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Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

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  • #1

    Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

    My Sterling Silver 1990 BMW 325i was well cared for by the original owner ... at least mechanically. The exterior, however, is another matter. To my unpracticed eye it appears to have been subjected to just about every form of abuse possible, even though it was garaged every night. I have no dreams whatsoever that this car will ever be a looker but I'm hoping that at the minimum I can improve upon things.
    Pic 1 & 2 are examples of the many fine scratches which cover virtually every panel of the car. None catch a finger nail but neither do they respond to UC, UP, M80, ScratchX2 (all by hand). I have to suspect that the car was a regular visitor to a brush automatic car wash ... and that it probably never had a wax - much less a detail - in its 20+ years.


    The final pic shows a section of the roof. In addition to the same scratches it seems to be showing some cc failure. If so, probably nothing to do for now.

    My detailing background is limited and I've only done hand work, but I enjoy doing it and am not averse to using a machine. For the time being though I'm more interested in getting a handle on the situation so I can decide if the potential benefits are worth the time and $$. That might mean having a pro check it out ... or maybe you can help ?
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  • #2
    Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

    it seems uc and cp can do the job, i don't see too much damage. but as usual, go less agressive then most aggresive, by the way on hand it is gonna be a hard job to do.

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    • #3
      Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

      PKR here is a great article on applying Scratch X by hand to remove a bird drop etching. http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...-with-ScratchX

      When working by hand its important to note that technique is everything. You want to be using the pads of you fingers where your prints are. You want to also you you index middle and ring fingers. You never want you use the tips of your fingers, this ill cause pressure points and no uniformity when removing defects. You may want to work in a one foot buy one foot section by not more than two foot by two foot. Removing defect and scratches by hand take a lot of work the proper technique and plenty of elbow grease.
      Rupes 21 / Flex 3401 / G110v2 / GG3"
      Thoryamaha919 AKA Evan
      Click and Like my Facebook Page

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      • #4
        Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

        From the pictures you've posted, doing the paint correction by hand is going to be a huge job.

        Polishing with a DA will likely yield much better results.

        What type of applicator did you use?

        How large a work area was used with each compound?

        How much pressure did you use when polishing?
        Andy W.
        Bimmers - '72 Tii, '74 Tii, '88 M3, '91 318is, & '01 330i
        Ford - '91 Ranger

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        • #5
          Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

          Thanks all. It sounds like the consensus is that its correctable but with lots of work (by hand).
          So far I've used both foam applicator with light and moderate pressure, and mf with light pressure.
          I'll study the link provided for technique but will also investigate purchasing a DA.
          Thanks again

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          • #6
            Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

            One more question ..
            I'm abit concerned that this old tech paint might require some special attention, both in choosing materials and in DA technique. Am I being too careful or is this a valid point ?

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            • #7
              Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

              Originally posted by PKR View Post
              One more question ..
              I'm abit concerned that this old tech paint might require some special attention, both in choosing materials and in DA technique. Am I being too careful or is this a valid point ?
              No UC will work great if you are going to use a DA then you will need to read this article: http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...-remove-swirls
              Here is a how to video as well for using a DA: http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ction-Polisher
              Rupes 21 / Flex 3401 / G110v2 / GG3"
              Thoryamaha919 AKA Evan
              Click and Like my Facebook Page

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              • #8
                Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

                DA Polishers are user friendly, and will yield much better results in a much shorter time. It will still require time and effort and proper technique.. I don't think that your car is a hopeless case, in time your car should become a looker. If all fails, you can go and consult or have your car buffed/detailed by a pro. They do (or should) have the experience and tools to deal with some of the paint issues your car has, but it not impossible to make your car look nice again.

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                • #9
                  Re: Should I be just frustrated or hopeless ? (noob)

                  Thanks again for your help and encouragement.
                  I have spent some more time on it, but working repeatedly on a much smaller area. And, yes, I can definitely see that its working! So I've just edited my upcoming birthday wish list to include a DA polisher.

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