SeattleSC430
08-30-2007, 12:16 PM
I just bought a used `04 Lexus SC430 - it`s low-mileage and in beautiful condition throughout, except for the dark metalic green paint, which (because it wasn`t garaged) has some minor imperfections. The overwhelming majority will be easily resolved (surface scratches that don`t penetrate the clear coat, minor water drop etching and swirl marks, etc.) A few minor nicks aside, a good polish and wax should make it beautiful again. In addition to polishing up the new (to me) car, I also need to clean up my old car to prep it for sale.
This is my first foray into serious car deatailing-- I`ve always washed and waxed my cars, and taken them to a detailing shop once a year for a serious once-over. However, because I`ll be cleaning up two cars at once, I figured I`d take this oportunity to get everything I need and do the work myself and maybe pick up a new hobby.
My biggest challenge: I don`t have a place to do a quality 2-bucket wash-- I have a garage where I can do the waxing and polishing, but the wash will have to occur at the local spray-and-wash place. I plan on doing a quality 2-bucket wash at the local spray and wash (hopefully I won`t get kicked out as long as I keep feeding quarters into the system!) Once completed, I will drive it 1/2 mile to my home (back roads, low speed) and do the clay, polish and wax steps in my garage. In order to ensure that any debris and/or grime that is picked up on the way home doesn`t cause problems, I plan on doing a THUROUGH quick-detail using a microfiber cloth and some Meguires Quick Detail spray.
Step 1: 2-bucket wash, using Meguires Gold Class car wash/shampoo with a quality wool mitt, drying with some sonus microfiber drying towels. Again, this will take place at the local spray and wash carwash. :(
Step 2: after driving from the carwash to my garage and waiting for the car to cool, I`ll do a thorough quick detail with a micro fiber cloth and some QD spray
Step 3: Clay bar
Step 4: Meguire`s DC Paint Cleaner
Step 5: Meguire`s DC Polish with PC orbital :buffing:
Step 6: Meguire`s Gold Class liquid wax with PC orbital
Step 7: Wait 12 hours, repeat step 6
My question is this: I`m concerned about the drive between step 1 and step 2. Do you think that the QD will be sufficient to reduce risk of debris if I`m extremely careful and the garage is well-lit? I can`t do the polishing at the local car wash, and I don`t have access to a hose at the house. (I live in a townhouse. Nice garage, no outdoor plumbing.)
I`m nervous about it. :nervous2: I`m confident that I won`t cause any problems at the polish step (I`ve done auto body work in the past, including spraying and color sanding) but that means I`m aware enough to know that any little piece of debris and all bets are off.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance...
This is my first foray into serious car deatailing-- I`ve always washed and waxed my cars, and taken them to a detailing shop once a year for a serious once-over. However, because I`ll be cleaning up two cars at once, I figured I`d take this oportunity to get everything I need and do the work myself and maybe pick up a new hobby.
My biggest challenge: I don`t have a place to do a quality 2-bucket wash-- I have a garage where I can do the waxing and polishing, but the wash will have to occur at the local spray-and-wash place. I plan on doing a quality 2-bucket wash at the local spray and wash (hopefully I won`t get kicked out as long as I keep feeding quarters into the system!) Once completed, I will drive it 1/2 mile to my home (back roads, low speed) and do the clay, polish and wax steps in my garage. In order to ensure that any debris and/or grime that is picked up on the way home doesn`t cause problems, I plan on doing a THUROUGH quick-detail using a microfiber cloth and some Meguires Quick Detail spray.
Step 1: 2-bucket wash, using Meguires Gold Class car wash/shampoo with a quality wool mitt, drying with some sonus microfiber drying towels. Again, this will take place at the local spray and wash carwash. :(
Step 2: after driving from the carwash to my garage and waiting for the car to cool, I`ll do a thorough quick detail with a micro fiber cloth and some QD spray
Step 3: Clay bar
Step 4: Meguire`s DC Paint Cleaner
Step 5: Meguire`s DC Polish with PC orbital :buffing:
Step 6: Meguire`s Gold Class liquid wax with PC orbital
Step 7: Wait 12 hours, repeat step 6
My question is this: I`m concerned about the drive between step 1 and step 2. Do you think that the QD will be sufficient to reduce risk of debris if I`m extremely careful and the garage is well-lit? I can`t do the polishing at the local car wash, and I don`t have access to a hose at the house. (I live in a townhouse. Nice garage, no outdoor plumbing.)
I`m nervous about it. :nervous2: I`m confident that I won`t cause any problems at the polish step (I`ve done auto body work in the past, including spraying and color sanding) but that means I`m aware enough to know that any little piece of debris and all bets are off.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance...