New Black Honda Pilot - What to Start With?

hawkman

New member
Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
I'm new to the forums here and thought I knew how to clean a car... either I was wrong or you all have way to much time.. :)

I have a new 2009 black Honda pilot and was wondering what I really need. I can see some fine swirl marks in the finish but really just minor. The dealer waxed it and I also did a coat of zymol because they missed spots. Do I let this wear off or will a polish/cleaner take this off?

I already ordered the Porter Cable polisher but now I need some pads, polish, and wax.

From what I have read you start out with the polish then finish with a wax or sealant. I normally wax 2x a year have used Zymol in the past.. again, not knowing anything other than wiping wax on and off.

Shopping List

  1. Porter Cable
  2. Grit Guard
  3. Drying ??
  4. Polish ??
  5. Wax ??
  6. LC Pads ??
I was hoping I can use the PC to put the stuff on and take it off.. so what pad do I need to take it off with?

Thanks in advance!
 
Well I will offer my 2 cents;

1: Flex 3401 vrg (more correcting power than a porter cable)
2: Wash Grit guard and 2 buckets for washing
3: Drying - a good soft waffle weave drying towel
4: Polish - since car is new you probably dont need anything too strong. Menzerna po106fa or a more economical 1z Pro Line High Gloss or Meguiars M205. If staying with the porter cable I would give the Meguiars or 1z the nod. Both of those products are recommended for use with PC.
5a: wax - Many will recommend Pinnacle Souveran which is great for looks, but lasts about 4 weeks. Natty's Blue is a more economical wax choice for dark vehicles which looks great and has a bit more durability.
5b: Sealants - I personally prefer sealants, and like Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant on black as well as DG 105. (might also want wolfgang paintwork polish enhancer if using wdgps or might want dg 501 or dg 601 if using dg 105). Many here also like Collinite 845.
6: pads - I recommend a minimum of about 3 orange polish pads and 3 fine polish pads. I apply wax and sealants by hand so you could get by in my opinion with just the above.

These are just my preferences, you can do more or less and others will chime in with equally good options. Main thing is all the AG products are good and you cant really go wrong.
 
Well I will offer my 2 cents;

1: Flex 3401 vrg (more correcting power than a porter cable)
2: Wash Grit guard and 2 buckets for washing
3: Drying - a good soft waffle weave drying towel
4: Polish - since car is new you probably dont need anything too strong. Menzerna po106fa or a more economical 1z Pro Line High Gloss or Meguiars M205. If staying with the porter cable I would give the Meguiars or 1z the nod. Both of those products are recommended for use with PC.
5a: wax - Many will recommend Pinnacle Souveran which is great for looks, but lasts about 4 weeks. Natty's Blue is a more economical wax choice for dark vehicles which looks great and has a bit more durability.
5b: Sealants - I personally prefer sealants, and like Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant on black as well as DG 105. (might also want wolfgang paintwork polish enhancer if using wdgps or might want dg 501 or dg 601 if using dg 105). Many here also like Collinite 845.
6: pads - I recommend a minimum of about 3 orange polish pads and 3 fine polish pads. I apply wax and sealants by hand so you could get by in my opinion with just the above.

These are just my preferences, you can do more or less and others will chime in with equally good options. Main thing is all the AG products are good and you cant really go wrong.
I also agree with that direction but he should get white pads grey and blue to finish with .Only one orange pad since he has very light swirls,The light swirls may come out with the white pad and finish with the blue pad and mez106ff .Start with a light pad first then if needed move up too a more aggresive pad .Just my two cents
 
Thanks for the replies.. I will begin my shopping.
 
and put up some pics!!! The new pilot is growing on me. Besides, it's black and everyone loves black vehicles.

Welcome!
 
I will do some pics.. there are a couple places where the finish is rough even after applying some wax.. At first I thought the dealer forgot to wax it there but I did and it didnt help.. wonder why?
 
I own two black cars. One stays in the garage, one stays outside. It's not that hard to keep em looking nice. Getting a Porter Cable is a great start. Good waffle weave microfiber towels for drying are a must as well. I've used Pinnacle Products with my PC for a couple years and they have served me well however I just got the FLEX da polisher and some Menzerna polishes and can't wait to try them out. Cheers.
 
Back
Top