Winter Detail, Black VW

[imported_HOPTOAD]

Hi All,


Thanks for the great forum, wanted to get some advice from members regarding an upcoming detail on my 2003 VW Passat, black.


I have some detailing experiance but this will be my first go round w a DA.


I purchased the Harbor Freight DA and a Lake Country CCS (`http://www.autopia-carcare.com/lake-country-pads.html`) 5.5 inch kit w backing plate (`http://www.autopia-carcare.com/lake-country-pads.html`).


The plan of attack.


1 Wash - Gold Class


2 Clay- Meguiars clay bar kit


3 Compounding- Meguiars Utlimate Compund , Lake Country (`http://www.autopia-carcare.com/lake-country-pads.html`) Orange


4 Finishing Polish- M205, Lake Country White


5 LSP- Collinite 845 Lake Country Green


Paint condition is just OK. Lots of Orange Peel, some water spots, swirls.


I will be doing a test spot to determine the least aggressive approach. The above products are a mix of what I have at home (wash, clay, ultimate compound) and what I plan on ordering (M205 and the collinite 845) trying to keep the cost relativly low.


Opinions, tips, concerns on this combination of products would be greatly appreciated. If you have any suggestions for a good (cheap) trim restorer please let me know. I have been using back to black but it fades after 2 or 3 storms, thinking of trying some PERL.



Some pics

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk19/HOPTOAD78/1384348516_zps7e23f6c2.jpg (`http://s276.photobucket.com/user/HOPTOAD78/media/1384348516_zps7e23f6c2.jpg.html`)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk19/HOPTOAD78/1384348511_zps7aaf0cfb.jpg (`http://s276.photobucket.com/user/HOPTOAD78/media/1384348511_zps7aaf0cfb.jpg.html`)


Thanks

HOPTOAD


/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_top_left.gif

/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_top_tile.gif

/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_top_right.gif

/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_left_tile.gif


<span>http:///forums/images/juice/misc/close.gif Lake Country Pads

http://www.detailcity.org/autolink/lakecountry.jpg

Lake Country buffing pads is at the top of their game! If you know anything about foam polishing pads, you’re no doubt familiar with this company. They’ve been designing and manufacturing polisher accessories since 1977 and we’d be willing to bet they know a thing or two about car care. In fact, we’re so confident in their expertise, Max enlisted their help to design pads for Palm Beach Motoring Accessories.



/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_right_tile.gif

/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_bottom_left.gif

/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_bottom_tile.gif

/forums/images/juice/misc/forumbox_bottom_right.gif




`

[spartacus_33]

Your plan sounds good, but if you have a lot of orange peel, wet sanding is the only way to remove it. Has it been repainted? For winter prep, I would want something that lasts longer than 845. 476 is a better choice for winter durability. This year I applied DP coating over the Opti Coat 2.0 I applied last year. Really improved the look. We`ll see if it lasts.

[pwaug]

Welcome to Autopia!!`` I`m sorry that your question did not get more responses, but many of the very knowledgeble contributors here where at SEMA and perhaps their schedules have backed up.` So I`ll put in my .02, but keep in mind I`ve only been machine polishing for just over 2 years.`` However, it`s been primarily on my 2 VWs.`` Perhaps my comments will peak some interest and you`ll get some input from those with more experience than I.


`


I`ve owned my VWs since day 1 so the paint has always been in very good condition with no where near the swirls and water marks of yours and I can tell you both have very hard clear coat and it takes some effort to remove the marring.` Of course only a test spot will tell if your`s is the same, but I`d bet on it.` `With that said--my thoughts:


`


The HF DA is a good choice as a first DA--more powerful than the PC and low enough cost that later on if you want to get another unit your investment has been minimal.`


`


I hope you got a 5" backing plate so that you can use 5.5" pads to get the most out of the DA-while the HF can handle 6.5" pads, 5.5" pads require less power to keep them moving and you`re going to need it.


`


IMO if you can return the CCS pads you`d be best to exchange them for some 5.5" flat pads (LC Flat, LC Hydrotec, Buff & Shine)--from everything I`ve read the flat pads are more efficient at correction --it also appears most pros use a flat pad when using a foam pad.


`


If you stick with foam pads make sure you have enough--at least 4-6 for compounding, 4 for polishing and 1 per LSP you plan to use and clean on the fly often.` If you use MF pads for the compounding step you might be able to get away with 2, but they need to be cleaned on the fly after every section pass.


`


For your compounding step you might want to consider using some more aggressive combination of pad and polish.`` Perhaps a MF cutting pad with HD Adapt, HD Cut or even Megs M101 or M100 (not M105 as it`s alittle dificult to work with for beginners)` I think you`re going to need it to remove the majority of those defects in a reasonable amount of time.` The HD Adapt might help to keep your costs down as you could use it with an aggressive pad for compounding and then switch to a polishing pad to finish down and perhaps not even need to purchase a polish--especially on hard clear.` BTW I don`t think compounding will tackle the orange peel --requires wet sanding--something you don`t want to get into at this point.


`


For your finishing step (if not using HD Adapt)`definately consider going with something like HD Polish--really easy to use, long work times, good amount of correction, finishes very well, no dust and doesn`t leave heavy oils behind that will hide any marring you may have missed.` LC Flat white I think would be fine for this step.


`


The LC Green pad seems more for use with an AIO or cleaner wax as it has some cut.`` For applying your LSP you really should use a grey, blue or red pad with little to no cut.


`


Hope this helps and generates some additional comments.


`




`

[imported_HOPTOAD]

Thanks Guys,


`


Appreciate the feedback. `


`


I did get the 5 inch backing plate, so I can use it w the 5.5 inch pads. I will be using a red finishing pad on the LSP, made an error saying the green.


`


I wish I would have read this before placing my order as`I did go ahead and order m105, m205. My thinking is that`I will try the orange pad w the 105, if no luck go to the wool pad w 105, then a white or orange`pad w`205 then red pad`LSP. `


Once I read this I realized I do not have enough pads, 1 wool,`2 orange, 2 white and`1 red. I had planned on cleaning on the fly after each panel/pass, then reusing each pad. Is this not a possiblilty? `


`


Thanks for the product suggestions, but, for the time being I am going to have to hold off on ordering any more product... with the possible exception of some pads. I have spent way too much already and I know the addiction is just starting.


`


Thanks Again,


`


HOPTOAD

[pwaug]

If you didn`t use the pads you have perhaps when you purchase more you could arrange an exchange for thin flat pads.


`


Even with frequent cleaning on the fly pads become filled with spent product and clearcoat so need to be changed--especially when compounding.`` At the polishing step you also want to clean on the fly often, but also change pads so you get the best possible finish.` Some may say you can get away with fewer pads, but IMO that takes some experience.` I`ve never used wool pads so don`t know if yoiu can do an entire car with one wool pad--surprised it was even included in the kit you purchase--would have thought they would include MF pads.

[danyboy]

Definetly use HD products they are great products and dont have a high price tag. The reason flat pads are better is because there is more surface contact from the pad with the paint.