newbie - I'm not worthy!!

DuMouixe · 12-09-05, 03:50

Hi I'm DuMouixe (( pronounced ^do-maaah-s, not *******, LOL))

Finally bought an economy car after burning through 5 Ford Trucks...

So I will finally have a vehicle small enough to garage park at both ends.

I'll be lerking around for tips and advice to take my car care to new levels.

My next project, basic cleaning, polish, seal and wax, attempting to kick butt on some knarly water spots.

Just saying hi, I'll try and not ask too many dumb questions all at once.

cwcad · 12-09-05, 04:00

You are in the right place. Welcome to the forum!!

Sounds like you know where to start. Just ask anything. Searches are a good tool as well!!

White95Max · 12-09-05, 04:12

Nice car! My next car will probably be a Mazda6. I haven't decided whether I want the 6s or the 6i yet. Or there's always the Mazdaspeed6!

Now get a PC so you can start doing this -->

And post pics when you finish detailing it!

Oh, and

to Autopia!

Neothin · 12-09-05, 05:41

That graphite grey color looks really nice on that car. It hides defects really well too so that's always a plus

I hope to see more pictures of the car, it looks good even before you started

Welcome to the OCD (obsessive compulsive detailers!) club

DuMouixe · 12-09-05, 05:57

Still getting used to the buttons on the 6.

I bought it for mileage and quiet ride. ((could even be quieter with Continentals))

Has a mid boost/cut which is nice on stock radio.

I mistakenly bought the dealer prep & they botched up pretty good. To the point of where they are fixing some paint problems over the weekend. But, yeah, not a bad car, they gave me a Subaru Forester and it feels more like a Mazda than the actual Mazda does.

DuMouixe · 12-09-05, 05:59

It actually does hide alot, that's why I went there. Black cars tend to give me mood swings.

(recovering OCD, now practicing moderation in moderation). But I want it to look nice.

White95Max · 12-09-05, 06:07

Don't be scared of the PC. It's a harmless little toy.

It can transform a good-looking car into an awesome-looking car, with essentially nothing to worry about.

To apply a carnauba wax, just get some foam hand applicators (many of us use the yellow Meguiars pads) at a local store and use those. Don't make the common mistake of beginners, and lay down globs of wax on the car. A thin coat (almost transparent) is all you need. The same amount of wax is going to stick to the paint whether you apply a very thin layer of a 1/2" thick layer.
I'd recommend buying a paste carnauba. I find pastes easier to apply thin. One swipe in the jar and you're set for at least 1/2 a panel.

DuMouixe · 12-09-05, 06:15

I've been doing non-overlapping rows, as sparse as possible.

I guess, I'll have to practice with the PC on the white pickup. Maybe a panel or two to get the hang of it.

Is cold hose water okay as a clay lube? cause it seem a lot more convenient.

Right now I have the beginners stuff, paint cleaner, scratch-x, got about this far before taking it back to the dealer, and tenatively planning on using nxt & s100.

No clay bar yet. For shame.

White95Max · 12-09-05, 06:41

NXT + S100 would be a good start

You'll be itching to try new combos to get the best finish possible.

I prefer to use some kind of QD or soap to lubricate the clay better than water can. I mix up a spray bottle with car soap and water when I'm claying. Without enough lubrication, the clay will scratch the paint.

Lowejackson · 12-10-05, 05:30

Not sure if you have seen this article on the PC http://www.guidetodetailing.com/arti...p?articleId=47

It is not impossible to damage the paint with a PC it would require a lot of effort.

DuMouixe · 12-10-05, 11:35

GOOD ARTICLE. A bit scared of the SLING factor, but I'll pick one of these toys up around chinese new year. LOL. if not sooner.

God save the Queen, or Geese Belize, I just am sitting on pins and needles here, waiting to see WHAT comes back from the autobody shop.

Although I may replace the glass with solar-tint embedded panes, ala, SUV back window style, around $800, for the time being, I'm still fighting those water spots, I've heard Oreck bathroom cleaner will zap 'em completely.

White95Max · 12-10-05, 11:56

Klasse AIO or white vinegar would be much safer alternatives to using a bathroom cleaner on your car.

I've removed some horrible hard water spots with AIO, so I know it is a very capable product.