Correcting a 'wheeled hard' Jeep

[Machine154]

Subject: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Backstory: I am done offroading it and will be putting it back to stock. I want to get it back in nice aesthetic shape to drive it for awhile and then eventually sell it maybe in a year.
My detailing experience: Essentially none, other than claying and same Zaino stuff.
My tools: I have a Craftsman 3/8 HP 6" rotary, 1400 RPM & 1650 RPM. Just ordered adapter so I can run 5/8" backers. I expect that this will not be a career or lasting hobby, so I don't want to over-invest.
My initial questions: From reading the forum and seeing some videos, I know that DA units are safer, but I question that they have the capacity to correct my issues based on the other comments. I have deep glass scratches, paint scratches over a large portion of the vehicle, and plastic windows that need corrected also. Is it reasonable to pursue correcting this glass (see pic)? For the plastic softtop, can I use a polish like M205 or do I need to buy a separate one for plastic? If I am going to try to correct these paint scratches, do you envision that I should get a paint thickness gauge or I can get by without it? Should I use a smaller diameter backer and pad 4 3/4 backer and 5 or 6" pad to keep the heat/speed down to prevent damage since I am a rookie?
The pics:

Pillar

Softtop Window

Paint

Side window

Looking for any guidance I can get.

Thanks!!!

 

[Jomax]

Bump. I'm curious if it's possible to get a defect free finish.


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[ihaveacamaro]

Some of those scratches wont come out, as they look to have gone through the paint, and into the primer.

I think a glass polish would make your windshield 10x better, but not defect free.

You don't need to buy a paint thickness gauge, as you are going to be selling the car anyways.

TBH, I don't think you will be able to do much without a DA or something stronger than a drill.

 

[Eandras]

Some of those scratches wont come out, as they look to have gone through the paint, and into the primer.

I think a glass polish would make your windshield 10x better, but not defect free.

You don't need to buy a paint thickness gauge, as you are going to be selling the car anyways.

TBH, I don't think you will be able to do much without a DA or something stronger than a drill.

:iagree: You will not get the Jeep 100%. Not even 90%. Some of the scratches require a repaint.

Ed

 

[Machine154]

:iagree: You will not get the Jeep 100%. Not even 90%. Some of the scratches require a repaint.

Ed

I can accept that. How do I judge how far I can take it? and would you agree that a rotary is required for this work? Any other recommendations?

 

[ihaveacamaro]

I can accept that. How do I judge how far I can take it? and would you agree that a rotary is required for this work? Any other recommendations?

If you see white instead of red, that scratch will never be fixed. White is primer.

No, a rotary is NOT required. In fact, considering you are new, do NOT buy or use a rotary. It is not something you want to just pick up and go at your car with.

Pick up a DA orbital polisher like the PC 7424 XP. You will need a pretty aggressive combo for your car, so what I would recommend is Meguiars Porter Cable Ultra Polish Kit with 5.5 Inch Pads, Meguiar's Mirror Glaze Polishing Kit, Meguiars polishes, Porter Cable 7424 Mirror Glaze

 

[Machine154]

FWIW, Ceriglass on LC 5" Glass Cutting Discs didn't make any visual improvement and actually added some very fine scratches to the glass. I spent a lot of time trying to work one window and then even one small spot and had no luck whatsover. I would be buried in a pine box before having a chance or correcting the windows with this method

These new fine scratches couldn't be taken out with orange cutting pads and Ceriglass. I can't logic how this could work for anyone.

I did a small section of the body with M105 on a LC orange foam pad and my rotary. Huge improvement on the paint. I'm impressed with this stuff.

 

[Vegas Transplant]

FWIW, Ceriglass on LC 5" Glass Cutting Discs didn't make any visual improvement and actually added some very fine scratches to the glass. I spent a lot of time trying to work one window and then even one small spot and had no luck whatsover. I would be buried in a pine box before having a chance or correcting the windows with this method

These new fine scratches couldn't be taken out with orange cutting pads and Ceriglass. I can't logic how this could work for anyone.

I did a small section of the body with M105 on a LC orange foam pad and my rotary. Huge improvement on the paint. I'm impressed with this stuff.

Those aren't scratches in the side windows...lol...they're gouges.

 

[BuckeyeR/T]

I have been told that if the scratch catches your finger nail it is too deep to fix completely.