SS LeadFoot

I didn't take it personal just wanted to show the op that it could be done.
The best thing about Zaino is that it builds on what you have already applied.

TransAmWS.6

Thanks for the link, I read through that, good stuff, might try out that Swirl X stuff.

But those five steps are exactly what I have been working towards with this car the entire time. Obviously something I'm doing is flawed though because I'm not getting any results and I'm trying to figure out what it is which is why this thread exists.

Also, I noticed another thing today while I had it out, the swirls have formed themselves into the same pattern that I followed when I applied the last coat of wax on the car. So, maybe it's potentially something that I could be doing wrong? Wasn't ever any swirls like that until this recent wash, keep in mind.

Yeah, Zaino is good stuff from what I've read, I'll for sure check out the two products you suggested. Also, there is a slight difference I'm sure between the way my car's paint has been treated over the years versus yours

My car's paint has not been properly maintained over the years, probably hasn't had a coat of wax on it since it was brand new. It's not in too bad of shape, but man, it needs some work. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go ahead and try to use a porter cable on it, after researching, that sounds like the next best step.

Well, I'm not really aiming for perfect show car quality paint. A 100% perfect swirl free car is really not what I'm looking for. This car is my daily driver, I start college in August, and it will be sitting outside 24/7 in the elements again soon. I'm just trying to truly get it to it's full potential without doing anything super major to it before all of that happens, then figure out a method to maintain it. Like I said, i've been trying to do it since I've had the car, but something I'm doing is flawed because I'm not getting any real results.

YellowToy/A

iTrader: (1)

You need to get a polishing machine, Porter Cable make a good one. Then you need to get the correct pads and polish. It will cost you 300.00 or so. You need to use the pads and polish to get out the swirls. This will remove a small amount of paint and with it the swirls. Then you need to use a good wax. Lots of places have them. You will not get what you want until you do that.

Gipraw

iTrader: (10)

As some have mentioned previously. Make sure your wash and dry process is not adding to your problem. Based on your basic explanation, I bet it is.

Correcting by hand is difficult. If you don't have the machine necessary to do the correction yourself, you might be better served to go have it professionally done, by someone that knows what they are doing, then you can just maintain it, using the proper 2 bucket wash method, and blotting, blowing it dry, clay barring when needed and waxing as needed.

TransAmWS.6

Alright, that about does it then, I appreciate all the input from everyone. I have my answer. Going to go ahead and invest in a porter cable here in the next week or two, that seems like my best bet right now. Now the next thing is to do some research and find the proper compounds to use. But, that's for another thread and another time.

Thanks again though guys. Everyone's help was much appreciated.

LS1RedZ

iTrader: (19)

When I did my correction this is the process I used:
Wash with dawn
Alchohol wipe down
Clay Bar
Wash again
Dry with shop vac
Megs 105/205 with PC
Wash all the **** off again
Sealant
Wax
All that = Shining like a diamond in a goats ***.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

Just a FYI, Meguiars in that like express that they do NOT recommend using Dawn, nor Alchohol wipe down as their products do not require it and dawn can damage.

Your Correction (i.e. Compound/Polish) step will remove old layers of protection so kinda un needed. I see the Alky wipe down alot and to each their own but if done right, its not needed. If anything else to be honest, before putting on the wax/sealant layer IF I WOULD USE ALKY would be at that point, not before hand.

This is in my opinion of course.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

Whenever someone calls me for an estimate on their car and tells me this..."Its not in bad shape." ....Typically means the car has been really neglected and IS in bad shape, but the owner is well-intentioned.


Those above statements are contradictory to "not bad shape".

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

If your finishing polish is M205, you will need an IPA wipedown before applying sealant/wax. 205 has a lot of oils that will interfere with the bonding process.

Gipraw

iTrader: (10)

Truer words have never been typed on this forum.

TransAmWS.6

Ouch, got me there... honestly though, it could be much worse. The average person looks at it and compliments me on how clean it is. But the trained eye can see it has a few imperfections in it and the swirls are very evident at certain angles, but I have to say it does clean up alright. It is by no means in "Perfect shape", but like I said, it's really not in BAD shape. Just needs some TLC to get it where you can actually look at it from all angles at anytime of the day and say "Man, this thing looks awesome".

mrrman

I bought this

http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-meguiars-kit.html


and did my 87 TA over the weekend...it worked great

LS1RedZ

iTrader: (19)

Yeah my car cleaned up pretty good when I just washed and waxed it. I could tell it needed some major TLC with all of the scratches and swirls in it, but it still looked good all cleaned up. The doors looked like I drove through a damn brush pile. I knew it was in need of some help but I didnt know it was that bad. After the 8 hr correction the car looks TOTALLY different and it looks like its wet. I'll prolly do a correction once a year on it now maybe twice if I feel like it. Its alot of work to get it done right. I still need to do some more on my front fenders.



Thats the same kit I bought and I couldnt be more happier with the results and Ive never buffed my car.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

Good purchase