A dad looking to shine his families cars

J

Jumpball

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Ok, all I wanted to do was find how I can best shine my family cars (02 “Red” Grand Am, 06 “Black” Malibu Maxx and 09 “Red” Caravan)
Then I came across this Forum… WOW! My addiction to be better at detailer was birthed, till I started to read and read through all the forums and then was overwhelmed. Not to mention the start up cost to make your car look better then just washing the car and putting on a wax polish by hand from a local store.
My goal is to have the car shine better then the average car. Not looking for a show room finish…as both Grand Am and Maxx paint finish have lots of scratches from using the hood as a table top for my daughters college books when they opened their cars. Now they know, but the damage to the paint is still there.

So he is what I put on my wish list to buy from AG during their sale:
- New G110v2 Polisher - on sale (it was a toss up with new GG ) I know, not enough reviews but I missed the GG sale when it was launched
- WG TSR & FG ( easy to work with based on reading the threads)
- WG Deep Gloss (I though I stick with the same brand) I get confused, but I think I use this product as a substitute for a wax product.
- PINNACLE Ultra Poly Clay Special (my first step after washing the car)
- Meg Soft buff 2.0 Foam pads (Cutting pad (Burgundy), Polishing Pad (Yellow) & Finishing Pad (Black)
I not quite sure if these are the right pads for my WG products? I am guessing I may need to buy 2 of each. Hmmm
Maybe someone can help steer me in the right direction on what pad and how many do you think I need. I just want to make sure I do one purchase so I can save on shipping cost.

Any input on my thought process would be appreciated.
This has been a great forum to learn about detailing and I have a better appreciation for those who do it for a living. Wow! Thx
 
Welcome to the forum, Jumpball. I would definitely read these guides if you haven't yet:

Dual Action Orbital Polisher Guide: how to remove swirls, scratches, & oxidation with an orbital buffer. Porter Cable 7424, foam pads, backing plate,

(This guy moves the polisher a lot faster than I do.)

Learn how to use the Porter Cable 7424 dual action buffer with CCS Smart Pads by Lake Country. Polish swirl remover car wax polisher wax buffing pad

(The instructions apply to any brand orbital/DA polisher.)

There are way more qualified detailers than I at Autogeek, but I usually start with a white pad, go to a more aggressive yellow if necessary, then back up to white, then finish with black or red.

Honestly, I'd recommend reading every section in the Detailing How-To. But there's no need to be intimidated. You're working on your own cars. They're daily drivers, and you'll be using a DA machine.

Go slowly, do small (~2'X2') sections at a time. Wipe off the dust after the first section, pull it out into the sun, check it out. If it's where you want to be, do one panel at a time, continuing in small sections.

If not, you can repeat the same polish/pad combo, or go a little more aggressive. You'll get the hang of it quickly. The results are well worth the expense and effort.

Good luck! Let's see some pics.

Jay
 
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Thanks Jay,
This forum can get addictive and time consuming.
I have done a lot of reading to this point where I am not getting much done.
I am feeling under the pressure to make the RIGHT purchase due the start up cost.
I am a type of buyer that wants to buy the right product first.
I feel I am gambling a bit on buying the new G110v2 as its still in the review stage.
Lots of advice for Newbie’s to buy the new GG , but when I read and saw the video review on the new G110v2, I thought that be perfect what I need as a week-end polisher.
I think the only change I make to my order is increasing the pads to 2 each.
I am looking forward to polishing the cars with the right tools.
 
You will want to add some quality microfiber towels to that order. This is the perfect time to get some, because almost all of the MF towels are BOGO. You will also need a QD or Clay lube. I don't have any experience with the Megs polishing pads, but you will want ATLEAST 2 of each.

I would also recomend making sure all of your washing products/methods are top notch (not neccesarily the most expensive, just good quality). You don't want to spend all of your time doing a paint correction on your families cars, and then introduce new swirls with poor washing techniques/supplies.

Good luck, and have fun. Once you get started, it becomes much less intimidating...
 
My goal is to have the car shine better then the average car. Not looking for a show room finish

You can't go wrong with the Wolfgang line to polish and seal, followed by a layer or two of DP Max Wax.

I suggest you start out at the top, then you don't have to spend money to keep moving up to a better product.
 
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Blackfire said:
My goal is to have the car shine better then the average car. Not looking for a show room finish

You can't go wrong with the Wolfgang line to polish and seal, followed by a layer or two of DP Max Wax.

I suggest you start out at the top, then you don't have to spend money to keep moving up to a better product.
Click to expand...

I agree 100% I've tried a lot of products and the Wolfgang line is hard to beat. Right now you can get the TSR and FG combo for like $40 an absolute steal. Their FG is truly an amazing product.
 
I really appreciate the feedback so far.

I am still not 100% on the new G110v2 Polisher and the right pads that go with it.
But AG has a good deal on this polisher and the Meg Soft buff 2.0 Foam pads.
Will this Polisher and Pads work will with the WG products?
I read so much on how important to have the right combo.
I hope I am right.
 
Just a note Jump, I have not seen pics of your cars, but I am taking for granted that they have probably never been clayed before?? If this is the case, i would recommend another clay other then the pinnacle. It is a great clay, but made for very light contaminants, and for people that want to keep their finish in perfect condition. It would work, but you would be there for a week due to its very gentle claying.

The WG clay would be better suited for your first claying of the cars.
Wolfgang Elastic Poly Clay Bar, wolfgang car care,wolfgang clay lubricant,clay lube,clean water spots,remove water spots from car,compound car,clay
You can use a quick detailer if you already have one for the lube, otherwise, you can get the clay combo found here:
The Wolfgang Clay Combo, Wolfgang Poly Clay, Clay Lubricant Spray

Now, on to the pads.....
I have never tried the meguires, so can not honestly give a recommendation one way or the other. However, I highly recommend the Lake Country Hydro pads. There have been a couple people that have had problems with the velcro, but I have used mine quite a bit, and have had no problems to date. They are by far my favorite combo of pads. I would recommend getting at least 2 of each, cyan and tangerine.

Polisher, again, I have never used, and can not comment. However, there are plenty of people that use it, and are happy with it. On the other hand, the PCXP and Griots new model are also suppose to be tops. I do not think you will go wrong with any of them. They all do much better then their previous models, and if anything should go wrong with them, you are buying from one of the best customer support businesses around!!

You will be extremely happy with the polishes. They are very good in doing what they say they will do, and are EXTREMELY easy to work with!!

The WG deep gloss paint sealant is by far one of the best sealants out. The ease of use, look, and durability you get are EXCELLENT!!!
 
Congrats on the decision to clean up your portion of the neighborhood Jump. I'm sure you'll impress the folks around you. Maybe even get a request to do someone elses car, make a few bucks to pay for your new found hobby.

I'd stick with the Meguiar's pads. They are a great pad from a great company and it's simple to follow the logic; only three pads to worry about buying when/if you find you need more. They'll do the job for you. If you eventually come across a car that needs more cut, Meguiar's wool pads will fill that bill.

Pics when you can!
 
I dont have v2 but I have the one prior to that. I love it! I dont think you can go wrong with Megs, I use mainly their products and I love the DA. I have used a PC as well and my personal preferance is the Megs. I might be biased since its my machine but I dont think so It just feels nice and I havent had a single problem with it and I do a descent amout of volume with it. I also like the megs pads alot. They havent given me any problems either.
A tip-- clean your pads after every use. I dont have a pad washer or any special detergent, I use hot water from the sink and a stiff brissle (not too stiff) to brush out the caked on compound. Rinse it out and let it dry pad side down so you dont mess up the glue on the velcro side. Doing this will preserve the pad life and in my opinion give you better results.
Last tip-- Just have FUN!!!! Thats what its all about. And you have it great because you are only doing your own personal cars so just enjoy the challenge/success.
Hope this helps
Peace,
Jon
 
I have read and read more threads to the point my wife is saying what are you doing so long on the computer. I am a perfectionist and what to do things right the first time.

What a feeling when I hand polish my daughters Red Grand Am last summer and their friend’s say who detailed ur car. My daughter proudly says it’s my dad. That’s a great feeling. Doing by hand it looks ok (my daughter thinks it looks great) , but killing me in how long it takes and my body aches with no power tool. I keep saying to myself this must be a better way. Now that my other daughter has a car to drive that she shares with her Mom. That’s two to do this spring and my company car is last on the list.

I really looked at the new Flex, but just too costly for a week-end polisher and Mike challenges newbie’s to rethink about going with a DA polishers. Sometimes I need to be realist and do what’s practical. I got to think with my pocketbook and not pretend I am going to do this professionally. But the little guy on my right shoulder says go big or go home. But the lady on my left other shoulder says (my wife) You Crazy, you only do two to three cars a year.

So here is my revised shopping cart:
1. New G110v2 Polisher
2. Meg Soft Buff 2.O 6 pack deal ( 2 cutting, 2 Polishing, 2 Finishing)
3. WG Clay Combo – 200gm (will this do 2 cars?)
4. WG TSR & FG
5. WG Deep Gloss
6. Cobra Micro towels
7. I been using a no name brand to wash the car. I am thinking I should move to a higher quality car bath shampoo. My initial starting cost keep added up. .
Pictures to come…
 
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Here are the pictures.
Its been raining all week and cars have not been washed. You can even see the neighbor cat paws walking on the black hood. Hmmm
At least gives you what I am up against.
I am hoping my shopping wish list from AG will help with some paint correction on the black car.
 
Jumpball said:
I have read and read more threads to the point my wife is saying what are you doing so long on the computer. I am a perfectionist and what to do things right the first time.
Click to expand...


Yes! I TOTALLY believe in doing things the right way the first time. A fellow perfectionist!! Cool!!! (even though I have screwed up before trying to do it right, LOL)

:dblthumb2:
 
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