Wax/polish etc

[GE]

Ok, time to start waxing the ride. I'm going to go with the Meguiar's setup. Got a random orbital buffer now it's time to have some fun. Is it best to use the polish and then to lay down the wax? Is it necessary to prep the paint before the polish? Forrest...help!

[skase98]

oops

[This message has been edited by skase98 (edited 06-06-2001).]

[Tang350]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....well, even though you are not going Zaino....... http://64.81.114.233/ubb/smile.gif Is it because.....I'm NOT asian http://64.81.114.233/ubb/biggrin.gif

Go ahead and wash the car with Dawn or Ivory dish soap to stip any old wax. If you have never clay bar'd the car do it first....you will be amazed at the results. If you've clay'd in the last six months I might just hit it with a coat of the Meguires No. 2 polish and then top with the wax.

Always polish before waxing, amigo http://64.81.114.233/ubb/smile.gif You'll be lookin good in no time

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http://www.cadenzadesign.com/images/tang350.jpg
Tang 350
66 GT350 Replica (drives like it's pissed off)
97 3.8L Convertible
'89 Silver Anniversary 5.0LX
I love the smell of Zaino in the morning....

[GE]

Return your PM's damnit!

[Tang350]

Check 'em, damnit!!!

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http://www.cadenzadesign.com/images/tang350.jpg
Tang 350
66 GT350 Replica (drives like it's pissed off)
97 3.8L Convertible
'89 Silver Anniversary 5.0LX
I love the smell of Zaino in the morning....

[Wild Stallion]

Hey Tang, My paint never looks real glossy even after waxing, I've been told that it was due to never being colorsanding, what's the best way, I want to do everything myself. I have blocks and paper all the way to 2000 grit, and 3M Rubbing Compound P/N 03900, just a light going over, or more sanding? Or will a clay bar clean up the finish for a polish then wax? It's not clearcoated.

[This message has been edited by Wild Stallion (edited 06-18-2001).]

[Tang350]

I'd start with the claybar for sure. See what it looks like after that. That will at least get all the sh*t off of the finish. After that I'd go to the least agressive polish to start with. Since you like 3M try the hand polish showcar glaze first.

If the results still aren't what you want then go to the color sand/compound step. If you've never color sanded before it might help to read up on it. There's an excellent article in this month's Rod & Custom about technique and the correct tools to use. Hope that helps.

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http://www.cadenzadesign.com/images/tang350.jpg
Tang 350
66 GT350 Replica (drives like it's pissed off)
97 3.8L Convertible
'89 Silver Anniversary 5.0LX
I love the smell of Zaino in the morning....

[GE]

I don't know how old you ride is.. but if you've never done a colorsand/buff, you might want to think about having a shop do it. Not something I'd wanna do! You don't wanna take too many mils of paint off.

[Beej]

I just used the maguires three step system, and it really works well. The cleaner gets all the crap, and oxidation off, then the polish got rid of all of the small scaratches and swirls, and the wax went on, and it looks like a miror now. man it looks good, and so smooth. no more rough paint. I was really impressed, it took the beter part of an afternoon, but I put it on by hand.

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DarkPony's Page (http://www.mystictan.com/bj/bj/bjcar.htm)
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98 Black GT, 5 speed, Black Leather, 96 cobra wheels, Nitto 555-R Drag Radials, bassani x/cats, Mac Pro-Dumps, Steeda Timing adj. 16deg., ASP Balanced Pullies, Eibach Sprotlines, K%N, Accell Coil Packs, Crane 8.5mm Fire Wires, FRPP 70MM Throttle Body, Pro-5.0, Autometer Shiftlite, 35th Aniv. Dash Bezel, Painted trim accents

221RWHP 1/8th
296RWTQ 9.40@75.8

[GE]

That's just a part of the waxing process. Color sand buff is a TOTAL different ballgame involving applying sandpaper to your car.

[Wild Stallion]

Ok I tried the claybar, not much difference, I started with 1500 grit, lot's of water and wnet over the hood, and top of fenders to the body line just above the wheel wells, I then put a rubbing compound down, and it started to shine, stil see swirls though, and I can tell where the crappy body work was done before painting. I put on the polishing compound, and it looks 1000% better, not 100%, 1000%, but still needs work, I am doing it a little at a time, and putting a light wax over it to keep it from oxidizing, after all, I am nowhere near finished. I think I'm gonna like the results.

GE, I prefer to do everything myself, if I mess it up, it was a costly learning experience. If it turns out good, then I know where i need to pay closer attention to next time, If it turns out great, imagine the satisfaction of saving 3-400 bucks and knowing you did it yourself. Talk about bragging rights.

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If speed kills, Ricers will live forever