Hello from Orlando

[scottmoyer]

Hey all. I've used the website for information in the past, but never registered. It seems that nobody uses the machine I have anymore, a Flex LK-603ve. For Christmas, my wife got me the PC 7424XP, so I decided to join the forums and learn how to use the newer DA and learn which pads and polishes are best for my car.

Now, the car. I have a 1987 Camaro IROC-Z with 18k miles. In 2000, I used the Flex and 3M products to make the paint glow. Since then, I haven't been able to duplicate those initial efforts and 11 years later, the car shows a few signs that it needs to be polished again.

I also worked my wife's Camaro to a beautiful, swirl free shine. However, like I mentioned, I can't seem to duplicate my initial efforts.

I live in Orlando now and don't know if there is a difference in my ability based on environment, the products I used, or the technique. Either way, I'm here to learn from the experts. I am also the moderator of the History/Restoration forum at thirdgen.org. So, what I learn here might be usable in helping others with getting the ultimate shine from their cars. Thanks and I look forward to learning. I also do Paintless Dent Removal on the side, so I'm used to looking at reflections and definitely prefer a deep shine!!

 

[LuxuryMobile]

Welcome, I am also from Orlando.

PM some contact info for your Paintless Dent Removal. Would love to see some pictures of your work as I have been looking for someone to use.

 

[dad07]

:welcome: to AGO some great looking rides you got there!

 

[BobbyG]

Hello my warm weather friend!

:welcome: To Autogeek Online!! rops:

Gorgeous Camaro's you have there!!

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Hi Scott,

Welcome to Autogeek Online! :welcome:


Nice looking rides you have there... 3M makes some good products and I'm not sure about all of their consumer products but most if not all of their professional line states they should be applied using rotary buffer, not DA Polishers, just something to be mindful of.


DA Polishers like the PC are awesome tools, you can do a lot with them using the right pads, products and technique. Having a rotary for the major work makes for a great combination of tool.

If you want to remove swirls, polish to a high gloss and then machine wax your rides then then take a look at some of these options...

Pinnacle
Pinnacle Advanced Swirl Remover
Pinnacle Advanced Finishing Polish

I use the above for a lot of the car projects we do here in the studio, here are two recent jobs tackled with Pinnacle.


1959 Chevrolet El Camino - Extreme Makeover - Modeled by Christina


Before

Inspecting the paint visually - Inside
After wiping the exterior down using Detailer's Pro Series Waterless Wash it was time to inspect the paint for swirls using artificial lights...

The entire finish looks like this...

After

1939 Lincoln Zephyr - Swirls Removed - Modeled by Nicole


Before

Here are the pictures I took showing the true condition of the paint.....

Picture = 1939LincolnZephyr015.jpg

These next three shots are all cropped out from the above picture...

1939LincolnZephyr015a.jpg

1939LincolnZephyr015b.jpg

1939LincolnZephyr015c.jpg

I walked around the Zephyr and captured these swirl shots...

After

Blackfire Products

2011 Camaro - Modeled by Amy

Here's Robert preparing to prime his pad using Blackfire Scratch Resistant Clear Compound

Robert does a Test Spot on the hood to dial-in the process the rest of us will duplicate over the rest of the car. For this he's using the Flex 3401 with a Cyan Hydro-Tech Cutting Pad and the Blackfire Scratch Resistant Compound. This combination of products on the 5.0 Speed Setting removed all but the deepest RIDS

Here you can see the tint in the tinted clear coming off the car as we compound it and onto the face of the pad. This is nothing to worry about, keep in mind when you're doing any correction work on a clearcoat paint system you too are removing paint that is building up on the face of your buffing pad but because the paint is clear you won't see it build-up on the face of your pad.


See this article,
Why it's important to clean your pads often...

That's me compounding the lower rear quarter panel, if it has paint it gets polished...

Working the Flex around the Camaro Script...



Robert tackling the hood...

If you're in the Palm Stuart area, Robert owns Impressions Fine Automotive Detailing and is a top notch professional and you'll get nothing but complete satisfaction from his work.

Todd Helme gets ready to start on the passenger side...

Teamwork...

At this point we're machine polishing the paint using the Flex 3401 with Crimson Hydro-Tech Finishing Pads and Blackfire Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish.

After
Here Amy's using the technique I wrote about in this article,

How to correctly fold and use a Microfiber Towel

Compound
BLACKFIRE Scratch Resistant Clear Compound

Polish
BLACKFIRE Scratch Resistant Clear Finishing Polish

 

[CEE DOG]

Looking great! Welcome to AG from a fellow Orlandoian

 

[scottmoyer]

Thanks everyone. Here are the marks that I'm looking to get rid of. Not too bad after 11+ years since the last time I did this!!

 

[BobbyG]

Thanks everyone. Here are the marks that I'm looking to get rid of. Not too bad after 11+ years since the last time I did this!!

NOT BAD is an understatement Scott, that finish still looks stunning!! :dblthumb2:

 

[tw33k2514]

Welcome to AGO!