First and foremost the best investment you can make to keep your vehicle looking great and hold some resale value is investing in a Porter Cable Dual Action Polisher. It is also sold under the badges of 7336 / 7336SP, and finally the most popular 7424 which is available for purchase right here on autogeek. Great way to take advantage of that 10% off code!
Forgive me, Im just going to reiterate some things maybe but here it goes:
Washing/Drying:
I CANNOT EMPHASIZE ENOUGH HOW important proper washing and drying is to maintain a swirl free finish.
For this, you want a proper wash mitt and drying towel. For a washmit, I recommend the Schmitt. It is a soft foam with a scrubber for lower areas. It can be machine washed, and many members here have nothing but great things to say about, me personally it’s the best wash mitt ever made.
http://autogeek.net/shmitt.html
And for drying look at the Cobra Guzzler! By far, the best drying towel I have set eyes on. It is 28" x 54" and will dry your beautiful corvette streak free every time. I suggest grabbing one for your big truck! This will help prevent water spots by sucking up the water effectively and completely.
http://autogeek.net/waffle-weave-drying-towel.html
Claying:
about:
http://autogeek.net/clbaandlu.html
My picks:
http://autogeek.net/piulpoclkit.html
http://autogeek.net/wg8000.html
Wax and Sealants:
Now there is a difference here. Waxes are pastes and liquids consisting of either a Carnauba base [natural wax] or a synthetic polymer base [synthetic]. Waxes tend to give the best look of depth and shimmering out of the two, but do not last that long as far as protection is concerned.
This is why a lot of people use both! Sealants form a hard layer on your clear coat to protect your paint. They give a more reflective look to your paint and a very wet look. How do you combine these great elements you ask? Well you use them both. I prefer to lay down a layer of sealant, let it cure for a while and then put a layer of my favorite Carnauba wax on there.
My suggestions for waxes are either DP Maxwax or Nattys Blue or Nattys Blue depending on if your car is a darker hue [nattys blue, or lighter [paste] . All 3 are at a great price point and will give you great results. For sealants, look at the Duragloss #105 topped with Duragloss Aquawax. A truly BRILIANT look for a synthetic sealant!
Polishing:
As far as polishing goes, the Porter Cable 7424 is a great tool. While similar to many orbital polishers, it is more powerful than most around. The PC can do astounding corrective work once trained up on it and it a good investment. I suggest you look at the videos on this page as they might help you assess the damage and what polishes you will need on your beauty.
http://autogeek.net/xmt.html ,
http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/video/
As far as pad choices go, I know the price is a little steep for the whole set, but go for the full set of Edge2k pads. They are double sided, so basically 2 in one on each pad. This kit gives you some pad care products, the pads, and buffing bonnets to take off waxes, along with the edge adapter. An EXCELLENT deal!
http://autogeek.net/foam-polishing-kit.html
Welcome to car OCD, and we hope you enjoy your ride! Don’t be shy to PM any one of out members for some help if you need it!
Polishes: Optimum Polish, Optimum Compound, no dusting, great lubrication, great results,
[FONT="]Pinnacle XMT : XMT 1 / 2 / 3 in order of abrasiveness from least [1] to greatest [3]. Minimum to no dusting, leaves a brilliant finish, and they are formulated FOR the PC. [/FONT]
