Help with Rallye Red Honda Civic 08 Daily Driver

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Drew.culp

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I've been researching and learning a lot the last few months with so much information here, but as a beginner what would you all recommend for my daily driver 2008 Honda Civic Si Rallye Red. I have been the original owner but have abused my paint with drive through washes and free way commuting. I have plenty of small paint chips that I intend to fill with some Honda factory paint, and probably many RIDS. I have tried my best to keep it waxed but never knew that using dish soap was stripping my wax like it was. I've invested in costco mf's, two bucket wash w/ grit guards, waffle weave drying towels, Klasse twins, ONR, and nanoskin fine mitt (that I am excited to try after being so frustrated dropping clays). After good success with the Klasse twins on my wife's car, I'd like to try to help my poor DD with some paint correction. I'm not expecting to get show car quality but want better than it is now.

I'm interested in getting the Griot’s Garage 6" and will probably look for a package on AG. I know my Honda paint is very soft so I'd rather get advise before I spend money on stuff I don't need. What polish/compound/pads would be safe for my inexperience?

I've read plenty here about Iron X and am close to giving it a try, will I notice a difference?

Also I'd be interested in advise on considering a coating because my car is DD and really can't be garaged right now. I've read some say it is a must for honda's soft clear coat.

Here are is a picture of my car and tried to get a close up of the hood and some of the damage I'm working with.

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Thanks for the compliments Mike!!! But I'm just a hobbyist like everyone else. :)

Our paint (Rallye Red) is indeed very soft. I was able to achieve amazing results with just a finishing polish (Meguiar's Ultra Finishing Polish M205). I had heavy swirl marks from the improper washing of the previous owner but this polish took care of them with ease. I would highly suggest getting this product or similar (such as Menzerna Power Finish PF2500).

What brand of pads are you planning to get? The Meguiar's W8207 or W8006 yellow polishing pads worked great for me. I would use this as my first step and see how the paint responds. Granted, you're planning to use the GG6 but I used my Rupes polisher so our first step results may vary. If this step doesn't remove the amount of defects you desire then I would step it up to a mild paint cleaner or compound such as Meguiar's Ultimate Compound (or Menzerna SI1500 or similar). I wouldn't dare use a heavy compound such as M105, FG400 or the microfiber cutting discs on this paint. It's just too soft.

Either path you choose to take, I would highly suggest to fine polish the paint afterwards. I would highly suggest using the Meguiar's W9207 black finishing pad (or similar such as Lake Country Grey finishing pads) with your favorite finishing polish such as M205, SF4500 or similar.

These are just recommendations for paint correction. The others should be easier.

Here are some threads on how I did my car:

Initial detail: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/61971-detailed-2009-honda-civic-si-rallye-red.html

Finishing detail: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...hotoshoot-2009-honda-civic-si-rallye-red.html

Hope this helps. We're all here to help you out and answer any more questions you may have.
 
To answer your other questions...

IronX IMO is more of a luxury item. Yes it removes and dissolves iron particles with ease. But I think claying is good enough. This product is very expensive and a person tends to use 1 bottle for 1 car. That's $20 right there. Yes it's cool to see the color changing effects but with our car, you would barely see anything until the solution drips to the floor.

As for coating, I have only tried opti-coat 2.0 and I love this stuff. It just plain works and there are some 2-3 year testing with this. I haven't tried anything else yet so I don't want to recommend anything else or compare this to others. But if you enjoy waxing your car, I would skip the coating and just wax/seal your car often.
 
Thanks Marc. So I have no preference or experience with brands, but M205 has a good reputation so I'd lean towards that. I was looking at this package but switching to 5.5in pads. Griot’s Garage & Meguiar’s Paint Perfection Kit 3rd Generation!
I know I won't need the M105 but I will use it with other cars someday. I will probably consider Meguiar's Ultimate Polish.

What pads do you guys recommend for me. Lake county ccs or flat pads? What colors? How many do I need? I probably prefer hand application for wax but also have never used a machine before.

Do I need any other products to be ready for LSP?
 
I've read a lot of good things about duragloss products. Would that be a better option than m205 and Meguiar's Ultimate Polish followed by Klasse Twins and/or collinite 845.
 
Drew.culp said:
Thanks Marc. So I have no preference or experience with brands, but M205 has a good reputation so I'd lean towards that. I was looking at this package but switching to 5.5in pads. Griot’s Garage & Meguiar’s Paint Perfection Kit 3rd Generation!
I know I won't need the M105 but I will use it with other cars someday. I will probably consider Meguiar's Ultimate Polish.

What pads do you guys recommend for me. Lake county ccs or flat pads? What colors? How many do I need? I probably prefer hand application for wax but also have never used a machine before.

Do I need any other products to be ready for LSP?

I've read a lot of good things about duragloss products. Would that be a better option than m205 and Meguiar's Ultimate Polish followed by Klasse Twins and/or collinite 845.
Click to expand...

I prefer flat pads than the CCS pads. With that being said, I would buy things ala carte or if there's any bundles that include the LC flat pads or Meguiar's softbuff 2.0 pads.

I already recommended pads for you in my first reply. I would say about 3 for the first step and 1 or 2 for the finishing step and another 1 for the waxing step if you choose to do that.

I don't have experience with Klasse. You could use 845 if you want. It's just a sealant. You can use any sealant you want after the finishing polish step.
 
Drew, great questions and its evident you are doing your homework to try and get it right. I am a big fan of GG products including their 6" polisher, their pads, polishes and waxes. I started out using their system along with their detailing how to book. You can't go wrong. All their products work well together and it's hard to mess up. Try it. They also have a lifetime guarantee and excellent customer support.

Good luck

Fred
Fred's Mobile Auto Spa
Virginia
 
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