RSVP - NSX Detailing Recipe

[skyguyz]

My 91 NSX is getting the detailing it so deserves. I'm not new to cleaning a car and have read volumes on the exterior detaling process.
Having removed the seats and detailed the cockpit and engine compartment,
under hood, etc I'm now ready for the exterior, (Yes, the wheels/tires have been removed and detailed today.) There are many "recipes" for exterior detailing and......

My question is this:

My paint is in "good" condition with minimal swirls, etc. Is my recipe below sound like a good one or not?

-Using a Porter-Cable 7424 with 6" counterweight
-using all "Edge 2000 pads" 6"

-Start with Edge green pad, (light cut) with Meg's #9 swirl remover
-next using Edge blue pad, (non-abrasive) with Meg's #3 Machine glaze
-next using Edge white pad, (ultra fine) with Meg's #26 Hi-tech wax
-remove Meg's #26 Hi-tech wax with MF.

*All trim and badges, etc to be 3M blue taped prior to doing job.
*Using 2 500 watt halogen work lights

I have Edge yellow pad, (medium cut) and Menzerna intensive polish. This I will not use. It's for the "Other" car with scratches, big swirls etc.

So, Does this recipe sound good or what else should I use/do?

Thank You in advance for your reply!

[Boss_429]

Re: RSVP - NSX Detailing Recipe

Originally posted by skyguyz

My question is this:

My paint is in "good" condition with minimal swirls, etc. Is my recipe below sound like a good one or not?

-Using a Porter-Cable 7424 with 6" counterweight
-using all "Edge 2000 pads" 6"

-Start with Edge green pad, (light cut) with Meg's #9 swirl remover
-next using Edge blue pad, (non-abrasive) with Meg's #3 Machine glaze
-next using Edge white pad, (ultra fine) with Meg's #26 Hi-tech wax
-remove Meg's #26 Hi-tech wax with MF.

*All trim and badges, etc to be 3M blue taped prior to doing job.
*Using 2 500 watt halogen work lights

sky,

Sounds like a very good plan to me. The only product I would question is the #3. I've only used the #3 with a rotary buffer as directed. However, the PC may work with it. I would probably replace the #3 with #7 (if your paint is single stage) or #81 (if your paint is clear coated).

Other than that, I think you are good to go!

[Rick]

Curious what color do you have? I have a New formula Red Insight, which is made in the same plant, same assembly line as your NSX. They respond really well to the 80 series products. While #9 and #3 will work they're more designed for single stage paint's I believe. Personally I'd go with 82 on a Meguiar's foam polishing pad on the DA polisher, if that doesn't have the bite necessary to cut the swirls out move up to 83. Proper technique is key with the 83, you need to work it in slowly so it breaks down.

Anyways, after that I'd recommend 81 Hand Polish on a foam finishing pad for that extra bang. It's a very rich polish. Then I'd top it all off with NXT on a foam finishing pad.

Thats my personal recipie and it works really well. Best of luck.

[Mad iX]

I'm not too sure about #3.
#9 is good but #80 would be better imo.
I would go #80 then #81/#7 and then finish off with #26 (since you already have it) and finally #16 or NXT.
As for choice of pads, I would use a light cutting/polishing pad with #80 and even #81/#7. Then switch to a finishing pad with #26 onwards.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

As I said in another forum, Meguiar's #3 Machine Glaze will work just fine! It is a pure polish just like #5, #7, and #81. Moreover, although it was designed for SS paint, it will work very well with BC/CC. Meg's #81 Hand Polish was designed with BC/CC in mind, and you will find that it is a little easier to remove than the #3.

If you are trying to clean the paint, then #9 will work great. But for swirl removal, #9 does work best when applied with a rotary buffer. If you are trying to remove mild swirling/marring with a G-100 (PC), then I would suggest Meguiar's #80 Speed Glaze.

So: #80/#9 + #3/#81 + #26/NXT

Please keep us posted!

Tim

[skyguyz]

Complete rethink/redo

OK,

So my goal is to not mess this exterior detail up, especially on an Exotic like my NSX. So.......

-Car has been washed using Zymol
-Car has been clayed using Meg's clay and is under car cover now

Question: Should I have used Dawn to wash with? (wax removal)

Question: Claying went fine, except still some slight "specks" using baggie test; Should I clay again?

I have Menzerna Intensive Polish and thinking Meg's #80 speed/mirror glaze,

*(I returned the Meg's # 3 machine glaze as it's for orbital machine, not DA machine...DOH!!!)

See below info on Menzerna Intensive Polish, Quote:

From anyone else, Menzerna Intensive Polish would be called an abrasive compound. It removes 2000 grit sanding traces, swirls and paint defects. Menzerna calls it a polish because it removes these defects with minimum or no loss of surface gloss. On most light colors you can go from Intensive Polish directly to finishing with your favorite wax or sealant. On dark color paints, a subsequent once over with Menzerna Final Polish will produce a completely swirl-free, high gloss surface. Not only that, it can be used on freshly painted surfaces with or without a clear coat. While this accomplishment isn't turning lead into gold, it's as close to alchemy as you can get in the car care business.

Intensive Polish is a compound that thinks it's a polish. It's extremely forgiving and, unless pushed hard, actually removes minor swirls and paint defects without a trace of surface haze. This is the best polish I have ever used with the Porter Cable 7424 when it comes to actually removing swirls and minor paint defects.

-Using The edge light cut green foam pad.

which product is advisable?
Menzerna intensive polish or Meg's #80 speed glaze?

*See attached pics of finish after claying.

Step 2-Meg's #9 SR.
Question: Should I use the edge blue pad non-abrasive, (pre-wax cleaning pad)
or stick with the edge green pad, (light -cut for removing light to moderate swirls and clear coat safe) ?

*Edge 200 pads are 2 sided.

step 3- Meg's # 26 Hi-Tech yellow wax
(liquid product) applied with PC 7424 and the edge white finish pad. Remove with 100% cotton terry towel.

Question on step #3: Is 3 coats overkill and should I consider wax removal with the PC" bonnet"?

step 4- 1 hand done NXT wax finish

Question: Is the NXT wax neccesary?

Finish black trim with Mother's Back to Black.

As always, Thanks in advance for the wonderful replies.

Skyguy

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Complete rethink/redo

[QUOTE]Originally posted by skyguyz
[B]OK,

So my goal is to not mess this exterior detail up, especially on an Exotic like my NSX. So.......

-Car has been washed using Zymol
-Car has been clayed using Meg's clay and is under car cover now

Question: Should I have used Dawn to wash with? (wax removal)

No, Dawn soap is really hard on the paint! I would suggest using a good car shampoo like NXT or Gold Class

Question: Claying went fine, except still some slight "specks" using baggie test; Should I clay again?

Yes, I would suggest going over the rough areas again. Be sure to use plenty of lube.

I have Menzerna Intensive Polish and thinking Meg's #80 speed/mirror glaze,

*(I returned the Meg's # 3 machine glaze as it's for orbital machine, not DA machine...DOH!!!)

#3 was designed to be used with a rotary

See below info on Menzerna Intensive Polish, Quote:

From anyone else, Menzerna Intensive Polish would be called an abrasive compound. It removes 2000 grit sanding traces, swirls and paint defects. Menzerna calls it a polish because it removes these defects with minimum or no loss of surface gloss. On most light colors you can go from Intensive Polish directly to finishing with your favorite wax or sealant. On dark color paints, a subsequent once over with Menzerna Final Polish will produce a completely swirl-free, high gloss surface. Not only that, it can be used on freshly painted surfaces with or without a clear coat. While this accomplishment isn't turning lead into gold, it's as close to alchemy as you can get in the car care business.

Intensive Polish is a compound that thinks it's a polish. It's extremely forgiving and, unless pushed hard, actually removes minor swirls and paint defects without a trace of surface haze. This is the best polish I have ever used with the Porter Cable 7424 when it comes to actually removing swirls and minor paint defects.

-Using The edge light cut green foam pad.

which product is advisable?
Menzerna intensive polish or Meg's #80 speed glaze?

I would suggest using Meguiar's #80 Speed Glaze. While I have heard some people have had success using IP with a PC, I feel that the better results with it would be obtained with a rotary. Therefore, I would strongly suggest using the #80 and a polishing pad with the PC (speed set to 5)

*See attached pics of finish after claying.

Step 2-Meg's #9 SR.
Question: Should I use the edge blue pad non-abrasive, (pre-wax cleaning pad)
or stick with the edge green pad, (light -cut for removing light to moderate swirls and clear coat safe) ?

*Edge 200 pads are 2 sided.

I prefer to use a Finishing Pad as you are trying to further refine the finish

step 3- Meg's # 26 Hi-Tech yellow wax
(liquid product) applied with PC 7424 and the edge white finish pad. Remove with 100% cotton terry towel.

Question on step #3: Is 3 coats overkill and should I consider wax removal with the PC" bonnet"?

I would strongly encourage you to use a Ultimate MF Bonnet over a clean W-8006 Polishing Pad for product removal. This will, IMHO, give better results.

step 4- 1 hand done NXT wax finish

Question: Is the NXT wax neccesary?

Personally, I would skip the #26 and use 2 coats of NXT Tech Wax instead. The NXT will provide the depth, warmth and reflective qualities that will make that red paint just glow!

Finish black trim with Mother's Back to Black.

I am not a fan of Back to Black. I have found that it tends to really streak when it gets wet. I would suggest Meguiar's Trim Detailer instead. Apply it, leave it sit for a few minutes and then remove excess thoroughly using a clean towel.

As always, Thanks in advance for the wonderful replies.

You are very welcome!!

Tim

[skyguyz]

Thanks Tim

Tim,

Thank you so much. I am being very careful with the proper steps/research. I'm not rushing anything until I am confident in the right products/technique.

Best Regards,

Skyguy

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

I do not blame you! I suggest lots of reading and research. I would also look at the various galleries of members whom you take advice from.

If you have any questions, just ask!

Cheers!

Tim