Noob help Plan-of-attack

AndrewF

AndrewF

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Hey All, I've been doing a lot of reading on this forum and watching videos and i'm still not sure what's a good plan-of-attack for my jeep. I bought the Jeep last year. I try and wash it every 2 weeks and I've only used spray wax on it. The paint is in good condition, but there are a lot of tiny marks and dirt i can't get off.

Since i'm a noob, I'm definitely going with the PC7424XP. I was also thinking about getting the Perfect Starter Kit Porter Cable 7424XP. Then i need to buy wax and other stuff.

Hope these pictures help.

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Hmmmm, the only picture I see is the one in your avatar...

Basic steps in order are:

  • Wash
  • Clay
  • Paint Correction & Polish
  • Seal
  • Wax
Kit's are OK but I prefer to build my own so I get everything I'm looking for. I've stayed with the Porter Cable machine because I've had one for 14 years and it's still going strong.

I've also included a link to Meguiar's dual action Microfiber Correction kit. This is a 2 step kit specifically developed by Meguiar's that uses 2 different pads and 2 different products...that's it.

What I like about this kit is it's simplicity and it works!

The Porter Cable 7424xp

Here's some great information by Mike Phillips that will help you.

Strictly Products

Wash - Duragloss #901
 Clay - Mothers
 Compound - PG 1000 – PowerGloss Compound (POS34A)
 Polish - PF 2500 – Power Finish Polish (PO203)
Finishing Polish - SF 4000 – Super Finish Polish (PO106FA)
Sealant - Ultima Paint Guard Plus
Wax - Collinite 845
Spray Wax -Optimum Spray Car Wax
Tire Cleaner - Meguiar's Super Degreaser
Tire Treatment - CarPro PERL
Trim - Ultima Tire and Trim Guard
Wheel Cleaner - Meguiar's Wheel Brightener
Wheel Protectant -Optimum Opti-Coat 2.0
Glass Cleaner - Meguiar's Glass Cleaner
Glass Treatment - Aquapel
All Purpose Cleaner - Optimum Power Clean
Interior Protectant - Meguiar’s M40
Chrome & Stainless Steel - BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond Metal Acrylic Sealant
 
To get out the embedded dirt, strip the wax and clay. Maybe a round of IronX or TriX, too. Then polish or paint cleanse depending on swirls.

Bobby's list is most excellent, BTW.
 
mjlinane said:
To get out the embedded dirt, strip the wax and clay. Maybe a round of IronX or TriX, too. Then polish or paint cleanse depending on swirls.

Bobby's list is most excellent, BTW.
Click to expand...

Thank you Mike!

This is the reason I like to try and test out new products to see what they bring to the game. I've got to tell you though, as of late I've tried out several of the Duragloss line and have been super impressed! :props:
 
Hard to beat Bobby's recommendations but I would like to add that because you have some plastic trim and a canvas top, before doing any polishing I would strongly suggest taping any of the plastic and top material off...

Watch my video here,


Video: How to tape-off car trim before machine polishingHere are some tips and techniques to tape-off and cover-up trim, felt or fuzzy gaskets like you find around some sunroofs, wheels and tires, air vents and grills as well as "The Beach Towel Tip"





How to tape-off car trim before machine polishing
[video=youtube_share;WKFdlAFgio4&hd=1"]How to tape-off car trim before machine polishing...[/video]​


pcarTapedOff001.jpg





:)
 
With your top you can unsnap it and move the canvas out of the way so you don't run the buffing pad into it or you can tape it off, here's an article about taping off convertible tops from my article list.


How to cover and protect a convertible top before machine buffing

Anytime you're buffing out a convertible you have two options,

  • Leave the top up and cover and protect it
  • Put the top down and cover and protect the interior
Either will work and I've done both, see below for how to cover an interior with the top down.



How to cover and protect a convertible top before machine buffing
Leaving the top us is easier than trying to cover and protect the interior but sometimes for reasons out of your control it might not be possible to put the top up if it's already down.

If it is up, then you want to protect the the material, usually either canvas or vinyl from getting any compound, polish or wax residue into either the weave or the grain of the material. If don't cover and protect the convertible top material and get any type of residue on it, removing it 100% completely is almost impossible so it will become an eyesore as well as your signature in a negative manner.

Here's how I cover and protect convertible tops. You'll need,




  • Painter's Drop Cloth or clean bedsheet
  • Painter's Tape, both wide and thin rolls.
  • Scissors
  • Felt pen


In this example, I'm using a car we used for one of our Detailing Classes, a 1962 Cadillac Convertible.

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:xyxthumbs:
 
Welcome! That jeep looks like it's in pretty good condition imo. I like Bobby's list but I would also add some Iron X spray to the mix. It's a must on lighter colored cars especially. Good luck and be sure to keep us posted.
 
AndrewF said:
BobbyG, you rock! that's a big help.

mjlinane and TimmyG, this one? Iron X Iron Remover, CQuartz IronX, Paint Cleaner, paint decontamination

Vet, Thanks!

Mike, I'll definitely remove the top after washing it and taping off the rest. Thanks! BTW, i just started reading your book. I've learned a lot about paint last night.

can't wait to get started :D
Click to expand...

Mike's information and recommendations are always top shelf. Pointing out why and how to properly protect those areas you don't want damaged or contaminated is nearly as important as choosing the right product.

Most of us learn through trial, error, and experimentation, but having the information and tips Mike routinely give away for free is worth it's weight in gold saving "us" time, money, and a lot of frustration trying to figure out what went wrong....:props:
 
here's my list:

Porter Cable 7424XP
Duragloss Car Wash Concentrate #901
Dual-Action Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate 5"
Lake Country 5 1/2 Inch Flat Pads 6 Pack
Menzerna Power Gloss Compound (PG 1000)
Menzerna Power Finish PO 203 (PF 2500)
CarPro Iron X Iron Remover 500 ml.
Mothers California Gold Clay Bar (i already have a bottle)

hopefully i'm not missing anything cause i'm OVER my budget.
 
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