Help with exterior detail strategy

[TxRado]

Hello All,

I've picked up a new vehicle that has quite a few exterior defects. After reading "how to use a rotary buffer" in the how-to section I've identified my goal but would like suggestions on the proper equipment and products to purchase. My main goal is to get rid of the micro scratches, its a black car and shows every scratch. Example below:



Current Strategy:
Wash
Clay (Mequiars Smooth Surface clay-kit)
Buff
Polish
Wax (Meguiars Cleaner Wax)

I have a porter 7424 buffer and would like to know what compound/polish combo would work best to take out swirls and micro scratches. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[TxRado]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Picture of the swirls:

[yalerd]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

I've done a couple of 350z, in fact one was black.
Using the DA I could use #80 Speed Glaze, it does a great job removing the paint defects, I remember that the black 350z had been in a front accident and the hood was not painted correctly and had lost of swirls and deep scratches so I remember that I used #83 in that part.

But basically I used #80 in the entire car

[TxRado]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Thanks Yalerd. I"ll make sure to pick up some #80

[TxRado]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Hello All,

I still have some unanswered questions regarding this thread. I suppose my biggest question is, what compound / rotary / DA combination is best for a black car?

I stated above that I had a porter 7424 which isn't entirely correct. I haven't purchased it yet due to unanswered questions.

My primary goal is to get rid of the swirls and scratches so what equipment do I need to buy?

Rotary, DA, Orbital?
What Pads?
What Products?

I've already read the following threads but still feel I dont know enough.

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2525

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2524

I appreciate the help in advance.

[yalerd]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Well like I said before, with the 350z I've worked with the mayority of the defect were removed using my PC with #80 Speed Glaze and Meguiar's W-8006 Polishing Pad, in some places like the hood (remember that the hood was painted) I have to use #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polisher with Meguiar's W-8006 Polishing Pad as well.

As for the equipment, if you haven't used any type of machine before I would stay away from the Rotary, to get great results you really have to master it, it's not something that you place with because the lack of information/knowledge/practice can chance this "correcting" defects machine to an "installing" defects machine.

The PC is pretty idiot proof, you really can't go wrong with it, only if you let the machine drop on the car but besides this, it's pretty easy to use.

Read this, it can help with your decision and understand the pro/cons of each
Rotary vs PC vs Regular Orbital Buffer
Can a Rotary Buffer like a Makita or DeWalt be as Idiot-proof as a PC?
Buffer Swirls, Holograms and the Rotary Buffer

Hope this can help out

[yalerd]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

As for the equipment, if you haven't used any type of machine before I would stay away from the Rotary, to get great results you really have to master it, it's not something that you place with because the lack of information/knowledge/practice can chance this "correcting" defects machine to an "installing" defects machine.

Sorry for the typo, edit time frame is back to 1 minute, I meant this

"As for the equipment, if you haven't used any type of machine before I would stay away from the Rotary, to get great results you really have to master it, it's not something that you "play" with because the lack of information/knowledge/practice can change this "correcting" defects machine to an "installing" defects machine."

[HagFan]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

I think you'll be amazed at how much improvement you can make with those two products (#80 and #83), a DA and some polishing (8006) and finishing (9006) pads. The finishing pads are good for applying wax. You might also find the stiffer light cutting pads (7006) useful for using under a micro fiber bonnet for wax removal.

Get and extra backing plate for the DA right away. The can fail and make your machine useless until you get a replacement, which can be hard to find locally.

I've used both Meguiar's pads and also the Lake Country set that I bought with my PC 7424. With Lake Country pads the white is polishing, gray is finishing and orange is light cut. I haven't used the Meguiar's pads enough to get a sense of durability. Both brands work fine.

I got a fairly ugly 3-inch scratch out of my wife's silver Camry this past weekend. I could tell it was not through the clear coat, but the deepest part of the scratch was probably close to it. The #83 got rid of the scratch completely and I finished with #80 just to restore the finish fully.

[HagFan]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

I should add, if you have some significant deeper scratches that the DA won't remove you could have a pro remove them and then you'd be able to maintain the finish with he DA.

[TxRado]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Nope no serious scratches just lots of cobwebs.

[mcox]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

You didn't by chance get it at IPAC did you? I was wondering because my "new" truck had similar issues.

[TxRado]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Nope I bought it used with 25k miles. The cobwebs looked to be caused by improper washing pads. Lots of small scratches all over the car nothing to noticeable but I'm a perfectionist....

[yalerd]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Keep us updated in what machine did you end up buying and then posting some pictures of the results of the detail

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

The advice given to you by yalerd is very good, and the links he provided should answer a lot of questions for you. Follow the tips spelled out in those, and use the following tools/chemicals:

G100 Dual Action Polisher
W8006 Softbuff Polishing Pads (2)
W9006 Softbuff Finishing Pad (1)
M80 Speed Glaze 32 oz
NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0

Wash and dry the car thoroughly and then evaluate the surface for any roughness, which would indicate a need to clay. Yep, even on a new car. Use the M80 with the W8006 yellow polishing pad, following the instructions/tips spelled out in those links. Once that process is complete move onto the W9006 tan finishing pad to apply the NXT 2.0, allow it to fully dry and wipe off with a Supreme Shine microfiber.

This process, used with proper technique, will leave your black 350Z looking absolutely stunning.

[TxRado]

Re: Help with exterior detail strategy

Will do! Right now I'm leaning on renting a rotary polisher from the local rental shop. I was trying to get the DeWalt 849 but the company only has a Milwaukee 5455 available. I'm trying to find some local stores that sell Meg's products and after the job is done I'll post the pics!