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Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

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  • Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

    Howdy, I've been registered for a few years, but haven't checked in often. I have a car that has quite a few light swirls that annoy the snot out of me and I want to get rid of them. I considered taking it to a shop to have it done, but I think I am more than capable of doing something like this and the car is not a daily driver, so I don't have to knock it all out at once. With a little practice, I can't imagine it being too difficult.

    The car is a 1995 Ford Taurus SHO, here are some pictures of it, but tonight, I'll see if I can get some pictures of the swirling (if the sun comes out). The paint is original and in really good condition, however the front bumper has needed repainted since I bought it. I may get that done this year and I even considered repainting the hood.





    In the past, I've used a random orbital Craftsman buffer (I have a large one and small one) with the Mequires 3 step stuff (after a wash and clay). Although it comes out shiney and smooth, it doesn't remove the swirls. What should I be using to remove the swirls? Is there anything wrong with the buffer I've been using? If so what buffer and pads do you recommend?
    Jason

    2002 Honda Civic (daily driver - for sale )
    1995 Taurus SHO- Supercharged
    2004, 2005 & 2007 FORD FEST Class Winner "Late Model/ 1974 & up"

  • #2
    Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

    Jason,

    That is the best looking SHO I have ever seen. I love everything you have done to it. Great work.


    As for the swirls, you will either need to put the random orbital away (only good for spreading wax), and go at it by hand (actually more effective than the orbital), or get something like a Meguiar's G110 Dual-Action polisher. The G110 will have considerably more corrective power over the orbital, but still has a safety clutch.

    As for products, I would start out with SwirlX and a yellow polishing pad on the G110 if you go that route. It is a safe polish that finishes out ready for wax. If SwirlX isn't strong enough, there is ScratchX 2.0 (the next step up in the consumer line), and then Ultimate Compound.

    If you want to tackle it by hand, let us know so we can explain which products to try for that.

    Mark

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    • #3
      Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

      Thanks for the reply and compliment

      Lets say I got at it by hand, why would the products you already listed not work as well (as it would with a DA Polisher)? I don't know what I want to do yet, just gathering information currently.

      I don't want to burn off the pain, especially in the corners, would what you recommended above significantly increast this? Would it be manageable for a newbie?

      I've used the random orbital on my wife's 2006 Mazda 3 and it works great, however, it doesn't have swirls as it is pretty new by comparison. Are you saying these aren't any good for anything BUT wax?
      Jason

      2002 Honda Civic (daily driver - for sale )
      1995 Taurus SHO- Supercharged
      2004, 2005 & 2007 FORD FEST Class Winner "Late Model/ 1974 & up"

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

        Rotary vs. PC vs. Regular Orbital Buffer

        And you would really be using the same products by hand or DA, if you went with SwirlX, ScratcHX, UC.
        2017 Subaru WRX Premium - WR Blue

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

          Also the G110 is very safe to use on your paint.Not really a concern to burn off your paint as opposed to using a rotary without the proper experience.
          quality creates its own demand

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

            I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get the DA buffer and start going at it. I was in the garage earlier and boy does the swirling bother the heck out of me. Do I have to worry about taping up the corners and such?

            This week I'll be working on my Civic as I'm selling because a 2-doors doesn't work well with 1yr old (looking to get a 2005 STi ). After that, I can take the SHO down and take my time on it.
            Jason

            2002 Honda Civic (daily driver - for sale )
            1995 Taurus SHO- Supercharged
            2004, 2005 & 2007 FORD FEST Class Winner "Late Model/ 1974 & up"

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

              Yamaha, be sure to check out Dave McLean's guide: Machine Polishing by Dual Action Polisher. A pdf version can be downloaded here.
              Swirls hide in the black molecular depths, only waiting for the right time to emerge and destroy your sanity.
              --Al Kimel

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

                You want to tape any surfaces that you feel shouldn't get polish on them. When working with a DA polisher you generally don't have to worry about burning off the edges or high points- but with an older vehicle that may have thinner paint, it might be a good idea to do that and be on the safe side.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

                  Originally posted by akimel View Post
                  Yamaha, be sure to check out Dave McLean's guide: Machine Polishing by Dual Action Polisher. A pdf version can be downloaded here.
                  Thanks! I'll be sure to read this!


                  Originally posted by Mark Kleis View Post
                  You want to tape any surfaces that you feel shouldn't get polish on them. When working with a DA polisher you generally don't have to worry about burning off the edges or high points- but with an older vehicle that may have thinner paint, it might be a good idea to do that and be on the safe side.
                  I probably will tape the first time until I know what it's going to do on my. I'll test my skills on the hood as I might repaint that this year anyway.



                  I tried to get some pictures of the swirls today, but it's cloudy and you can't seem them without some bright sun light. Will try again tomorrow as I just gave my wife a new digital SLR for Mother's Day.
                  Jason

                  2002 Honda Civic (daily driver - for sale )
                  1995 Taurus SHO- Supercharged
                  2004, 2005 & 2007 FORD FEST Class Winner "Late Model/ 1974 & up"

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

                    I haven't been able to move the car out of the garage to get good enough light for swirl pictures as main engine harness short I fixed last month came back (swapping in a new one this time). Anyway, here is what I got tonight...

                    Jason

                    2002 Honda Civic (daily driver - for sale )
                    1995 Taurus SHO- Supercharged
                    2004, 2005 & 2007 FORD FEST Class Winner "Late Model/ 1974 & up"

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Newbie at swirl removal... Got some questions.

                      Nice picutre Jason.

                      From that picture (which may or may not tell the whole story) I would definitely suggest starting off with SwirlX and a polishing pad. If that doesn't do the truck, try stepping it up to either ScratchX 2.0 or Ultimate Compound. I know it may seem like I am suggesting every product under the sun, but those 3 are a great bunch of products to have on hand regardless, so even if they don't end up being used on this detail you will almost certainly reach for them for other work.

                      That said, if you are tight on cash I would grab the SwirlX and the Ultimate Compound only.

                      Make sure to start with a small test spot before doing the entire vehicle. Report back with your findings... and as always we love pictures

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