TheDarkKnight

I personally always use a chamois, but I did purchase the car used. Suggestions?

BoogieNights

Well first I would get a cleaner wax. I only use Mcguires products along with 3M. Anyways use the cleaner wax first. You can use a buffer if you want it. I use one and it helps get the fine scratches and scuff marks off a lot easier than elbow grease. Then What I do is go over it with a finishing wax by hand. On my show car I use Mcguires NXT Tech Wax and it brings out the shine and doesnt leave any swirl marks or any fine scratches that I call Spiderwebs. After I paint a car tho I will use a compound to bring the shine back from wet sanding it then go over it again with a 3M finishing glaze by hand and it takes out the swirl marks from the first buffing. Hope this helps.

TheDarkKnight

That definitely gives me an idea of the work that's in store for me. I appreciate the input.

Would you recommend using a clay bar before starting the process?

BoogieNights

To be honest with you I have never used a clay bar. I am sure someone else can pipe in and say if that would be a good idea or not.

Just to give you an idea on how picky I am on my show car. It usually takes me 2 days to get it ready for a show. That is getting it waxed and the interior cleaned also. Oh and I drive it as a daily driver too.

TheDarkKnight

Sooo...If I buy you a pizza you can make my car look as good as your own right?

2k7gtcs

Definite yes to claybar. ASAP. It makes the waxing process easier too. The surface contaminants are removed and the car is just smoother.

TheDarkKnight

If Gary says yes on the clay bar, then it's done. Considering you have the most vicious looking and bad*** Mustang on this board, there's no sense in arguing.

2k7gtcs

Thanks Danny.

BoogieNights

Just a Pizza?? Man i thought that I would at least get some beer with it.

I see you are from Ca. What big city is close to you??

BoogieNights

Hey Danny,

I hear that claybar is awesome I just never used one. I might try it out tho one day.

TheDarkKnight

I live in Orange County, almost exactly between San Diego & Los Angeles. I'm about an hour away from both.

dly

I copied this from the autogeek.net site.

Normally when detailing a car you would do a few or all of the below steps,

1. Wash and dry
2. Clay the surface if needed
3. Clean the surface and/or remove below surface defects
4. Polish the surface to a high gloss
5. Seal the surface with either a wax or a paint sealant

For the 3rd step if you had swirls and scratches, you would use the Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover

If the paint is in pretty good shape then could skip the swirl remover and just prep the paint with either the Wolfgang Paintwork Polish Enhancer or you could use the Finishing Glaze.

The Total Swirl Remover and Finishing Glaze are often referred to as the Wolfgang Twins because they compliment one another and are most often used with a Dual Action Polisher to restore a show car shine to neglected paint.

The Paintwork Polish Enhancer tends to appeal to people that want to work by hand but it too can be used with a DA Polisher.


I use Wolfgang products mostly but they ain't cheap.

BoogieNights

See I can still see the spiderwebs and a lil bit of swirl in the pic of the hood.

dly

yup some are still there. But using the better products (that I didn't use at the start) they are lookin better and better.

GRAYPNY

Anyone tried this Turtle Wax product? Black box~

http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,4,28

BoogieNights

Sorry dont use Turtle Wax. Only Mcguires here

2k7gtcs

Never seen it before.

Ray Man

Hire a detailer!

JedCranium

Danny I would take advantage of the the Maguires detail clinic they have on Thursday nights and Saturdays. Check this link for more info. The detail clinic> is in Irvine, CA. This isn't far from where you live.

Jed

TheDarkKnight

I had no idea they held those Jed. I'll have to check it out. Have you attended one of their classes before?

Great avatar by the way, can you introduce me?