Newbie Needs Advice (not so 56K friendly)

[Grimm]

Hello, this looks like a great site, and I hope some knowledgeable people can get me started on the right track. I've always tried to take pretty good care of my cars, but basically just washed and waxed by hand. I just purchased a new car that I want to really keep after because it's black. It's a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. Last week I claybarred the car, polished it with the Meguire's Deep Crystal Step 2, and waxed with some Meguire's carnuba paste wax. The car looks pretty good as the polish cleaned up some of the light scratches around door handles and such, but has some pretty good swirling on most of the car, along with a couple minor scratches and a water stain on the trunk. I had a tough time getting pictures to show the swirls, but here are a couple I got that should give a pretty good idea of what I'm looking at. I haven't made the plunge yet, but I think I'm going to go ahead and get a PC. I would appreciate any advice on what to start with to get this think looking good. There are so many polishes I see people talk about, so if anyone has experience with what works well with the paint on Pontiacs, I would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[xTravBx]

Yeah you've come to the right place. If you're serious about keeping your paint looking nice. Definitely go ahead and get a PC.



And search and read and read. I've gotten almost all my knowledge from reading. I've only had to ask 2 questions, the rest, I was able to search for answers on my own.



Get a PC. Get some pads. Get some products, and have at it.

 

[Bigpoppa3346]

I would get the entire Optimum polish line, and some Lake Country pads(2 Orange, 2 white, 1 Black). Also get a 5" backing plate. In my experience, the Optimum line works well on black GM paint. For the absolute clearest finish, I would pick up some Menzerna FPII, but it is not essential. While you are at it pick up a good sealant(Poorboy's, Zaino, etc.) and mabey a carnauba(Natty's Blue, Pinnacle, S100, etc.). A good LSP, in my experience, will make the finish more resistant to marring which equals less polishing. Make sure you have you're washing and drying technique down as well. Do some reading and find out what you are looking for, and make you're decisions from there.

 

[martinager]

I second the post above me. Go with a Porter Cable polisher. It can be aquired at your local Lowes for around $100 under the name Poter Cable 7336SP. Look at Lake Country pads [6"] and the Optimum polish line would be great for you as they are easy to work in and produce good results.





And a good Carnuba wax is required for all decent blue/black cars



Look at Nattys Blue.



http://www.autogeek.com/

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/

http://www.exceldetail.com/