A very shabby Saab, where do I start?

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900se

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First some pics....

From a distance it doesnt look too bad,

SAM_6518.jpg


SAM_6510.jpg


SAM_6509.jpg


However the previous owner must have been washing the car with sandy water and an old pair of boxers.

SAM_6563.jpg


SAM_6566.jpg


And here and there it looks as though a cat has been doing Starsky and Hutch on the bonnet and wing tops.

SAM_6565.jpg




The cat scratches should polish out as I cannot feel them when I run my finger nail over them. The car feels gritty when I run my hand over it.


Now , I dont have an electric polishing machine although a fellow Saab driver has offered to help with his.

There is a thread about the car over on UKSaabs but I thought I would post here as well just to gather as much info on the best way to deal with this..

UKSaabs • View topic - Best hand polish?


Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
 
I'm just a beginner myself, but I would wash, clay, polish/swirl remover, then wax. Start with the least aggressive method first, and see how much it improves. When it comes to what products to use, I'm sure there are folks here who have a lot more experience/knowledge about that. Good Luck!
 
With a finish like that I wouldnt bother going least aggressive first. I would start more in the middle of aggressiveness and start from there.

Does your friend have a machine for this? If not I would wait untill you guys could get one because doing that level of work will make your arms very fatigued halfway through the job.
 
smack said:
With a finish like that I wouldnt bother going least aggressive first. I would start more in the middle of aggressiveness and start from there.
Click to expand...

Would middle aggressiveness include compound?
 
It all depends on which product on which pad it is used on. Different pad and liquid combos will produce different results based on the variables on what product is used on which pad. Get it?
 
marky3320 said:
Would middle aggressiveness include compound?
Click to expand...

There are,

Compounds
Medium Cut Polishes
Fine Cut Polishes
Ultra Fine Cut Polishes

To correct your car's paint you will likely need a Medium Cut Polish. See this article,

Word Definitions - Compounds, Polishes, Glazes, Paint Cleaners and Waxes



If you friend that has an eclectic polish only has a rotary buffer, nothing wrong with that but read this thread...


http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...742-looking-detailer-florida-please-help.html


It's usually better to finish out using a DA Polisher of some sort and not just rely on only a rotary buffer.

Cool car, I've always liked Saabs...


:)
 
Thanks guys, the fella who has the polisher has said he would use a combination of Meguires Ultimate Compound and Autoglym Super Resin Polish. I think he uses a rotary polisher.
Is there any treatment I need to use before the polishing stage? Soap etc? A clay bar has been suggested, do I need to do anything to the car first?

Also, after the polishing stage can I wax or seal the car? I would like a good deep shine if I am going to go the whole hog with it.
 
Yes clay it will take away the gritty feel away.
 
Always try to stick to the basics and not over complicate things.... If the finish feels rough after the wash and rinse what you're feeling are particles of embedded dirt and grime that needs to be removed.

1. Wash - A thorough washing with a quality car wash soap is a great idea.

2. Clay - Using a detailer's clay and clay lube, go over each panel to ensure you've removed the embedded particles. Clay also removes remaining waxes, tree sap, and grime. If done correctly the finish should now feel like glass...

3. Compounds - Will remove many of the surface defects up to 1000 grit.

4. Polish - Will refine the finish leaving it bright and feeling like glass

5. Sealants - Will give that gloss much needed protection and shinny wet.

6. Wax - Is the tried and trued product of the purists. There's nothing like a carnauba wax to leave the finish looking dripping wet,,

Some examples of great products that work well and leave the finish breathtaking...

Strictly Products

Wash - Duragloss #901
Clay - Meguiar’s Clay
Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (POS34A)
Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (PO106FA)
Sealant - Ultima Paint Guard Plus
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner
Glass Treatment - Aquapel
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean
Interior Protectant - Meguiar’s M40

http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-all-metal-sealant.html
 
900se said:
Thanks guys, the fella who has the polisher has said he would use a combination of Meguires Ultimate Compound and Autoglym Super Resin Polish.

I think he uses a rotary polisher.
Click to expand...


That's what I figured just because of your location, there's not as many choices for DA Polishers where you live.

Here's the deal, if want to make sure the finish you're leaving is free from any holograms then test out your process by only buffing out the hood. After all of the machine steps using the rotary buffer on just the hood, take and wash the car really well with a strong car wash solution or even a detergent wash like dish washing soap and then move the car into full, overhead sun and inspect the paint.


Like I show how I'm using the sun here to inspect for swirls,

[video=youtube_share;7j2Lokh5ooQ&hd=1"]1965 Candy Raspberry..."..." target="_blank">1965 Candy Raspberry..."...[/video]


IF the paint looks swirl-free then do the same steps over the rest of the car and then apply your choice of wax or a paint sealant. If they don't look like what you're hoping for then post back here what you see.

The point being is if you don't strip the finish and inspect the paint in bright light you won't know if you're leaving swirls in the paint or not. This is only important if a swirl-free finish is important to you.

If you read any detailing discussion forum long enough you'll see one of the most common complaints are people discovering swirls or holograms in their paint after a detail job and then asking for help to undo the damage. So evaluate yourself and figure out what it is you want and then you'll know whether you want or even need to test your process.

Of course, even if your process leaves fine swirls, as long as you keep the paint thoroughly waxed the wax will hide the swirls so it can be a non-issue.


:)
 
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