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I finally got around to detailing my 2000 Civic Si after fixing all the stuff the thieves did to my car 6 weeks ago. I got it ready to sell and looking new again but it took a lot of work. There were some extreme swirls and light scratches on the hood from the tarp I had over the broken windshield. It started to storm right after washing my car so I couldn’t get real good before pictures. This car also takes a beating every single day because it has been parked outside 24/7 since I bought it three years ago. I decided with all the scratches that I would need to do some wet sanding in a few areas and apply some touch up paint. I needed a rotary buffer to do the job right so I borrowed my uncle’s Black and Decker that had from his old body shop. Enough with the story....here's what I did.
I started out with a good NXT wash. I then clayed the car with Final Detail and Overspray Clay. Next I found all the little scratches that needed to be sanded and also put touchup paint where it was needed. After watching all the Meguiar’s videos I could online, I felt that I could handle a rotary buffer. I used a 3M foam pad, because the PPG store didn’t have any W8000 pads, along with #83 DACP. I started the buffer out very slow, 1000 rpm, and then gradual moved it up to between 1400-1600 rpm as I got more confident. I didn’t want to go much faster because I was a beginner and my results were really good. I spent a bit of time buffing out the sanding marks and deeper scratches, but they came out for the most part.
I had fun with the rotary, but then I went back to my good old Porter Cable. I went over the car with #83 DACP again but with the PC because I thought it might help more possibly. Then I went over with #81 Hand Polish with a finishing pad. That polish is AMAZING. It really gave the paint some depth and shine. To take it off I skimmed it with a terry cloth towel and then went back over with a microfiber. Finally I put on a coat of NXT wax to lock in all my hard work. I took it off with an Ultimate Bonnet and then went over again with another microfiber. The NXT really gave it that final touch.
After working on the paint I deep cleaned my interior, engine, wheels, tires, and exhaust to make it look nearly new. My friend thought it looked like a brand new car. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think. I’m open to any suggestions and criticism for the next time I tackle a rotary buffer.
- Matt
Front Right Shot
Hood Reflection Shot
Roof Reflection....My favorite
Basic but very clean interior
ME!!!
Hope you like them.
I started out with a good NXT wash. I then clayed the car with Final Detail and Overspray Clay. Next I found all the little scratches that needed to be sanded and also put touchup paint where it was needed. After watching all the Meguiar’s videos I could online, I felt that I could handle a rotary buffer. I used a 3M foam pad, because the PPG store didn’t have any W8000 pads, along with #83 DACP. I started the buffer out very slow, 1000 rpm, and then gradual moved it up to between 1400-1600 rpm as I got more confident. I didn’t want to go much faster because I was a beginner and my results were really good. I spent a bit of time buffing out the sanding marks and deeper scratches, but they came out for the most part.
I had fun with the rotary, but then I went back to my good old Porter Cable. I went over the car with #83 DACP again but with the PC because I thought it might help more possibly. Then I went over with #81 Hand Polish with a finishing pad. That polish is AMAZING. It really gave the paint some depth and shine. To take it off I skimmed it with a terry cloth towel and then went back over with a microfiber. Finally I put on a coat of NXT wax to lock in all my hard work. I took it off with an Ultimate Bonnet and then went over again with another microfiber. The NXT really gave it that final touch.
After working on the paint I deep cleaned my interior, engine, wheels, tires, and exhaust to make it look nearly new. My friend thought it looked like a brand new car. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you think. I’m open to any suggestions and criticism for the next time I tackle a rotary buffer.
- Matt
Front Right Shot
Hood Reflection Shot
Roof Reflection....My favorite
Basic but very clean interior
ME!!!
Hope you like them.
That's one excuse. The other is that I have aspirations for a Audi TT. 
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