Suggestions Needed

**matt@wheelwax** · 11-23-2002, 08:20 PM

I am purchasing a black 1996 Ford Ranger. It has decent looking paint for the most part, but it needs some good TLC. I searched through the archieves for what I was looking for but didnt find it.

Basically, what my question here is, is what would everyone recommend for a good smr? I have used #9 for some time by hand and it produced decent results, but I know it wont cut the heavier scratches and swirls on the truck. What would you suggest?

http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...threadid=15438

http://www.autopia.org/forums/showth...&threadid=6754

I was considering something a step up from #9, such as the fine cut cleaner (#2). Would this be in line for the job, or would it be too abrasive?

Final question here, what would be a comprable product from 3m? They have so many new smr`s it makes my head spin.

**Detailing NY** · 11-23-2002, 08:22 PM

I would try 3m SMR for dark colored cars.

Then you can also try meg`s DACP

that should help you out

**matt@wheelwax** · 11-23-2002, 08:23 PM

Thought of something else here - after the application of the smr, would I be best advised following with a coat of #9 or just skipping that and moving on to 2x #20 and then some #26 if I have time?

**Detailing NY** · 11-23-2002, 08:29 PM

yes, you can skip the #9 if you use the 3m smr. I would do one coat of #20 and one of #26

NYD

**imported_BretFraz** · 11-23-2002, 10:40 PM

On a 7 yr old truck I`d definitely use something with a bit more bite than a SMR. Unless you are using a rotary, a regular SMR probably won`t dent seven years of swirls and scratches.

If you have access to it, I`d suggest the DACP if applying by hand. It starts out aggressive but buffers quickly to a nice mellow polish. Follow up with a nice mild polish like P21S GEPC or the S100 equivalent, or Meguiar`s #9.

BTW, Meguiar`s #9 SMR and 3M SMR are products that directly compete with one another. They are interchangable for the most part and the diffs between them are minor.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 11-23-2002, 10:47 PM

if you don`t have access to DACP as bret recommends, I would try getting some 3M Finesse-It II or 3M Perfect-It II (both should be able to work just fine...) and follow this with 3M SMR. This combo should effectively eliminate any surface problems the truck has currently.

**Scottwax** · 11-23-2002, 11:44 PM

Originally posted by bretfraz

If you have access to it, I`d suggest the DACP if applying by hand. It starts out aggressive but buffers quickly to a nice mellow polish. Follow up with a nice mild polish like P21S GEPC or the S100 equivalent, or Meguiar`s #9.

BTW, Meguiar`s #9 SMR and 3M SMR are products that directly compete with one another. They are interchangable for the most part and the diffs between them are minor.

It`s like you were reading my mind! DACP is probably the most versitile product out there right now. Aggressive to start, mild at the end and you can usually skip a swirl remove and go straight to a light polish or glaze.

**matt@wheelwax** · 11-24-2002, 01:10 AM

thanks alot, those were the responses I was looking for.

If I can, I will try to get a hold of a digicam and take some before and after pics.

fires up the space heaters in the garage!