Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

[Murman]

I purchased a 2003, Anniversary Metallic Red, C5 convertible with 66K miles this fall. The car has a shale top and interior. The finish has signs of wear and age. I am interested in making the finish looking as good as "I" can get it looking. I hand applied Zaino All-In-One. Okay, so it looks a little better, but there are still swirls and scratches that I believe can be removed with the right stuff.



I want to develop a plan, purchase equipment/supplies during the winter months (I live in the Northeast Sierras at 5,000 elevation) and work on it this Spring. The car is garaged/covered and will be my daily (3 season) driver.


Cheers!

Murman

[Marc08EX]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

to MOL Murman!!! Very nice ride!!!

I detailed the exact same car and color, except it was a coupe. Here's the thread for your reference: Detailed: 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Anniversary Red Metallic.

To start, I would suggest reading this article: Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

What products do you already have? Are you planning to purchase a dual action polisher? If you are, I would suggest reading this article on how to properly use it: D/A Buffing 101: An Introduction to the G110v2 (and-similar).

With your Corvette's clear coat, I would highly suggest starting out with Ultimate Compound and if it doesn't work, use M105. The Microfiber system could also work here but I haven't tried it with that specific paint system yet. I would at least pick up M205 or Ultimate Polish to use as a follow up to the initial compounding step.

Hope this helps.

[greg0303]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Welcome to Meguiar's Online, Murman.


Marc gave you good pointers to bring your beautiful ride to its full potential.

[Murman]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Marc, thank you for the kind words and information links. I saw your 50th AE Coupe detail post when I was researching 50th AEs prior to purchasing mine. Your photos showing the paint color helped close the deal. I drove almost 700 miles to buy the car.

My current "product system" is Zaino AIO, Z-CS and Z-8 (I think...) that I bought for my '11 Mineral Grey Metallic Jeep Patriot. I did purchase a copy of "The Art of Detailing" off Amazon.com, it should be delivered tomorrow. Santa saw me looking at DA polishers on-line, and dropped a hint not to buy one, as I would not need two. I think she bought a PC 7346 SP from Lowes.

Following the KISS principle, I have been looking at the Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System (5" and 3.5"). Two bottles, two pads... Too easy???

[Murman]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Welcome to Meguiar's Online, Murman.


Marc gave you good pointers to bring your beautiful ride to its full potential.

Thank you, Greg. I hope to make it a head turner.

[Marc08EX]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Marc, thank you for the kind words and information links. I saw your 50th AE Coupe detail post when I was researching 50th AEs prior to purchasing mine. Your photos showing the paint color helped close the deal. I drove almost 700 miles to buy the car.

My current "product system" is Zaino AIO, Z-CS and Z-8 (I think...) that I bought for my '11 Mineral Grey Metallic Jeep Patriot. I did purchase a copy of "The Art of Detailing" off Amazon.com, it should be delivered tomorrow. Santa saw me looking at DA polishers on-line, and dropped a hint not to buy one, as I would not need two. I think she bought a PC 7346 SP from Lowes.

Following the KISS principle, I have been looking at the Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System (5" and 3.5"). Two bottles, two pads... Too easy???

I'm so glad to hear that thread help you purchase your car. It's a beautiful car and a beautiful color.

If you decide to get the Meguiar's D/A Microfiber System, then you can use the microfiber correction compound along with the microfiber correction discs to do the initial compounding step. After that, you could use the D301 finishing wax because that's the next step in the system. However, you can step up your game by using a fine polish (such as M205 or Ultimate Polish) and using your favorite wax of choice afterwards. The latter approach should help your paint pop even more.

[Andy M.]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Welcome to MOL!

[Murman]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Okay. I now have my first automotive detailing book, The Art of Detailing, by Mike Phillips and there is a PC DA machine under the Christmas tree.

As you can see, my baby needs some love.

[Murman]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

The Holidays brought a PC DA, the Meg's 5" DA MF Correction system, Meg's 3" BP and MF pads, Meg's clay kit, dual buckets w/ girt guards, new wash mit, micro fibers and a Griots 3" DA kit (w/ #3 polish/Show Car wax/MF towels/pads/bag). A gallon of Optimum No-Rinse is in the mail. Too bad is still so darn cold out. I washed the Patriot last weekend and the rinse water froze on the driveway. That prompted me to order the ONR.

[TLMitchell]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

The Holidays brought a PC DA, the Meg's 5" DA MF Correction system, Meg's 3" BP and MF pads, Meg's clay kit, dual buckets w/ girt guards, new wash mit, micro fibers and a Griots 3" DA kit (w/ #3 polish/Show Car wax/MF towels/pads/bag). A gallon of Optimum No-Rinse is in the mail. Too bad is still so darn cold out. I washed the Patriot last weekend and the rinse water froze on the driveway. That prompted me to order the ONR.

Nice haul from Santa! ONR is perfect for when it's cold outside. When I use it in the garage the only wetness on the floor is from scrubbing the wheels and wheel wells. I've found ONR used on tires, rubber and plastic darkens up things nicely with no dressing. I prefer a water wash when things are really cruddy but ONR is versatile enough I've gotten rid of my clay lubes and QDs. I keep a sprayer with ONR mixed at QD strength for pre-treating and use as a "waterless" spray n wipe type product. Good stuff!

I picked up a gallon of ONR on sale for 23 bucks and free shipping a week ago. Didn't really need it right now but when things I use are on sale cheap I stock up.

TL

[Murman]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Thank you. You got a great deal on the ONR.

I hope to get out in the garage and work on the Vette Sunday. I drove it to San Diego and back over MLK weekend and it has not been washed since. It is dusty and the tail section has bits of grit resting in the relief areas. So, hose first, then ONR, then correction of some isolated scratches and such...

[Murman]

Re: Greetings from the Northeast Sierra!

Freshly washed and ready for a drive. Too bad it is 42*F outside with 3-6 inches of snow expected tonight...



Hose, two bucket wash, grit guards, Meg's Ultimate Wash & Wax with a shot of ONR. I used the Meg's DA MF system on the convertible top tonneau cover with the Griot's Garage 3" DA buffer. One panel at at time.