Test spot with my new polisher. (newbie)

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Keatonus

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Hi guys. Just finished up a test spot with the PC Dual action polisher.

Here's an idea of the swirls on my car (1991 300ZX Twin Turbo). Just a little history I had my car repainted in early 2008, and I've kept it up with wax and clay bar. But rarely polished.

DSCN1782.jpg


Here was my process. After wash and dry of course.

1.Clay bar
2. Orange CCS light cutting pad with XMT swirl remover #2
3. Finishing pad with XMT Carnauba Finishing Glaze
4. Finishing pad with S100 Carnauba Wax

DSCN1784.jpg


DSCN1783.jpg


I didn't really get the results I want. I've tried certain spots 3-4 times over with the XMT Swirl remover #2, and it gets better, but still not where i want it to be. I was applying ~10lbs of pressure while buffing, went over the area about 6 times slowly.

Do I need something more aggressive? like #3? or something else you guys would recommend? Or am I just picky?

Thanks guys, hope you enjoyed
 
If the current swirl mark remover isn't getting the job done fast enough or effectively enough then you will need a more aggressive product.

Assuming all other factors are correct,

  • 5-6 Speed Setting, moving the polisher slowly
  • 10 to 15 pounds pressure
  • Small work area
  • Pad is rotating under pressure

Aren't you glad you've only done a test spot so far?


:xyxthumbs:
 
How fast do you want the pad rotating? Just barely rotating or faster?
 
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
If the current swirl mark remover isn't getting the job done fast enough or effectively enough then you will need a more aggressive product.

Assuming all other factors are correct,

  • 5-6 Speed Setting, moving the polisher slowly
  • 10 to 15 pounds pressure
  • Small work area
  • Pad is rotating under pressure

Aren't you glad you've only done a test spot so far?


:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

I wish i did only a test spot haha. When I got my package from you guys, in my haste and excitement I had already done my passenger side door, passenger quarter panel, and most of my hood (hence why my test spot wasn't the hood).

It was only when I saw it in the sun I realized I needed some more cutting power. My clear coat is MUCH improved, I'd say 70% better, but I wanna make sure when I put time and effort (or MORE in this case), I get 100% =]

I'm thinking getting a 5.5" orange cutting pad and meguiars 105 might be in order.
 
Keatonus said:
I wish i did only a test spot haha. When I got my package from you guys, in my haste and excitement I had already done my passenger side door, passenger quarter panel, and most of my hood (hence why my test spot wasn't the hood).

It was only when I saw it in the sun I realized I needed some more cutting power. My clear coat is MUCH improved, I'd say 70% better, but I wanna make sure when I put time and effort (or MORE in this case), I get 100% =]

I'm thinking getting a 5.5" orange cutting pad and meguiars 105 might be in order.
Click to expand...

6 passes is not enough to break down the polish effectively. You should work the XMT polish until it goes clear which is when you know that the diminishing abrasives are fully broken down. This could also be the reason for not achieving the results you are after. Try it again, working the polish for longer with a bit more pressure and I think you will be much happier!
 
christian900se said:
6 passes is not enough to break down the polish effectively. You should work the XMT polish until it goes clear which is when you know that the diminishing abrasives are fully broken down. This could also be the reason for not achieving the results you are after. Try it again, working the polish for longer with a bit more pressure and I think you will be much happier!
Click to expand...

Alright, I'll give it another go tomorrow (Sunday 5/2), and I'll post my results.
 
Alright. a Month later, new product and pad. And I'm posting my results. Unfortunately I don't have a 50/50 shot (I'll take one tomorrow of my back hatch). However I did do a quarter of my hood and tracked the progress.

Here's an example of the swirls on the hood

DSCN1788.jpg


After a pass with a Hydrotech Cyan padd/M105

DSCN1793.jpg


DSCN1794.jpg


I tried finishing it up with LC:CCS White pad with XMT#1. I didn't take any pictures but it honestly looked no different. I also tried with a HT:Cyan pad with #2, again it didn't look much different. So I just finished it up with XMT:CFG and S100 and here's the results.

DSCN1796.jpg

DSCN1797.jpg


Once again here's an example of the swirling on the Quarter fender as well.

DSCN1798.jpg


And no my hood isn't open. minor accident a few years ago bent my frame. Still haven't decided if I wanna fix it, or buy a different car haha.

Anyway, so what do you guys think? I can still see some minor swirling in a blazing sun, is that normal? with indoor lights it looks awesome, maybe I'm just paranoid. Lemme know what you guys think Im the MAN
 
Nice to see a Z on here also :D

Any full pics of your Z? I saw the first picture and was like "wow this looks like a 300zx" ha and i just read the description.
 
itzJoker said:
Nice to see a Z on here also :D

Any full pics of your Z? I saw the first picture and was like "wow this looks like a 300zx" ha and i just read the description.
Click to expand...

yeah I took one yesterday!

DSCN1792.jpg


Not the best pic, but i took it quick. You have any pics of your Z? which Z do you have?
 
Keatonus said:
I can still see some minor swirling in a blazing sun, is that normal? with indoor lights it looks awesome, maybe I'm just paranoid. Lemme know what you guys think Im the MAN
Click to expand...
It either means you havent gotten the deeper swirls or you need a finishing polish. Try the M205 on a white and follow with 205 on a gray. If they are still there, you probably are leaving deeper swirls or RIDS in the initial (105) step.

I tried the XMT polishes and did not care for the results either. They took such a long working time that my GG was heating up the spindle and melting the center of my pads. I switched to the 105/205 combo and was able to shorten the working time which is saving some pads for me.
 
Last edited:
Mike.Phillips@Autogeek said:
If the current swirl mark remover isn't getting the job done fast enough or effectively enough then you will need a more aggressive product.

Assuming all other factors are correct,
congrats Keatonus

You are brave & keep it spinning

  • 5-6 Speed Setting, moving the polisher slowly
  • 10 to 15 pounds pressure
  • Small work area
  • Pad is rotating under pressure

Aren't you glad you've only done a test spot so far?


:xyxthumbs:
Click to expand...

Marco polo once said "a thousand miles journey, alays begin from 1 step" & congrats to you & you are blessed to have mike here to guide you thru. I am Jealous...LOL

Thanks mike for your love & concern in helping others & looking out for those who is drown and lost in he open sea


Thanks


Cheers
 
Yeah I'm on 3ZC. I don't really go there much anymore. been a member since 2004 when I was in high school looking for a car.

No kidding you got Labree Exhaust too? I drove down to Labree himself to pick up my exhaust and made a vacation out of it haha. He talked a lot about how he used to work welding stuff for universal studios.

I love the black color on the Z, nice wheels too. I let my stock chromes go to crap because I used to not know how to take care of wheels, and now it's too late to do anything about it so I stopped caring haha.
 
haha I see. I still like the stock chromed wheels. A drop would definitely set it off. I'm trying to save up some $$ for a set of coilovers. Bet you have tons of fun with the twin turbos hah. I plan on selling my Z (or try to) and get a TT.
 
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