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**mhoffman** · Apr 13, 2004, 09:40 PM

First I have to say I envy you. I love Australia!! I fell in love with the country when I was there two summers ago...well it was summer in the U.S. but winter down there. Anyway it looks like you have a pretty nice car there with some cool rims and a body kit. Your paint definitely needs some help though.

I suggest to follow the 5-Step Paint System that Meguiar's suggest. It's like this.
1. Wash
2. Remove surface defects. Use a clay bar and paint cleaner.
3. Polish
4. Protect (Wax)
5. Maintain (Quik Detail, Final Inspection, Final Detail, etc.)

I would suggest using all Meguiar's products but I don't know what is available to you locally in Australia. You might be able to order them online through Meguiar's, but I don't know if they ship internationally.

1st about your paint. I'm not a body shop expert but when I worked at a carwash the only cars that would leave their color on a towel were those that did not have a clear coat. It could be that your clearcoat is gone in some places. You can still do the whole detail and it will look good but I would have it checked out by an expert.

A PC is a Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher. It is not a rotary buffer that could scratch or burn your paint if used improperly but rather is a buffer that moves up and down while spinning. Two different actions at the same time means each time it moves it is completely random. I would suggest getting one if you can. It's gonna cost you but it saves a lot of time and produces better results than by hand.

As for the Detail Process.
1. Wash your car. Use any Meguiar's soap. If you can pick up the NXT Wash. I love the stuff.

2. Clay your car. I would suggest Quik Clay. It works well and is very simple. Spray the lubricant on the car and then rub the bar on the paint until it is slick. Do it over the entire car. Be sure not to drop the clay. If you do throw it away because it could scratch your paint.

3. Use a paint cleaner. I just ordered #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish. It removes swirls and light scratches. If you can't get that Meguiar's has many similar products such as Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner or Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner.

4. Next use a pure polish. I just ordered #81 Hand Polish. This can be applied using the PC. #7 Show Car Glaze also works well. The polish will give your car the wet look and put nutrients back into the paint. Since you have a red car it will definitely stand out.

5. Wax. The NXT wax is great. If you can't get that any other Meguiar's wax will do the job awesome too. For best results apply with the PC and remove it using the PC with an Ultimate Bonnet on. Mike Phillips suggests this method. If you can he also says to let your car sit 24 hours and then apply another coat.

I hope this gives you the information you need. If not there is a ton of info on these message boards. Let me know how your detail turns out when you're done.

Good Luck

- Matt Hoffman

**SprintKing** · Apr 14, 2004, 03:54 AM

wow thanks for all that information. As it turns out im a HUGE mike phillips fan. I've had a look over and also shown some of his work to my friends. As for the car i cant remember what i wrote but ... the car is from sydney (i live in Adelaide about 1400km away) i saw it forsale online and arranged to fly over and drive it back. The car has been kept under cover as far as i know, but its obvious the paint needs some help. As far as the meguiars product range goes here in Australia... well theres plenty available although im not sure about the NXT range. I will go shopping tomorrow night and purchase the items you recommend.
I am curious though about the clay.
how do i know when it is no good any more?
will the clay turn a certain colour ?
can i use it only once?
when would i apply the clay again in further details?

well this weekend looks like it is full
wish me luck and i'll come back in a couple of days with some before and afters
thanks

**99ITR_SC** · Apr 14, 2004, 10:55 AM

www.bettercarcare.com go and read the article about claying, its really helpful.

regards.

**SprintKing** · Jun 30, 2004, 09:28 PM

I finally have gotten around to doing my car. It took along time i know but hey i'm v. busy :P

i'll get some pics up soon but what i like the best is when i squirt my windscreen and the water appears red because of the relection off the car

this weekend i'm doing my grandpas 1974 mercedes - he looks after it quite well but hes getting older now and needs some help.
I love meguiars products

thx for your help ppl

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bought a car - need some help

bought a car - need some help

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