Red1

I was looking for answers on swirl/scratch removal, and didn't see what I needed on the Concours forum. I found this forum, and there's a lot of information there.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/

My paint had been neglected far too long, and I'm getting some great tips from that site. Just thought I'd pass it on. No affiliation, yada yada yada

Dan in Pasadena

That's a great site, but it is a little disconcerting to have eveyone referring to the Meguires products by there numbers.
Looks like that new(?) ColorX chemical cleaner/wax followed by their NSX (sic?) Tech wax may be the best combo for work done by hand.

Personally, I wash my car frequently at least weekly, clay bar it periodically because it is not garaged. I wax at least one panel EVERY TIME I wash it - yes, I know that is extreme for most people, but I do it because I'm **** and because my car's paint is 18 years old and somewhat failing. Most people think it is in excellent condition, and it is for 18 yrs old. But it isn't to me. Hence the frequent waxing. I have been using straight Meguires yellow carnuba with no cleaner. It seems to replace lost "oils" - I suppose! Anyway, here's a look.

P.S. This quarter panel was keyed and touched up. It is much more apparent in real life than in this shot. It is masked here by the reflections. And, of cpourse, the side surfaces are much closer to new condition than the hood, roof and rear deck as they are less exposed to direct sun/UV and airborn contaminants. Oops, I'll attach the picture in another response. -Dan

Dan in Pasadena

Here's the shot I referred to in the last response:

Dan in Pasadena

Oops, wrong shot. Let's try this one:

Red1

This thread clues you in to the lingo.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...&threadid=1293

They have a pretty good line of products that doesn't seem to be on the shelf anywhere I've been. I happened across a couple items in a limited selection at a local speed shop. It kind of opened up a new world to me.

UDPride

I have a bunch of products I use. I do not put one Meguiers product on the 930. That said, the stufff I put on the 930 I dont always put on the 951 as the 951 paint is not worth it. All my Meguiers stuff has been gifted to me. Pretty much like all the Armor-All I have.

Key to detailing is two fold in my opinion:

1. Always apply your polishes in the same direction of the wind as if the car is in a wind tunnel. Take the polish off in the same direction. Zaino says go up and down in the sides of the car for added effect but thats crap because 98% of the time an imperfection follows the wind tunnel test and you need to follow the wind to best hide it. And if you arent masking booboos, whats the point.

2. You can apply wax in any direction (circles etc if you want). Take it off in the same direction style you put it on though as best you can, whatever that was.

3. The polish stage is where 85% of the improvement is done. The wax just protects the look. If all you do it wax you are skipping the most important step.

4. Work from the top of the car down.

5. A jar of wax should last you 30-50 applications. If you can see the wax as you are putting it on, its way too much. You should have to look twice at a body panel to see if youve applied wax or not. Apply/remove several thin layers rather than 1 big layer. Id always try to put on two layers if time permits.

6. Leave the wax on the car for 24hrs.

These are the guidelines I go by anyway. If your paint is bad, nothing I just said will do a lot for it. You cant shine a turd. If your paint is good though it will make it outstanding.

Pete has promised to bring the car over soon for its first application. Now THATS a great paintjob to start from!

nineeagles

hey Dan in Pasedena......I am not sure I have ever seen the additional key/lock on the rear fender before....what is this for?????

Ken D

That's the keyhole for the factory alarm.

nineeagles

thanks Ken.....I've never seen one before.....I don't have a factory alarm in mine.......

Campeck

hey dan in pasadina!!

you know the guy who did you wheels...*wink *wink.

ALL my engine stuff went out to him abou ta week ago!
I cant wait!!
And super cheap!!

Mongo

hey Dan, have any idea on who keyed your car? I am only about 3 hours away from you and I have a very big gun...perhaps some payback is needed

Andy

sharky47

I want to know what was done to your wheels.......the look in-freaking-credible!

Serge944

Looks like some good polishing to me.

Ben Z.

also try http://www.autopia.org/ as it is full of great information.

GOBOGIE

Good reads!