How to clean the new kids

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Lexuslvr

New member
I have an 04 LS 430 Ultra that is Crystal White/ivory I also have an '05 RX 330 AWD, ML, NAV, DVD, Crystal White/Ivory.



My questions are:



1. I have an OLD sears orbital polisher that just doesn't seem to bring out the shine like I think it should.

2. What polisher should I use on these 2 fine autombiles

3. What Product(s) and Pad(s) should I use.



IMG_0493.JPG




I want these two machines to shine like diamonds.



Any help on polishers/tips/techniques would be GREATLY appreaciated.



John
 
The cyclo or PC come to mind in obtaining the results you want.

There are sooooooooooo many products out there check out the click&brag forum and see what combos catch your eye.

I personally like AIO/SG/zaino for whites. I tend to like the hard reflections look on white.



But look around and see what combos others have done on white.
 
I was thinkikng about the PC.



I realize that there are a ton of products out there, but I figured the best way to get a decent answer was to come here to the experts.



You will have to enlighten me on the AIO/SG/zaino, I am afraid that I have no idea what they are. I have been using a wax that a gentleman custom makes for me that is 100% carnuba. I have been using it so long that I have no idea what else is out there. Especially, for clear coated cars like the "Kids"
 
Oh yeah, there is one more vehicle. An 05 Chevy Equinox LT in LASER BLUE! NOT my choice, but it is here now so I guess I have to keep it looking as nice as my kids.
 
first off.... go buy a pc 7336 (get it at lowes for $100) and order a backing plate & pads (there are several reputable places online). browse through this board and see what others like and the combos they use and go from there... very nice cars by the way! :2thumbs:
 
You can start searching for the techniques in the forum.

Here is my process

1 Wash

2 Clay

3 Polish with polishing pad, use Meguairs W8006 with PC. I use 1ZPP to remove light/moderate swirls. You should buff until the product is left almost transparent. Then remove with MF.

4 Wax with soft pad, use Meguairs W9006 with PC. At this stage , you can use MEGs Nxt or #21 Sealant. It's your choice. Both are great products.

You can also download detailing guide from this web. It's very useful.
 
Thanks IMACARNUT, I really like the toys. I will do my best to get better pictures posted.



I have a REALLY dumb qeustion but what does "claying" a car do for it?
 
Claying removes contaminates from your paint such as industrial fallout and rail dust. After you get done claying a vehicle the paint will be smooooth as glass. It makes polishing and waxing a lot easier too. It jsut slides on and off.



AIO/SG and zaino are paint sealants that create a very reflective look on vehicles vs a more deep wet look like a traditional carnauba wax.

Klasse makes AIO (all-in-one cleaner) and SG (sealant glaze). Zaino has a whole system that I am not really up to par with so maybe do a search for zaino and see the results and the products offered from that company.



There are no dumb questions here!! We ALL started out not knowing anything about detailing at some point! The search button is your best friend (im not saying that to be an a**, it really is helpful to get answers quickly).



Check out Autopia-carcare.com and download the E-book david offers, it is free. That will give you some of the best starting points and a great wealth of information on more than just the basics of detailing and properly taking car of your cars.
 
OK, about the actual polisher, PC 7424? or spend the money and wait for their newest lk603vvb FLEX something model. Or is something even better that the PC?
 
There is a few D/A (dual action) polishers out on the market that people prefer. I personally prefer the cyclo over the PC, but it is about $200 more than the PC, but worth it IMHO. There is also the Dewalt443 (I think thats the model) which people have had good luck with. Personally judging by the lines on your vehicle a cyclo would be your best friend. It does not get into tight spots effectively but jusdging by your vehicles that is not going to be a concern (except the bottom of the fascia on the car on the left, but it might get in there;) ).
 
Lexuslvr said:
OK, about the actual polisher, PC 7424? or spend the money and wait for their newest lk603vvb FLEX something model. Or is something even better that the PC?
Click to expand...



since your cars look in good shape, a pc should be able to keep it that way. the pc 7424 & 7336 are the same machine, the 7424 has a 5" counterweight and the 7336 a 6" (not really much of difference in work performance). you can also order a combo deal with the pc, backing plate, and pads in one price on many online sites as well... here's some info on how the pc is used ---> http://autopia-carcare.com/inf-pc7424.html
 
:welcome Lexuslvr, nice cars BTW

I use the Cyclo polisher and i can recommend it. I have never tried a PC, but it seems like a good choise too.
 
Lexuslvr said:
OK, about the actual polisher, PC 7424? or spend the money and wait for their newest lk603vvb FLEX something model. Or is something even better that the PC?
Click to expand...

It really depends on how picky you are and how much defects are you gonna remove. Given that you have been using the Sears orbital, you will see a vast improvement from getting a PC. The reason is that the speed and pad selection avaliable can really get you a shine that you never experienced before. As far as the Cyclo its a great machine that is faster and removes more scratches becuase of its speed and smaller pads apply more pressure. The thing is that it cost way more. So you have to ask yourself how OCD are you. IMO you will be satisfied with the PC.



As far as products and stuff, remember that your shine is 90% preparation and 10% product. I don't care how much people says brand X wax is the best stuff, it means nothing if the surface has swrils and is not polished well. As far as you wax your using its probably a nice product, but carnuba stuff won't last long. Sealants last long but they lack depth on paints. Given that your cars are light colors this won't matter too much. I suggest get some nice Polishes. You can't go wrong with Mezerna IP and FP, Poorboys SSR 2 &1, Meguiars #83 and #80, or my favorite is 1Z PP and MP. Once you polish it out you'll be amazed at the looks.
 
I am pretty picky about how my cars look. I am not a total FANATIC about it, but I do want it to look good. I realize that white cars are not going to look nearly as hot clean as something like a black car. I have had 1 black car and do not plan to have one again. Beautiful clean, but keeping one clean in Oklahoma is nearly impossible.



I will have to check out the Meguiars products. As well as get a PC. :-)
 
Even more important than removing swirls is not getting them in the first place. Be very careful how you wash and dry your kids, and you might not have to polish them for a long time.

Good luck
 
Lexuslvr said:
I am pretty picky about how my cars look. I am not a total FANATIC about it, but I do want it to look good. I realize that white cars are not going to look nearly as hot clean as something like a black car. I have had 1 black car and do not plan to have one again. Beautiful clean, but keeping one clean in Oklahoma is nearly impossible.



I will have to check out the Meguiars products. As well as get a PC. :-)
Click to expand...

Well with that said the wax you are using probably works well if you are willing to apply once a month. As one member suggested to check out topoftheline.com they have some nice carnuba like Pinnacle, Trade Secrect and P21S. All of them are excellent and P21S is my favorite as it looks great on all colors and the price is more reasonable than Pinnacle. Their Hi-Temp light cut polish works great and is cheap, and they sell Menzerna which I highly recomend. If you are looking into sealant check out Klasse and I use Wolfgang, which looks like a carnuba but it does not last as long as Klasse. Something that looks nice and is readily available is Mothers Reflections. Good luck with your new hobby.
 
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