This exterior sure kicked me in the butt - part 1

tdekany · 02-07-06, 06:20

I think it is an 01 C 240 Trunk and left rear panel took 4 hours!
Tried so many different combos - ssr3 with wool pad, ssr 2.5 with wool pad, OC with cutting pad!

to me -

What worked, but took many passes with each step

ssr3/wool pad 1800rpm
OC/yellow lc pad/1500
OP/orange TOL pad/1500
OP/white lc pad/1500
OP/propel blue pad/1200-1500

This paint scretches too easy.

Have to go back to finish it tomorrow.

And only charged $150.00

I have some 83/80/IP that I will take with me.

before: The whole car looks like that - top to bottom. It sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

with flash

After:

The trunk

rear panel

01bluecls · 02-07-06, 06:55

Wow what an improvement...do you think its a ceramic clear? I thought they didnt start those on the C-Class until around 04-05? Cant wait to see the rest.

tdekany · 02-07-06, 07:27

I doubt it but I will check.

SilverLexus · 02-08-06, 04:33

Excellent job.

tumbler · 02-08-06, 07:49

OC/yellow lc pad/1500 !!

wow , with that pad and that speed ??? woah..

ebpcivicsi · 02-08-06, 08:20

IME, if the paint *is* that soft, the #83 and #80 will have too much initial bite and will leave micro marring. The only thing that I have found to work after compounding paint that soft is 3M PI-III MG, OP, or FP-II.

I would try (insert compound of your choice, I would probably use HT-EC or #85) with a twisted wool pad @1500-2000 RPM's.

Then step to the 3M or OP with a polishing pad @1000-1500 RPM's

Then OP with a finishing pad @1000 RPM's

At that point *I* would have to then make a pass with the PC (I am not that good with the rotary) and I typically use OP or the 3M PII-III MG.

Follow up with 1Z MP, and LSP.

At least that's what I would try.

The afters look awesome!! Perhaps you have found the right combo.