Need some advice...

scottjones · 05-14-06, 02:58

I've been reading the posts here for a few weeks and I could really appreciate some comments.

I bought a 2006 BMW 330i Jet Black. I'm planning on letting my local BMW dealer detail it when I get it just because I need to do a lot of research prior to taking on that task by myself.

So, here is my question...

I'm going to probably buy a PC. I dont know what model is best or where I can get it for the least amount of money. I've seen a few models and I dont know why I need back plate this and flex that. I mean i'll be starting on a brand new car... I shouldnt need things for swirls or anything. Right?

So, i've also been thinking of using either Zaino or Souveran. So, help me out. I know both are easy to use... but, do I NEED the PC?

Give me some pointers people! hahah... I'm really intimidated by doing this on my new car, it's my first black car and hell, it's a new bmw... big step up for me.

Cant wait to hear from you soon!

bluzman · 05-14-06, 04:26

Im fairly new myself, but I will tell you what I know. The PC is a great investment. It makes applying wax a breeze. Also down the road your bound to get some swirls or light scratches and the PC can take car of those. You need the right backing plate so you can use different pads and if you get the PC sideways the flexible back plate wont mar your paint.

RAG · 05-14-06, 04:41

I too will tell you what I know, and I know a lot

Don't let the dealership detail it...in fact, tell them to not even wash it (though I'm sure they already have). Chances are the car will already have light swirls...custom installed by the car washer at the dealership. Maintaining a near perfect black vehicle is one of the hardest pursuits you can possibly imagine; and a PC will be paramount in allowing you to do this...proper washing will also be key.

Buy the PC kit from the Autopia store that comes with the backing plate (which you WILL need), good pads, and good polish.

RAG · 05-14-06, 05:12

Oh yeah...you must excuse me...welcome to Autopia.

And welcome to the madness (maintaining a black vehicle); but trust me, the results will be worth it. I hate the fact that 95% (no exageration) of black vehicles on the road today look horrible because they have so many swirls.

Focus on proper washing first...if you want, I have a document I give my clients with black vehicles describing how to wash their car properly. When washing and drying, you have to imagine that there is sharp and abrasive debris all over you paint (cause their is...like metal shards from rotor particles, fallout, rock debris from the roads, etc) and you must get this debris off as carefully as possible...because every little scratch will show on black). After (and only after) you learn how to wash a vehicle properly (do your research on this site) you can learn how to polish your paint with a Porter Cable - the key to good looking paint is a good polish...not some miracle wax.

Ryan

GearHead_1 · 05-14-06, 05:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAG

Oh yeah...you must excuse me...welcome to Autopia.

And welcome to the madness (maintaining a black vehicle); but trust me, the results will be worth it. I hate the fact that 95% (no exageration) of black vehicles on the road today look horrible because they have so many swirls. Ryan

It's interesting that I saw this post today. It just so happened that as I was walking into church today I saw a black VW that was parked out by itself glistening in the sun. I thought this looks almost too good to be true. It looked great even as I approached it. I went around to get the sun just centered in the hood, you know that hood shot that has disappointed so many of us after we have buffed our little hearts out. Well you guessed it the swirls were there bigger than life. Most any car will show these swirls if you can look into the sun's reflection on the paint. It's very difficult to avoid and even more so on black paint.

scottjones · 05-14-06, 05:55

I would love for anyone to share thier secrets. Am I on the right path by using Zaino or Souveran?

Do tell....

GMCloud27 · 05-14-06, 08:43

Scottjones, "You've Got Mail"

CYPM

RAG · 05-15-06, 07:47

No, not really on the right path in my opinion, as I speculate you are simply taking about their waxes/sealants - these do very little to protect against swirls...which will undoubtably be your biggest enemy.

awahl63 · 05-15-06, 09:22

Don't let the dealership detail your car...don't take it to an autowash. Where are you located? Try and find a good detailer for a first detail on your car.

scottjones · 05-15-06, 02:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by awahl63

Don't let the dealership detail your car...don't take it to an autowash. Where are you located? Try and find a good detailer for a first detail on your car.

I took my old car to the car wash, delta sonic... but, it was a POS. This time i'm going to be a proud bmw owner. I want my car to make a statement. I want that rich deep mirror finish on my beautiful black new car every second I can have it.

PS, i am in Rochester, NY

toml · 05-15-06, 05:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottjones

I took my old car to the car wash, delta sonic... but, it was a POS. This time i'm going to be a proud bmw owner. I want my car to make a statement. I want that rich deep mirror finish on my beautiful black new car every second I can have it.

PS, i am in Rochester, NY

Isn't Morbid in Rochester? I'd connect with him via a PM (private message). I haven't met him, but from a year plus of reading his posts, he's EXTREMELY knowledgeable.