Forum Sticky for New Comers

[c8n]

Not sure if this has been addressed prior but I think it might be a good idea to have a sticky so that new comers can answer some questions regarding their situation. This way members can address the issue on hand more efficiently. Most often than not, there aren't enough information provided to give good advice. Not to mention, it can be a good reference in the future for the members to enjoy. This is all I can think of for now....

Make:
Model:
Year:
Color:

Describe your car: Showroom, Garage Queen or Daily Driver

Defects to address: Provide pictures whenever possible and clearly describe the defect and can you feel the defect by hand

Products on hand to address the defect:

Work method: Hand or machine. If by machine, advise make and model

Work area: Garage, shaded area or out in the open

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Describe your car: Showroom, Garage Queen or Daily Driver

That's good plus describe the catagory the paint condition is in...


Page 37 - Paint Condition Categories

:xyxthumbs:

 

[c8n]

I guess we should also add experience level...

 

[shammond]

Make: BMW
Model: 330i
Year:2002
Color: Jet Black

Describe your car: Daily Driver (although I work from home and do not drive a ton of miles)

Defects to address: Black with road rash, swirl marks, and a couple of small scratches. I have a small dent in the trunk I am going to need to have repaired. I was thinking I would need a new paint job but Mikes videos may be able to save me some money.

Products on hand to address the defect: I am ordering a PC7424XP, Grits machine polishing kit and sealant, a glass cleaning kit (I saw Mike demonstrate and must have), a 6inch and 3 inch backing plate so I can do both large and small areas, and some Dr Colorship for rock marks and a couple of scratches. I am also ordering Sonus engine wax and starting in the engine bay.

Work method: Hand or machine. PC 7424 XP

Work area: Shaded carport with fluorescent lights.

Paint condition: 4 Mildly neglected.

I will get some pics posted but I am embarrassed by what I thought was detailing in the past.

For the interior I already have the Meguiars Leather and Vinyls cleaning products and will use them. I also plan to use the gallon of meguiars car wash. I already own them and do not want to waste them since i think they are adequate products.

I plan to keep the car for a long time (I have had is 9 years) because I am tall and it fits me. Plus I like the body style.

Any input is appreciated and thank you all very much. I look forward to this.

 

[c8n]

Wow... I wasn't expecting anyone to use this so soon but really was a suggestion I was hoping AG mods will consider.

But anyways, one suggestion I would want to make is possibly ordering a compound to tackle your scratches. I am assuming you ordered the Griots Garage Polish and Sealant kit which is fine for maintenace details but for paint correction, the Griots Garage Machine Polish 3 might not have enough of a cut.

 

[shammond]

What would your recommend? I can get my fingernail into one scratch.

 

[shammond]

Also I just realized I posted in the Sticky. I can move if you all all like. From a newbie perspective this gave a guide for the info you need. My opinion is that if someone is going to help you the least you can do is make it as easy as possible for them, and in the long run you.

 

[c8n]

What would your recommend? I can get my fingernail into one scratch.

If your finger nail can catch it, its probably too deep.
Since you ordered the Dr. Colorchip, I would be interesting to know how well this will fill that scratch.

Traditional method would be to use touch up paint, wet sand down and compound. However for a novice, really would not recommend doing any kind of sanding as it is pretty easy to go thru your clear coat. For your reference, do check out the following thread.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/43535-key-repair-step-step-procedure.html

However for your other lighter scratches, many like the M105 or you can easy pick up its consumer counter part Meg's Ultimate Compound at your local auto parts store or Walmart and the likes. It finishes pretty nice but it can cause DA haze on soft paint in which case, would need to follow up with M205/Ultimate Polish.

Always do a test spot using the least aggressive method first and move on up.

On my Acura, I found that M105 on LC orange pads works well for light scratches and most often than not, didn't have to deal with DA haze.