Gotchya; thanks!
Ask AutoLavish! Answers to your car care questions...
- Thread starter Marc@AutoLavish
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Gotchya; thanks!
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
No prob and goodluck!
jetice91
New member
Hey Marc, thanks for being so open to the community!
I just had my car painted and am starting cut/buffing soon and want your opinion on pads and compounds. I have an orbital Makita right now that I plan to use for the heavy work, and am looking into a Porter Cable kit to finish it off (http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html) Which pads would you recommend I get? Also, I have used Megs compounds in the past and have access to them locally. Are they good products or would you recommend a different company? Thanks!
p.s. I can waste hours reading through your guys' articles :thumbsup:
I just had my car painted and am starting cut/buffing soon and want your opinion on pads and compounds. I have an orbital Makita right now that I plan to use for the heavy work, and am looking into a Porter Cable kit to finish it off (http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html) Which pads would you recommend I get? Also, I have used Megs compounds in the past and have access to them locally. Are they good products or would you recommend a different company? Thanks!
p.s. I can waste hours reading through your guys' articles :thumbsup:
Last edited:
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
Hey there!
Sorry for the delay in my response to begin. I'm glad to hear you're trying to do your research to save money, time, and achieve better results.
To keep things to the point and basic, here's my advice on your situation.
Polishes I'd recommend from the highest cut to the least cut: 3M Extra Cut Rubbing Compound, Meguiar's 105, Meguiar's 205, 3M Ultrafine Machine Polish.
Pads needed: Wool, Surbuf, Orange, White, Black, Blue
If you're in need of sanding disks, Abralon is hard to beat: http://www.buffdaddy.com/abralon/discs
Chances are you'd be good with 3000, but might need as much as 1000, 2000, 3000, and maybe even 4000 depending on what you're doing.
Meguiar's has been making quality products for years, and now they're owned by 3M. Two brands combined that I could do an entire car with without an issue if I had to.
Make sure to read thi thread if you haven't: http://www.motownmuscle.com/forums/showthread.php?148773-Help-Me-Setup-My-Makita-9227C
I hope this helps and feel free to ask more questions if you have them
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
For sure and good luck!
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
Good call Steve. The important thing is to break down exactly what Overboost recommended and why.
Synthetic products (sealants is the proper term) offer better long term durability, more slickness, and an easier application than traditional waxes. A product like Blackfire Wet Diamond would be highly recommended as it actually has a shot at lasting the Winter, while most waxes would likely wear off before Winter ended.
In addition, a product like a quality sealant can be applied in multiple thin layers to increase its protective properties slightly. While you won't get double durability, you will have a more uniform layer of protection that will wear (degrade) more evenly.
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
I'd recommend using something like Leather Master Foam Cleaner (Leather Master Strong Cleaner in aerosol form, made to handle suede, nubuck, and the like): http://www.detailersdomain.com/AlcantaraSuede-Care_c_190.html
Follow the directions and keep in mind multiple thin and light cleanings are better than one heavy one. GL!
NVR2FST
Forum Member
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
No prob
Overboost
Forum Member
Sorry I didn't elaborate on why I liked it. Easy application and removal, great slickness, and it seems to hold up well, even through weekly washes. I've gotten good at applying it with my 7424, so you use very little and cover the car quickly. It's not terribly expensive either. $30 for a small bottle isn't bad compared to some of the "ultra high end" products you can buy.
Scooter70
Club Member
Two coats of Blackfire Wet Diamond later, my Ecoboost looks fantastic. Thanks for the recommendation Marc and thanks Steve for letting me borrow your bottle. It went on and came off pretty easily by hand. I'll definitely be placing an order for a bottle of my own. I also did all of the trim with Aerospace 303 but by the time I was done it was dark so I couldn't get any pictures.
Golden
Club Member
Looks nice, Matt. :thumbsup: Make sure you keep it out of tunnel washes as well as tough free car washes. They use heavy detergents to "clean" the paint since nothing touches the vehicle. Could strip that sealant right off of it. I recommend getting some Optimum No Rinse car wash.
I need to polish my rims while storing my car for the winter, what takes off a little of whatever has acculated in the corners of the spokes?
They are chrome Saleen wheels if that makes a difference and I have three of the four removed already so I can bring them in the house one at a time if needed.
They are chrome Saleen wheels if that makes a difference and I have three of the four removed already so I can bring them in the house one at a time if needed.
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
First and foremost, get a good wheel cleaner to use. I'd recommend Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner as it'll be safe for your wheels, and it should help greatly. At the end of the day, you might have to just use a lighter metal polish and some good 'ol elbow grease. Even once you get them looking right, it's worth the investment into a couple of good brushes and a good wheel cleaner. Keeping your wheels looking good is easier than trying to restore your wheels once or twice a year. In addition, heavy brake dust build up causes pitting of the wheel's surface, which causes dullness in the finish, flaking of the clear-coat or chrome, and makes your wheels harder to clean while accumulating brake dust easier.
Marc@AutoLavish
Club Sponsor
Underside of the vehicle? As long as you have her in the air, grab some all purpose cleaner, various brushes, and get to work. Start by pressure washing off anything you can, and then work sections at a time.
Take into account that depending on what your vehicle was coated with and where the vehicle has been driven, the underside can be chipped, nicked, stained, and discolored. Some things might just need to be touched up and refinished.
