some Opinions

Now heres where Im not sure what to do first Do I go first with the #80 or #86

M86 is for rotary buffer use only, so if you're using a DA Polisher stick with the M80 Speed Glaze. It should be more than enough to restore the finish on the Jeep, just be sure to read through this first.

Tips & Techniques for using the G110, G100, G220 and the PC Dual Action Polisher
(These are all similar tools)

After teaching hundreds of classes here at Meguiar's, there are some common mistakes most people make when trying to remove swirls and scratches with a dual action polisher. Most of them have to do with technique.

Here's a list of the most common problems

1. Trying to work too large of an area at one time
2. Move the polisher too fast over the surface
3. Too low of speed setting for removing swirls
4. Too little pressure on the head of the unit
5. Too much pressure on the head of the unit so the pad quits rotating
6. Not keeping the pad flat while working your product
7. Too much product, too little product
8. Not cleaning the pad often enough

Here's a list of the solutions in matching order,

(Click the link for the solutions)