Just wanted to introduce myself and say hello!

[evensen007]

Hello!

My name is Chris and I found this wonderful website after doing a search on the Porter Cable I was interested in.

I have been reading the guides section and forums for the last 5 days, trying to gain as much knowledge as possible so I don't post any stupid redundant questions. I have to say, I have learned so much that it is really exciting! I'm 25 and just recently started getting into cars in the last 6 months. My dad has been a car junkie since he was young, and I have watched him re-build several classics including the 63 Nova he let me drive in High School. I have a 2000 Celica GTS now, and it makes me laugh everytime because my mom and dad call it a "ricer" car. How the heck do they know what that even means?

I wanted to share with you the regimen that I will be using this coming weekend on my car, based upon some :sometimes: contradicting information I have read.

I ordered and should have by Friday the following items:

POrter Cable 7424 - 6" hook and loop backing pad
Griot's Orange cutting pad - Griots #3 fine pollish -
Claymagic claybar - Meguiar's NXT tech wax -

Here is my plan:

My Celica color is called Carbon Blue (dark, almost black-blue) It has some med. swirl marks and some light scratches. I also have bug guts embedded and other various crap in the paint somewhere.

I am going to wash the car with dawn to strip some wax and residue. After that use the Claymagic with quick detailer to remove surface bumps/dirt/contaminants. I will then wash the car again using a good carwash. Next switch over to the Porter Cable with the Griot's Polish #3 and orange cutting pad. I may go over my car twice with this combo, as I understand it to be a little too mild? After this I will hand buff the remaining polish off with some cheapo Micro Fibers from Discount auto. Once again, wash and dry the car. Next, switch over to the Griots Red Wax pad/Porter Cable and the Mequiar's NXT liquid wax. I am hoping this combination is a good one for a new detailer like myself to get started with. If there is anything you think I am leaving out or have in the wrong order, please chime in. I will be taking some before and after pictures to show progress.

Again, thanks for the great site and I hope to be posting in here frequently! A new enthusiast is born!

Chris Evensen

[04Runner]

Sounds like a plan. I don't wash again after I polish, but whatever floats your boat. I'm not sure that polish is going to completely remove your swirl marks, but I always go with a mild polish used infrequently to keep as much clearcoat as possible. Besides, whatever swirls you don't get out, NXT does a great job of hiding. However, in my experience, NXT just doesn't seem to hold up very long. Will probably be going with another LSP after it runs out. Good luck.

[04Runner]

BTW, I wouldn't use the "cheapo" microfibers from the auto store you were referring to. If you're going to bother putting in that much effort, you might as well spend a few extra bucks on a high quality microfiber to ensure you don't replace the swirl marks you just removed with the polish.

[TOGWT]

to Autopia evensen007

[Lowejackson]

Welcome to Autopia

[SK2003TypeS]

Agreed with the comment on the "cheapo" MF towels. They get expensive as you add them up, but good quality MF towels are worth it.

I'm not a fan of the dawn wash anymore. A regular car wash will be fine. After the clay and polish session, whatever wax was on there will be long gone.

Good Luck, sounds like you did your homework.
Welcome to Autopia

[boosteddsm]

You could save yourself some time and skip the wash after the polish.

[saltydog]

Gold Class wash is good and welcome.

[Vidiot]

Welcome Chris.
When do you plan on detailing your Celica?
I live by the Orlando Int Airport & might be able to lend a hand.

[DavidB]

Welcome to town, Chris!!!

[evensen007USA]

Wow! Thanks for the warm welcome! My account got disabled somehow? I will email a moderator and see what can be done. I will temporarily post under this account.

Okay, I will take your advice and skip the wash after the polish. And no cheapo MF's huh? I will see if I can pick up some good ones locally, but will probably have to order them. I understand what you are all saying about the Meg's NXT wax. People seem to think it loses it's luster pretty quickly. Well, let's just see how 4 or 5 layers of it lasts!

I may also consider the advice of not using Dawn for the initial wash.

Vidiot, I am in Winter Park and would love some pointers/advice/help. My old appt. is down by the international airport. I am familiar with the area. That would be great!

Do you guys generally tape off plastic/vinyl trim on your car when you wax and polish? I see Griot's carries a cool product that removes wax and polish from rubber/vinyl/plastic. How do you handle it? I am expecting to be a little sloppy on my first go with the Porter.

Thanks again for the welcome! Can't wait to learn all I can.

Chris

[evensen007USA]

And here she is. Bad photo; I will take a better one soon.