Black Cadillac CTS

[NOISEMIAMI]

Hey Guys,

Have a 2014 CTS that I noticed that I have scratches, water marks and swirls/holograms all over the car. Picture is my gallery not sure how to post it here. I use the 2 bucket method w/grit guards, brand new wash mitt from Meguiar's. The soap I'm using is Gold class, for drying have brand new drying micro-fiber towels. Not sure what I did in washing the car my guess would be the dealer installed this option. My question is since the paint is new should I go ahead and clay it, compound then polish and wax or just do polish and wax. I have the ultimate system - compound, polish, wax plus have the foam compound pads, polishing pads and finishing pads all from Meguiar's too. If not that system would you go get the DA correction system? Thanks for the help.

NOISER

[davey g-force]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

You can go ahead and clay it, compound, polish and wax.

Definitely at least clay it & wax it first. You'll be surprised how much gunk you'll pull off the surface..

[The Guz]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

Definitely at least clay it & wax it first. You'll be surprised how much gunk you'll pull off the surface..

I agree with this.

If the polish is correcting the paint enough then you are good. If you have some areas that need more correction then that is where a compound comes into play.

[Stephan]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

Picture is my gallery not sure how to post it here. NOISER

See: http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...992#post537992

Here's your pic (I used the img tagged link, that looks like this with the open and closing brackets[]... img]http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/photopost/data/2235/IMG_0547_-_Version_2.jpg[/img:

[The Guz]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

I would not hesitate to use a compound to remove those swirls, then follow up with a polish and your favorite wax. When you say you have the ultimate system are you referring to the DA power system?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

You're discovering what so many new car buyers have learned - just because a car is "new" that does not mean it's "perfect". In fact, most of the time a new car is far from perfect. Transport from factory to dealer can be harsh on a car; rail dust if moved by train, road grime if moved on a car hauler, and then time spent on the dealer lot exposed to the elements and treated rather poorly with regard to maintenance washes, etc. Some dealers do an outstanding job of pre-delivery prep while others seemingly just make matters worse.

In your case, regardless that this is a 2014MY car, given the level of paint defects shown we would not hesitate to give that car a once over with Ultimate Compound on a DA buffer, then follow with Ultimate Polish and Ultimate Wax. Of course, clay first if the paint feels at all rough to the touch. One of our VPs has a 2014 CTS, black of course, and it's a fantastic car. Don't let yours be held back by swirled up paint!

[NOISEMIAMI]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

Thanks guys for the help. Will go ahead clay, compound, polish and wax. One question I forgot to mention, what speed setting should I use in each of the steps of compound, polish and wax?

The Guz, I was referring to the Ultimate Compound, Ultimate Polish and Ultimate Wax in the black bottles.

Stephan, thanks for the link on how to post pictures here on the forums.

Mike Stoops, yes its a fantastic car I get looks all the time. Will follow your suggestion also. Would you recommend APC+ to clean the factory rims that the car came with?

NOISER

[The Guz]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

In that case you have everything you need to correct the paint with a DA. Don't forget to clay to remove any surface contaminants prior to using any of those products. For the wheels I would use a dedicated wheel cleaner like hot rims all wheel and tire cleaner. It works good on factory wheels that are clear coated. It also works to clean the tires and prep them for a tire dressing. Once the wheels are clean you can put a coat of ultimate wax on them to add some protection and make is easier to maintain them until the next time you need to wax them.

http://www.meguiars.com/en/automotive/products/g9524-hot-rims-all-wheel-tire-cleaner/

[NOISEMIAMI]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

Since I posted back in March, had a lot curve balls (work wise and family issues) thrown my way now I'm back on track. I have now the Rupes 21 bigfoot DA. and the Ultimate Compound, Ultimate Polish, Ultimate Wax bottles. I also have the W7006, W8006 and W9006 pads. Are these pads good to use with the Rupes and which pads do I use with what Ultimate bottle?

Again thanks for the help.

[The Guz]

Re: Black Cadillac CTS

The pads should work just fine with the Rupes. I would use UP on a yellow pad and go from there. If you need more correction then go with UC on a yellow pad.