Oh. . . where to begin?

**AMDin93103** · 11-19-2003, 05:24 PM

I had been shopping around specifically for a BLACK :xyxthumbs 3rd generation 4Runner and I finally found one last week. A 1997 Limited with anthracite brushguards and step. The engine is in great shape as is the pleather. After giving it the initiation to my driveway, a 3 hour wash followed by an hour of interior detailing, I am somewhat disappointed in the condition of the paint.

There are pictures attached to get an idea of what I am dealing with here. I own the following products:

7424 PC

yellow pad

white pad

BF clay

#9

SEHC

S100

AIO

SG

The hood has water spots, entire body has looks like it washed with a soft scouring pad. Scratches here and there, and two dings with removed paint that I will deal with later. I am being a bit dramatic as I am detail oriented

I have searched up and down and find conflicting points of view on too many products to choose. I read sometime ago and couldd not find the thread with a nice combo using 3M FI products and possibly DACP :nixweiss soooo to make a long story a bit shorter, HELP! Please suggest products that work w/what I `ve aleady or more! Pads, compound, etc. I need the advice. Thanks people!

-Stu.:sosad

**AMDin93103** · 11-19-2003, 05:26 PM

rear door area. . . just like the rest :shocked

**AMDin93103** · 11-19-2003, 05:27 PM

baddest of the bunch

**ntwrkguy1** · 11-19-2003, 05:38 PM

Stu

Having detailed several black vehicles in similar condition, I would strongly recommend using DACP. In fact, my routine would look like this:

Wash and clay

DACP with Yellow Pad

At this point, you could go in two directions:

AIO, followed by SG

or

SEHC followed by S100

Aside from having to buy the DACP, everything else you already own. The results should be quite impressive!

hth,

DavidM

**imported_BretFraz** · 11-19-2003, 05:57 PM

I agree that DACP will be needed at a minimum. Paint in that condition will be a challenge to fix with a PC. You might need to step up to a Medium Cut cleaner to help the PC do its job, then use a SMR to remove the marring from the Medium Cut.

It`s really hard to tell you exactly what will work. Most experienced detailers will test a few different products before making a decision. What works well on one car may not work well on another. You`re looking for a formula that simply doesn`t exist. The solution to your paint problem will take a good bit of experimentation on your part. I wish you the best of luck.

**Bill D** · 11-19-2003, 06:03 PM

I would have the dings removed first then begin experimenting with a wide variety of polish. DACP is probably a good bet. I had black 93 Maxima which probably would have been a great candidate for DACP. I suspect the DACP would have worked where as 3m FCRC with a PC didn`t do much for scratches on the roof. I got rid of the car before I knew about DACP. IP and FP did do a nice of brightening up the paint though. Its defintely true different vehicles will respond differently to different compounds and polishes

**AMDin93103** · 11-19-2003, 10:46 PM

I appreciate your help!

After reading your replies and searching for the past 2 hours (lost track of time and now my GF wants my time :argue)

The products I have narrowed my spectrum to are these, in what I believe to be order of application:

BF Clay

DACP (start with Yellow move to Orange if I gotta)

3M SMR Dark (Yellow)

#9 (White)

#81 (x2) (White)

VMHG (almost outta SEPC) (White or Grey?)

CMW (almost outta S100 too!)

Please let me know if the order is screwy, pad recomendations very welcome, unecessary product, add a step or what type of sandwich to eat after step two. I was wondering if Blackfire products might replace something as I have heard so much about them on black? Sorry I am such a noooob. Thanks!

-Stu.

**ntwrkguy1** · 11-19-2003, 10:52 PM

Like Bretfraz says, it`s really tough to tell you exactly what will work. Using your products and procedure, the only changes I would make would be:

Either #9 or 3M SMR, but not both....and use the white pad on this step.

#81 and SEPC are probably redundant as well. One or the other.

Can`t speak about Blackfire, since I`ve never used it.

**AMDin93103** · 11-19-2003, 11:37 PM

I understand. I will post some pics next week when I fix it. Thank you for your time.

-Stu.

**Inzane** · 11-20-2003, 12:26 AM

Originally posted by pssstue

(lost track of time and now my GF wants my time :argue)

LOL! I can relate. Women...

**madazskunk** · 11-21-2003, 02:56 AM

If you can get the defects out the #81,vm,cmw is a very good combo on black,IMO. But you gotta make sure the defects are taken care of first and foremost.