darkfluid said:
Ok, just got back from working on the car. I bought the Mcguires kit with the white clay. I noticed two things, number one this clay seems milder. It wasn't removing all of the contaminants (plastic bag test never came back perfect), but there was great improvement. Plus it seems like the marring just wasn't there anymore. I was folding the clay, same as before only when it looked visually dirty. It marred in a couple of places, probably a large piece of grit or something, but overall, this was much better.
I might have not warmed the mothers clay enough first. Or maybe it was just that clay in general. Also I wonder if I'm not getting the car clean enough. I washed using the Meg's car wash you get at Walmart or whatever and I mix it a little richer than they recommend. I use a Lowes grout sponge then follow with a microfiber mitt for the things it misses. I use a cheaper grout sponge along the bottom and on the wheel wells. The clay got brown in a lot of places with only a few swipes and my AIO applicator always comes back filthy. I've seen AIO applicators on here be filthy, I've only seen a few clay pictures. One thing is for sure I know the stuff is cleaning!!
One note, I'd forgotten how much work it is just to do the car with AIO by hand. I think I need to buy a PC.
Thanks guys
I'm a noob that is learning, just a little ahead of you, not much.
I'm glad you got the same kit I have.. I knew it would work well for you the second go around,.. something was just amiss with that first Claying --
You can eventually get every bit of the contaminants out even with this new kit you got,.. but yes, it is probably a little less agressive. (To get them all out you just have to spend more time).
For instance, I clayed my car once -- Once is all she needs right
-- Anyhow, my point being, the clay bar was white when I started (I put two bars together ) -- and now it is a gray color no matter how much I kneed it. So I guess this bar is toast,.. not sure how 'dirty' they have to get before it is unwise to use on the paint. I would imagine maybe this is the level.
Also,.. I spent 4 hours claying,.. So I got every bit of the contamination out of the car that had never been clayed and is 14 yrs old. 99.9% of people aren't going to spend 4 hours claying a 14yr old car that has never been clayed and hasn't been waxed for 10yrs... but I did (time slipped by on me, I wasn't trying to spend that long).
But on to more important things -- You've clayed the surface, I'm betting it is 90% or better, you seem like a very modest person. So your good to go to polish.
Yes,.. absolutely buy a PC. -- I would recommend a UDM :
a) Because it is what I use, I was a complete noob to it, and I did a great job the very first time I used it. *Due in large part to this forum*.
b) More importantly, it is cheaper than the Porter Cable. You can get a refurbished unit with same warranty as the new units for $99. Sometimes they are on sale for $89. You just can't beat that. Occaisonally the Porter Cable will be on sale for around $100 -- But from what I've tested the UDM is every bit 'as good' as the PC -- aside from whether or not it will be as reliable. But for the cost,.. you can't really gripe. If it lasts 5-7 years, its well worth the money. I'm betting it lasts much longer though.
Either way -- Get a PC or UDM. Both are the inexpensive variety's of the Random Orbitals (the kind that prevent you from messing up). Also the UDM was designed exactly like the PC, only difference is the motor is slightly more powerful, not much. All attachments, pads and so forth are identical to the PC.
Plan on spending at least $200.00 for the Machine and all the pads/polish you need to do a complete job with extra pads for switching out during the job, etc.
Might sound like alot, but think about it this way. Just to get a detailer to Polish your car using the very same machine.. (say they do a 2 step polish system) -- You would spend at least that much money, and then you'd be left without the machine/pads to do it again in 6-8months. When you buy the products, you can do the work yourself, (spend a little extra time and caution to do a better job.. and of course have the equipment to do it again and again) -- And be able to do family members cars, friends, even potential customers once you get really comfortable with it.
You won't believe how much of a difference polishing your car makes.. I was shocked. It is night and day.
