Detailing a hammered Black car??

[Matt's 03 GT]

Hi guys:

I have an '01 ranger that is desperately needing a detail. I am have let this car decline for too long.

It is parked outside 24 hours a day. The paint is oxidized (sp?) and has some staining. My plan this weekend is to bring the paint back. Here is what I have:

Porter cable buffer.
Meguires paint cleaner
Meguires polish
Meguires carnuba wax
Clay magic

My last detail with the buffer did not go well. It was on a Black Explorer and it ended up with lots of swirl marks. I have since learned more about detailing and will be preparing this paint much better.

I plan on taking these steps:
1. Wash the car
2. Clay
3. Paint cleaner w/ buffer (what pad should I get?)
4. Polish w/ buffer (was pad also?)
5. Wax w/ buffer

Here are my questions:
I need new pads for the Buffer. Is there a source for these locally in so cal? (I don't think they will get to me if I order online)
Is there a better line of products to use to bring the paint back for a non-pro?
Any other hints and tips?

Matt

 

[Jim D.]

So long as the "buffer" you have is a Porter-Cable 7424 or 7336 (random-orbitals) and not a rotary, your equipment and supplies looks pretty good.

Don't forget to detail your trim before you clay. On neglected trime I like to let my Back-to-Black penetrate while I'm detailing... then when I'm done, I'll do one more application and a final buff... of course, it helps prevent any stains from product slinging.

I like Lake Country pads... I'd probably start with an orange pad with the polish... not sure where to get them "locally" ... where at in the OC are you?

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

Yes it is the Random orbital Buffer.

I will search for the Lake country pads. This is where I went wrong last time. The pads I have are old and need to be discarded.

I am in the City of Orange... right in the middle of Orange county.

Matt

 

[justin]

Yes Lake Country pads are the way to go. They have the best quality and durability out of any of the pads I've used.

Another option for polish is Optimum. Opt is getting very popular. They just recently updated to a new formula of polishes and they are awesome! They do not dust like most polishes and can be worked a lot longer without drying out.
Go to Autopia.com detailing forums and do a search on Optimum and you will see what I'm talking about. There are tons of professional detailers over there that use nothing but Opt now. You can also be a beginner and use the products. Just don't use the Hyper Compound as it is pretty aggressive. The Polish and Compound will work great.

All the advice Jim gave is right on.

 

[Jim D.]

If you look for a local detailer or paint finishing supply, you might be able to find pads... can't guarantee if you can get Lake Country (my source for info isn't sure where to find them in the OC, unfortunately).

Even if you get S.M. Arnold, you should be ok. I know you can get Meguiar's pads at Super Autobacs on Beach Boulevard (just North of the Garden Grove 22 Freeway).

Hopefully some fresh pads (assuming you have a good backing plate) will help... certainly do a section and inspect it closely so that you can "polish" up on your technique... lower speeds might help keep you out of the danger zone.

You might check over on the Meguiar's forum for recommended pads with those specific products.

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

To anyone who may read this:

I found this link: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/

If you are in SoCal you can sign up to go to the Meguires Factory where they hold demonstrations and classes in detailing. They do makeovers and the best part is... you can use their tools, products and knowledge to get your car up to par. I will let you know once I have attended... but it looks great so far!

Matt

 

[justin]

Looks like a pretty good deal!

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

Justin:

Thanks for the PM. I have seen your website and am impressed with the products. I will be contacting you for pads and microfiber towels soon.

Being a backyard detailer, I am very excited to go to Meguires and learn actual techniques. I have done quite a bit of detailing in my days... but have never been able to get the results I am shooting for. With the knowledge that they are willing to share, I am sure I will learn what I need to get the results.

I'll let you know when I am ready.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[justin]

Matt take complete advantage of what they offer. There is always something new to learn. That is so awesome that they have classes in your area!

Let me know anytime you have any product questions, I will be glad to help! I just put everything on sale except for kits. There are some pretty killer prices right now! Look forward to doing business with you Matt~!

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

Okay here is the story...

I ended up detailing by hand with products I already had (No money for more stuff right now!!)

I used the Meguires 3 step system (paint cleaner, polish, and Carnuba wax) after a good wash and clay. After about 4 hours and a sore shoulder the car looks great. I will follow up with a wash and second wax next weekend for the added protection. All things considered it looks great. All of the oxidation is gone... but I could have used the buffer to get some light swirl marks out. For the average daily driven 65,000 mile $9,000 ranger it is beautifull.

Now here is the best part. Today it is raining....

I live in So'Cal and we have not had a good rain yet... this rain is just enough to get the car dirty again...

At least it will be easy to clean once the weater passes!

Matt