Polishing for the first time.

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BassMaster

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In the next couple weeks I will be picking up a PC, it will be my first time ever using one on a vehicle. I will be using it on my 06 Dodge Ram, I am not too worried about messing anything up but there are a couple problem areas that im concerned about. On the side of the hood and a small spot on the rear fender there is a little bit of clear coat peeling. Should I avoid these areas?

I planned on ordering these products, I was hoping to get some opinions. Does this sound alright?
Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover
Wolfgang Pre-Wax Polish Enhancer
Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
Lake Country 5.5" Flat Pads (Not sure what colors?)


The truck isn't severely swirled or scratched. Oh and it is a metallic black finish. I plan on topping the sealant with SSII.
 
Get Wolfgang Finishing Glaze instead of the pre-wax polish enhancer. The pre-wax is for paint that it is very good condition that only needs a very light cleaning. The Finishing Glaze is meant to follow Total Swirl Remover and bring the paint up to a high gloss.

As far as pads....orange, white and black will be fine for the LC flat pads.

Have you considered buying this kit The Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover Kit is the total solution to swirled, hazy paint. If you like the slick, glossy look of Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint and then buying SSII separately?
 
If you have clear coat failure on an 06' already I would be taking it back to Dodge and see what they can do. Its very possible that it could be under warranty.
 
I looked at it but im on a pretty limited budget, I've got plenty of MF's and a QD.

I will replace the polish enhancer with the glaze.

Edit: Didn't see your post Dubbin1. I bought the truck November 09.

58781_103765749685495_100001562112812_24923_3146269_n.jpg


I've got a picture somewhere of the clear coat peeling, ill try to dig it up.
 
Bass the paint may still be warrantied if Dodge has a service bulletin about CC failure on 06 trucks. It would be worth a trip to the dealership to find out because once CC failure sets in it's only a matter of time before it gets worse and worse.
 
I agree with Shane on the substitution of the Wolfgang Finishing Glaze instead of the pre-wax polish enhancer.

Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo, Wolfgang polishes, total swirl remover, finishing glaze, machine glaze

Another choise in pads are the Lake Country Hydro-Tech pads. I'd suggest the 5 1/2 size for the Porter Cable DA polisher, They create a perfect balance between machine power and polishing efficiency.

Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5.5 x 1.25 Inch Foam Pads, hydrotech foam buffing pads, dual action foam pads

Take your time and on a small section try this:

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Polish - Wolfgang Twins
  • Sealant: Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant
  • Liquid Wax: Collinite 845, Pinnacle Liquid Souveran,
  • Paste wax: Pinnacle Signature Series, Poorboy's Natty, DP Max Wax
 
Meguiars Ultimate Compound, polishing compound, rubbing compound, meguiars rubbing compound, meguires, meguiars polish, auto compound polish

Meguiars Swirl X Swirl Remover, SwirlX, car polish, Meguiar's Swirl Remover, Meguiars polishes, meguires, megwires

Meguiars NXT Generation Tech Wax is unlike any other car wax! Tech Wax, a synthetic, scientifically engineered paint sealant, is an alternative to

Meguiars Supreme Shine Microfiber Towels, microfiber buffing towels, micro fiber, detailing towels

Meguiars Smooth Surface Clay Kit, meguiars detailing clay,


I would look at the above products if you are on a budget. You can still use them with the LC Flat Pads.
1) Wash
2) Smooth Surface Clay Kit
3) Ultimate Compound with Orange LC pad
4) Swirlx with White LC pad
5) NXT Tech Wax 2.0 with LC Black pad
 
I will definitely look into it. Here's those pictures. They aren't the best I can get more later, currently stuck on the couch with whatever flu is going around.

The entire line is the CC.
IMG_0274.jpg


Top left, the small circle, possible bird bomb.
IMG_0291.jpg


I already have the Pinnacle Clay and Lube, NXT 2.0 and SwirlX. SwirlX was used on my ATV plastics, and yes it worked good for a small scratch.
 
BassMaster said:
On the side of the hood and a small spot on the rear fender there is a little bit of clear coat peeling. Should I avoid these areas?
Click to expand...


If you do have what's generically referred to as "Clearcoat Failure", it's not going to get any better over time where you're seeing it now and if you're seeing it in some areas then there's a chance it's going to continue to creep throughout the truck...

Here's a couple of articles on the topic with pictures...

The Clearcoat Failure Photo Gallery Archive

Beginning Clearcoat Failure



If there's a chance it's under any kind of warranty you might want to look into this before you start working on it just in case they try to say it's your fault because you caused the problem by your detailing work. Probably a stretch but you can't be to careful.


:)
 
Is there a way to check to see if it is actually clear coat? I will go by Dodge Wednesday and talk to them.
 
BassMaster said:
Is there a way to check to see if it is actually clear coat? I will go by Dodge Wednesday and talk to them.
Click to expand...

Since the year of your truck is 2006 I would say yes unless it was completely repainted using a single-stage paint. If the clear-coat is failing and it's a factory finish you might be able to work with them but I'm not sure how long the paint is warranted these days.

Probably purchase date + 24 hours.....
 
Call Dodge! They will work with you! Call first B4 you try ur dealer! A friend just had Dodge repaint his 06 because of the same problem! He only had to pay a warranty deductable!
 
Sorry to bring this topic back up but I got my PC today. Just want to make sure everything I ordered is alright. Trying to save some money had to do 3 different orders 2 of which were using Visa gift cards.

5" Backing Plate
Megs Ultimate Compound
Menzerna Power Lock
3 Blue LC Flat Pads 5.5"
3 Orange LC Flat Pads 5.5"
2 Black LC Flat Pads 5.5"

I already have wax and all, just don't have any polish and I wanted a decent sealant. I was reading on here several hours today, and decided to only get the MegsUC since most swirls are not that deep.

I just wanted to order enough to get me started. Orange Pads for the UC, Black for the Sealant, Blue for the wax? I probably messed up somewhere.
 
BassMaster said:
Orange Pads for the UC, Black for the Sealant, Blue for the wax? I probably messed up somewhere.
Click to expand...

If LC Orange w/ Megs UC does not finish marring-free on your black paint, use your Megs Swirl-X with your LC Grey to finish it out. IMO you should add some White LC Polishing pads to your arsenal.

So... whats the word on the CC failure?? Did you talk to the Dealer? That should not be happening.


Heed the following advice!:

Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
If there's a chance it's under any kind of warranty you might want to look into this before you start working on it just in case they try to say it's your fault because you caused the problem by your detailing work. Probably a stretch but you can't be to careful.


:)
Click to expand...

Where do you live? I'm sure there is an AG member near you who is willing to help! If it comes down to it, you can spot treat the CC failure (a lot of work to get it perfect) with rattle-can clear, blend-sanding and then polishing. :buffing:
 
Dodge wont do anything about it. I called them and the lady wouldn't give me the time of day. I haven't had a chance to go to the dealer yet. I work at walmart and this time of year it's work, work, work.

Thanks for the response A4.

Oh and I'm in St. Augustine, FL.
 
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