Plastic Panel Perplexion

[JTLoveland]

I'm new to the forums and am hoping someone can point me in the right direction on this...

I just picked up a used 2000 Saturn LS2 for a new driver. It's black and appears to be in decent shape (only 57,000 miles). My son and I want to get this car looking its best, but we aren't really sure how to proceed. I know the side panels are plastic, so would we approach cleaning/waxing/etc. differently than a typical vehicle? I'm not sure if the panels are painted or the colorant is in the plastic (I don't physically have the car yet). I believe some parts of the car are paint over metal, so would we use different products/techniques on these areas (I don't have any power buffers, etc. just elbow grease). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Murr1525]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

You would treat the panels the same.

Without seeing the car (or pics), it is hard to say what exactly needs done, but a general plan would be:

1. Wash - Gold Class, 2 buckets, quality sponges ,towels.
2. Clay - Smooth Surface Clay kit
3. Clean - SwirlX
4. Wax - Nxt 2.0
5. Wax - 2 thin coats are best

6. Maintain - Ultimate Quick Wax is good for after future washes.

[DualActionDetail]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

JTLoveland, welcome to the forum! As Murr said, treat the car the same. That is low mileage for a 10 year old car, I hope the paint shows the same "low use".

Are you from the Loveland on the East side of Cincy? I'm in Milford! If you would like any advice or even to try out a few of the wide selection of Meg's products that I stock, send me an email or pm.

[JTLoveland]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

Thanks Murr. That helps a lot. The paint/panels seemed to be in good shape. Sounds like my son and I have a busy weekend ahead of us. I've never used they clay before, so this will be new.

[JTLoveland]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

DualAction: We are practically neighbors then. It's very low mileage. I hope it wasn't because the car was in the shop most of the time ! It got a clean billing on CarFax but I'm not sure how much actually shows up on that.

[Murr1525]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

Claying should go pretty easy. Just break the bar in half, and each work on parts. Might want a second bottle of QD.

Dont drop the clay on the ground, work over cardboard if you have to.

[DualActionDetail]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

Yeah there's a claying tip I picked up from a Mike Phillips AutoGeek video that helps greatly. After you've flattened the clay into your working piece, hold it so that the tips of your fingers extend over the top edge of the clay.

There's some more gems in the short video, worth watching:

http://www.palmbeachmotoring.net/ascg-videos/clay-bar.html

[JTLoveland]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

Thanks for the tips guys, I appreciate it. Lots of opportunity to learn on this forum!

[Woodie6250]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

I did some work on a Nissan X-Trail SUV, which has plastic front fenders. They reacted the same as the metal sections and I used the same products and technique across the entire vehicle. I found this to be true for hand and DA work I did on the panels.

[JTLoveland]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

Thanks for taking the time to respond Woodie. I'll use the same products and techniques for the entire vehicle then. It's not what I would have thought, but that's the value of forum discussion.

[Murr1525]

Re: Plastic Panel Perplexion

Remember paint is paint..... as long as the surface is painted, all will go the same. Does not matter what is underneath.