Hello from New Hampshire

[HoweMan]

Hello everyone, just joined the forum a few days ago. Ran across its existance in a vehicle specific forum when a member of that forum was talking about using clay on their vehicle. I'd never heard of that, so I tried it out, which turned me on to Meguiar's products. (now my neighbors think I'm nuts) My reason for being here is a '06 Saab 9-3 Convert. I bought it used in really good shape however just trying to undo what the previous owner's (and my wife) have done to her.

I hope to gleen a bunch of info from everyone and share my experiences as well.

[Marc08EX]

to MOL!!

[dwg51357]

Re: Hello from New Hampshire

Welcome fellow Saaber! I've owned an '06 93 Aero vert for the last year. Great cars, aren't they?!

What color is yours? Mine jet-black - which looks sexy as heck. But every tiny flaw shows. So been spending a lot of time getting the finish looking perfect. I've learned a lot from posters here and through trial and error. Would be happy to pass on to you anything I've learned.

[HoweMan]

Re: Hello from New Hampshire

Hey dwg, that looks sweet. Looks like you take great care of it. Mine is Fusion Blue Pearl Metallic. I get so many compliments on the color. And funny thing, my wife's friends just commented tonight on the color, asked me if I just got it repainted! Ha, I loved it...told them about Meg's clay kit.

[dwg51357]

Re: Hello from New Hampshire

That fusion blue is a sweet color. Congrats on your ride!

I did mine with clay bar, too. Amazing how smooth the finish is afterwards, isn't it? What did you do to yours besides claying?

Since mine is black, it showed quite a bit of swirling in direct sun - and it had a few small scratches when I bought it. Did a lot of experimenting, with mixed results. After reading posts here and elsewhere, I got a PC DA polisher and did more experimenting. Finally arrived at this procedure, which has given me amazing results: SwirlX with DA, Ultimate Polish with DA, two coats of Ultimate Paste Wax by hand (allowing at least 8 hours cure time between coats), then a final buff with the DA and a MF bonnet.

Oh ... have you found a protectant for your ragtop? 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is great. I finally found some locally at a boating shop. Water really beads up.

Sorry to ramble on. I get kinda passionate about my Saab!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Hello from New Hampshire

(now my neighbors think I'm nuts)

Good, that means you're doing something right - at least as far as members of this forum are concerned!!

Welcome to MOL!

[HoweMan]

Re: Hello from New Hampshire

absolutley love the clay bar. how many uses do you get out of 1 bar? the kit came with two. I've done the entire car w/ one bar so far.

thanks for the recipe. I have two preteen girls in sports, so finding time is my biggest challenge. I've clayed, and scratch-x'd the rear of the car, ultimate polish the parts that i used scratch-x. can't seem to get a good block of time to do the whole thing. also, working by hand so need to get a DA. you're happy with the PC? I'm looking at the megs da right now, thinking how I'm going to explain it to the Mrs

I'll have to check out the 303, i've never treated the top. just getting on board w/ how to properly care for her, if you know what i mean. no need to apologize, i am literally a sponge right now (sometimes water-logged) but definitely want the info. thanks dwg!

[dwg51357]

Re: Hello from New Hampshire

Clay bar - I did the entire car with one bar, too. Small car, and the finish was pretty good, so it didn't take a lot.

I love the PC. Did a lot of research on DAs, and it seemed like that one was the top pick. (Sorry Megs! ... everything else I use is Megs though!) Found a package online - 7424XP, backing plate and Lake Country pads - at a great price. I doubt the folks here would want me promoting the competition here, but if you want to PM me, I'll give you the link.