And the guinea pig is... (first time using rotary)

[Shineworks10]

A trashed Honda Civic Hatchback

I recently became the new owner of an old Black & Decker rotary (same as Dewalt 849) and have been searching for a car to practice on. Came across this gem that is not being driven and has been sitting at my uncle's for who knows how long. So I strike a deal with him, once I get comfortable with using the rotary, his car will be next on my list.

Since I was practicing with the rotary, I decided to test many different products and pads. These are the ones that come to mind:

Black & Decker rotary
Meguiars g110
6.5" LC white polishing pad
7" Meguiars cutting pad
5.5" LC white polishing pad
Meguiars Ultimate Compound
Swirl X
D151
M02
M105
Top of the Line compound
Meguiars Gold Class paste wax (picked it up for a dollar a while back and thought this would be a great opportunity to try it out)

Enough typing, onto the pictures:

Upon picking up the car:

Read panel after washing/clay bar:

Hood after wash:

Before:

After:

Passenger door before:

50/50

Reflection before:

Reflection after:

Rear panel after:

I struggled with controlling the rotary in the beginning so I loosened my grip and by the time I finished, I was able to move it where I want, when I want even on vertical surfaces. The car is still not perfect but looks way better. As always, C&C welcome.

 

[slickooz]

This being your first detail with a rotary, you did a GREAT job! I haven't had much time playing with a rotary but they are a must have tool when correcting a real beat up car. I'm sure your uncle will be very happy with the results. rops:
:buffing::buffing::buffing:

 

[jimmyjam]

Very very good work! :xyxthumbs:

 

[sohail99]

Great job!! :xyxthumbs:

btw did you finish with a rotary too?

Sometimes I find that its better to finish with a DA!(mostly soft paints)

 

[rohnramirez]

Well done!

 

[BobbyG]

There's nothing like the power and effectiveness of a rotary polisher.

When I started back in the last century that's all we had so mastering it was essential. Foam pads weren't invented yet so wool type pads were all we had.. That said, we still did some pretty darn nice work...:laughing:

I enjoy using a rotary, probably for that reason. I have my OLD, tried and trued Craftsman Professional that has more miles on it then the space shuttle.

I bought a new Makita 9227 last summer and was talked into adding Flex's new 14-2-150 Rotary Polisher to my collection....Great polisher by the way and I'm glad I stepped up and bought one.

Dual Action Polishers

Flex 3401 and Porter Cables 7424.

Nice transformation on the Honda. rops:

 

[Shoe_08057]

A trashed Honda Civic Hatchback

Not anymore!! Nice work. Real nice.

:dblthumb2:

 

[tuscarora dave]

That looks very nice for your first shot with the rotary. You couldn't even tell it had such nice flake in the before pics. Keep on practicing and keep a supply of tape on hand. Just when you start to think you don't need the tape the rotary bites into an edge and teaches you that tape is still a good Idea. Nice work, keep it up.:dblthumb2:

 

[Shineworks10]

Great job!! :xyxthumbs:

btw did you finish with a rotary too?

Sometimes I find that its better to finish with a DA!(mostly soft paints)

Yea, I finished with a DA. Used the rotary to get the majority of the swirls out and DA to fine tune it.

 

[Boozman]

Looks good:buffing: