Bird_Of_Prey

iTrader: (1)

I just bought a black 2000 NHRA Edition Formula. The only problem is that it looks like the previous owner used to wash this car with sand paper and comet. I want to strip it down and shine it back up. Any recommendations? No Zaino or Tropi-care. Only off the shelf type stuff I can pick up at Autozone or PepBoyz. Also, anyone have any good or cheap recommendations for a buffer? I want to go full detail with the car. I want every inch to bling outside and in.

XuhQshinR

Here is something to try http://www.properautocare.com/usporcabpol.html

You can find the Porter Cable 7424 polisher cheaper doing a search.

You should use a claybar, polish, and then go with a wax or other product for shine.

You need the polisher and polish to remove the surface scratches. Do not just try to cover them up. Polish them as smooth as you can 1st, then go from there.

Have fun as it is at LEAST an all day project but will pay off.

Scalpel

iTrader: (4)

You may have to wet sand, buff and then polish depending on the severity of the paint's condition.

XtinctHawk02

I hear alot of the guys using the 3m stuff for waxing.

DEEZ98Z

iTrader: (5)

I usually use 3m compounds and glazes. I am about to try the stuff from that web site... these where recomended to me:
Menzerna Intensive Polish - for a compound... you use this first with a yellow cutting pad

Menzerna Final Polish II - polish/glaze - you use this with a white polishing pad

I will let you know how it works

SuperBuick

Bird of prey - if it has to be off the shelf, try the meguiars colorX/Meguiars NXT combo to start with. Cheap and easy enough.

Without a porter-cable, however, you're settling for mediorcity.

I'd go with the menzerna as DEEZ98Z is about to try - nothing but awesome (filler-free) results there.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like a more detailed write up either way (off the shelf or higher end stuff) I'd be glad to help you out and show you some different options you might try.

-Tom

Bird_Of_Prey

iTrader: (1)

Ok, looks like the first couple times are going to be by hand. However, I am not afraid to spend a full day in the garage making my new toy sparkle.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

get yourself an orbital polisher, they work so much better than doing this by hand, and they do it in less than 1/4 the time. I use Meguiar's three step system and it works great.

wash
clay bar
wash/dry
buffer
wax

Tony

OWENMUSTANG

iTrader: (2)

I think your not going to be impressed the the "three step" stuff.
now i agree it works. it's not the greatest for what your describing.
my paint was in bad shape (don't think it was quite as gone as yours)
this is what worked for me
clay bar. (don't forget this!)
3m hand swirl remover. (you may want something more aggressive)
liquid glass (in a can has a red 67 corvette vert on it)
meguires gold class (i'm told their new nxt? is good too)
just to throw out something. with whats above you will get good/great results.
i used the above on my black SS. If you want comments from by standers expect to
spend more. pick something better, all quality stuff will be an improvment.

Joe "Preachers Sheets" DIESO

iTrader: (4)

If your paint is that bad your going to need at least a Porter Cable and a compound; not a polish.

Wash
Clay
Compound
Polish
Protect

OWENMUSTANG

iTrader: (2)

Oh, something else. the base prep is way more important than the top coat.
spend most of your time getting the paint smooth and free of scratches and
it will pay off in the end!

SuperBuick

I agree

Joe "Preachers Sheets" DIESO

iTrader: (4)

Exactly, you'll end up using less wax (or whatever), it can be applied thinner, removed easier and shine better. Makes a world of difference.

ram-it

I have to agree with Nine Ball. That is exactly what I do for mine but I have done so since day one. The impressive part is that it is a daily driver here in god awful Seattle where the roads suck and it rains 24/7 from Sept to May. And she's black just like yours. Take a look in my sig for pics.

ShooterSS

iTrader: (3)

Zaino you numb nut. It's the best!

SuperBuick

His problem is swirls and scratches in his paint finish. Zaino is a sealant and does nothing for this.

c5blkvette

What are the item numbers for the Meguiar products you use?

ShooterSS

iTrader: (3)

Directly from their site : "Zaino Bros' Z-5 is the first non-abrasive polish that will eliminate swirl marks, fine scratches and spidering, without hurting the integrity of the clear coat."

Have you ever used it or are you just guessing what it does?

SuperBuick

have I ever used it???


about 1500000 times on about 250000 cars.


It doesn't eliminate anything, it hides them.

I don't guess at things when it comes to detailing. Every product that I comment on I have used, most of them extensively. If I haven't used something, I'll be out front and in the open about it, ask any of the guys here who I've helped out. Zaino doesn't eliminate anything. Neither does blackfire, neither does pinnacle souveran, and neither does Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket. The only way to remove swirls is with an abrasive polish like Menzerna Intensive/Final polish or 3M Finesse-it or Meguiars Dual-Action cleaner polish. One of the worst things you can do in terms of detailing products is take a manufacturers website and believe everything they tell you word for word. If you want to use Zaino for your swirls, thats cool, but just keep in mind you're filling them, and getting about 10% of the results you could be if you addressed them properly.

ShooterSS

iTrader: (3)

I thought that was the point. Fill them and keep your clear coat in tact. Products like 3M are great products but it is an abrasive and will REMOVE clear coat. Yeah, you're taking out the scratches, but you're taking part of the clear coat out with them. Correct?