Help with order of steps

[oran]

Hello,

New here to the forums and to detailing and was hoping to find some help with proper procedure. I have a 1990 Mustang that's been sitting under a tree for the better part of a decade with occasional washing. The exterior, needless to say, has seen better days. My plan was to wash, clay, wet sand a few of the bigger scratches, then buff with Meguiar's Ultra Cut Compound and finishing off with the Ultra Finishing Polish. I saw the "Clear Coat Safe Rubbing Compound" and was wondering if I should use that after the wet sand and before the Ultra Cut Compound, or would it just be redundant to use both? Any help you guys can give me would be much appreciated!

[ChevyNick]

It sounds like you've got it figured out. Assuming you're experienced with wet sanding and what not. Wash, clay, M105, M205 , and whatever LSP you use is correct. I wouldn't bother with the rubbing compound you asked about.

[rst08tierney]

Re: Help with order of steps

Is this a single stage paint? My buddy had a 90 pony and it did not have a clear.......it was red. I want to say that 1990 was the first year ford started using a clear coat on the mustang.

Remember to use the least aggressive method first. I would hold off on the wet sanding until you know its a must

[davey g-force]

Re: Help with order of steps

Agreed - unless you're very experienced, be careful with the wet sanding - you may regret it.

You may not even need to wet sand. Try the M105 on a test spot first and see how that goes...

[Andy M.]

Re: Help with order of steps

First, Welcome to MOL!

Secondly, depending on your level of experience I wouldn't dive right into wet sanding. Wet sanding will marr the surface and to get your sanding marks out you will need a rotary buffer. Seeing as you said you were new to the forums and to detailing I doubt you are experienced with a rotary buffer. Not only will you most likely damage your car with the wet sanding, you may make it worse with a rotary unless, as I said, you are experienced with it. Always use the least aggressive method first. Wash first, then clay and then evaluate what you have and let us know and we will give you a direction.

Andy