Newb looking for some advice

R

Raj04GT

New member
I've been lurking for a little bit doing all of my research and I think I have the process but do have a few questions. I own a black 04 Mustang GT and it has quite a few swirl marks on it. It is my only car and is driven daily in all conditions including the snow. To make things worse, I don't have a garage or a self serve car wash nearby so the car is subjected to your everyday carwash during the colder months. As a result the car REALLY needs some help. I've attached a pic of the car so you guys can see what I'm talking about. In the pic you'll notice that the swirls are easily visible and given the lighting conditions, they can look significantly worse.

Here's my plan of attack, but am looking for suggestions:

Wash
Clay
Wash
Porter Cable 7424
Optimum Polish w/light cutting pad or Menzera IP
Optimum Polish w/polishing pad or Menzerna FP
CK Red Machine Glaze w/finishing pad
Poorboys EX w/finishing pad
Poorboys Natty's Blue Paste Wax by hand

Being a newb at this, I am unsure as to the power of the swirl mark removers. Based on the pic, will Optimum or Menzerna polish be able to remove these swirls and possibly worse or should I step it up to either the Menzerna PG or Optimum Compound? Also, is it even possible to remove these swirls with a PC or should I have a pro have at it?

Thanks in advance for all the info. I must admit, just being on this site alone I can see how addictive detailing can be, I'm starting to get hooked and I haven't ordered anything yet.....lol.

Swirl.jpg
 
The process that you have listed will certainly take care of the conditions that are on that picture.

If you have the time, try the least abrassive product first. Take a small section. Moving slow with the PC. Start at three. Then working your way up to 5 or 6. Check your work often. You can always step up the product or pad to see if you can get the results that you will be satisfied with.

Once you are more practiced you will be better able to evaluate your paint surface condition. Just try to work on the side of caution and you will be fine.
 
Your process looks fine. I haven't had the chance to try the Menzerna products, so I cannot comment on them. I have used the Opt. polish and it is a great product, but I wasn't able to get the result I wanted using the PC that I did with a rotary. You may be able to get it to work for you, but if you don't then give the Menzerna a try. I don't think I've ever seen a bad remark about the Menzerna polishes. Like cwcad said work on the side of caution and you will be fine.
 
I really don't like Menzerna IP and FP with the PC. They were a major pain in the you know what to remove. The results with the IP weren't all that great either with the PC. If you do go with menzerna, make sure you work them in for a long time. Actually same with the Optimum. I only used the Opt. with the PC once and it was decent but amazing with a rotary. Don't reat this the wrong way, I am NOT recommending you use a rotary. These products work better with one but it can be almost as good if you take your time with the products and speeds 5.5-6 on the PC. Good luck.
 
Yes, your process should definately take care of the issue at hand. Make sure you let us know how it turns out with some pictures. You also might want to drop by the new members section to introduce yourself. Good luck with the detail.
 
this is pretty much what I did a couple weeks ago on my black car.
menzerna intensive pl. light cutting pad
menzerna fp with polishing pad
red moose
wolfgang sealant
nattys blue
worked out great, the menzerna just starts to glow right off the bat. fantastic products.
 
Thanks everyone for all your help and advice....it is greatly appreciated.

I do have one last question, I've been reading that Optimum and Menzerna polishes need to be worked in for a "long time". I'm just wondering what constitutes a long time, 5min, 10min?

Thanks again,

-Raj
 
Raj check out the thread which was started recently with a video of people using the PC. I think maybe BlkYukon (sp?) started it. This thread will give you a better idea of when you're done with a polish.

Also, if you continue to use a car wash your swirls will return. If you polish enough you'll eventually polish right through your clear coat and then you'll need to repaint. Once you have your car looking swirl free again the best thing you can do is prevent swirls going forward.

If you don't have a self serve or even a touchless wash near you, I would stick with a "no rinse" wash during the winter to reduce marring. Use warm water and rubber gloves on a warmer day (say 35*F+) so that your hands don't get too cold. If you're concerned about the cold then maybe get a pressure washer to use for "hands free" washing. There's a pretty decent one (Husky 1750 psi) on sale at Home Depot right now for $99.
 
Raj04GT said:
Thanks everyone for all your help and advice....it is greatly appreciated.

I do have one last question, I've been reading that Optimum and Menzerna polishes need to be worked in for a "long time". I'm just wondering what constitutes a long time, 5min, 10min?

Thanks again,

-Raj
Click to expand...

The general opinion would be five minutes as an adequate time. But it is not written in stone. YMMV according to how much pressure is applied. how much product is on the pad. What kind of pad that you are using?

Here is a link that will do a lot of explaining from a DC member. BlkYukon is very well versed in the PC.

http://melncal.com/detailing/pc_video.html
 
thanks for the info. I'm hoping to get a beater car for next winter so hopefully the mustang will be covered and not exposed to the elements.


Mikeyc said:
Raj check out the thread which was started recently with a video of people using the PC. I think maybe BlkYukon (sp?) started it. This thread will give you a better idea of when you're done with a polish.

Also, if you continue to use a car wash your swirls will return. If you polish enough you'll eventually polish right through your clear coat and then you'll need to repaint. Once you have your car looking swirl free again the best thing you can do is prevent swirls going forward.

If you don't have a self serve or even a touchless wash near you, I would stick with a "no rinse" wash during the winter to reduce marring. Use warm water and rubber gloves on a warmer day (say 35*F+) so that your hands don't get too cold. If you're concerned about the cold then maybe get a pressure washer to use for "hands free" washing. There's a pretty decent one (Husky 1750 psi) on sale at Home Depot right now for $99.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks, the video is great. I'll be ordering the PC from Autogeek.net and comes with lake country pads. This is the one I'm ordering:

http://autogeek.net/hk7424.html

cwcad said:
The general opinion would be five minutes as an adequate time. But it is not written in stone. YMMV according to how much pressure is applied. how much product is on the pad. What kind of pad that you are using?

Here is a link that will do a lot of explaining from a DC member. BlkYukon is very well versed in the PC.

http://melncal.com/detailing/pc_video.html
Click to expand...
 
U got a great plan. I just want to add one suggestion Meguairs Color X which works on all colors mite help get the best out of the wax. I have used it many times on my red volvo. It works great on the oxidation of the paint:howdy I hope to see pics of ur detail soon
 
Raj04GT said:
Thanks, the video is great. I'll be ordering the PC from Autogeek.net and comes with lake country pads. This is the one I'm ordering:

http://autogeek.net/hk7424.html
Click to expand...
This is the set-up that I ordered, and so far it seems to have everything I've needed, and I've been getting pretty good results. I had them add in a blue pad, but I have yet to use it, so I'm not sure if it's one that gets used a lot.
 
The best way to see if it works is try it. I think you should just go ahead, if it dosent work try somthing new. It dosent look like you should have any problems. Give us a shoutback as to how it worked
 
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