Hello I Just bought a used car and I want to make it look new... HELP!

BlackBetty

BlackBetty

New member
Hello All,

I just bought a 2005 Ford Mustang. It's black and looks like it hasn't had a wax in years. I have never done this to one of my vehicles... Since they were usually older and not worth the work. I hope someone can recommend a forum that will point me in the right direction. I probably should learn the basics first. Where do I start?

I have a few light surface scratches and swirls. I was pondering of having the car clear coated again, but it's around $2000.

We had a hail storm a couple days ago and have a few dings in my hood. Do I need to have them professionally removed or is it something I can do myself?
 
Welcome to DC BlackBetty. IMO, you have found the right forum to get you headed in the right direction when it comes to taking care of your vehicle, specifically the appearance exterior and interior.

There is plenty of discussion when it comes to initial clean up, washing and polishing as well as ongoing maintenance. Are you looking to use products and tools which you already have or are you looking to build your first kit? If the former what do you have? If the latter, are you looking to purchase online or products which are available OTC?

Why are you considering the application of clear coat? Is yours failing? It doesn't sound like it based on you description of what you are hoping to correct.

Dent repair is probably best left to the PDR experts. Where are youi located? Perhaps someone in your area can offer a recommendation.
 
Mr. Clean pretty much nailed it on the head.

Where are you located? Possibly you're close to one of the members here who could help show you the basics regarding swirl removal and the like.
 
Welcome to the site from Sonoma County CA

There are a lot of great threads on paint correction here. Can you post pics of this car?
 
Hail damage can usually be repaired by using a special dent puller, they use adhesive to stick a suction cup over the dent then use a bridge type tool to pull the dent out.

After it pops up they use a special release agent to get the tool off.
This is much cheaper then filling with plastic then repainting.

Find a body shop that offers this service they will make it look like new then you can go to work on correcting the paint.
 
I am looking to build a kit. OTC or online, I'll need a start to finish recommendation though. I don't have an extensive amount of cash to dump into it, so I probably can't afford new professional tools. Would it be smart to buy used? What should I be looking for? Should I practice on some other car first?

The reason the clear coat worries me is I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it's sunny about 70% of the time and temperatures can get over 100 degrees. I had a older black cherokee that took on a lot of fading and weathering. I don't want the Mustang to go down the same road. I can tell that the exterior has not been taken care of in regards to waxing and polishing.

I really don't know where to start though. I am the greenest green-horn around. I'll definitely take some referrals for the dent removal if anyone is in the Charlotte Metro area.

p.s. Thanks for the awesome responses and help. It's awesome how welcoming you are!
 
I had a nice long reply typed out to this, and got some sort of error message. :(

In a nutshell, contact Dwayne, Mike Phillips or someone at AG, Forrest with Mother's, Troy Armstrong, Steve at Poorboy's and/or others in regards to a beginner kit. See what kind of advice they can give you. Never hurts to ask some of the best minds in the business.
 
You can do a lot simply by washing properly, using a clay bar and ending with a good wax. Don't forget to shine/dress the tires...that does a lot to finish the look.

Once you're done you'll have lots of time to look all over this forum and see what tools, techniques and products you'd next like to try. As I use up my OTC stuff, I plan to upgrade to some of the products featured here. Hoping those will shine better / last longer, but we'll see.
 
Thanks for your help! I'm going to pick up a clay bar and wax today on the way home. Does anyone have any suggestions???
 
Product suggestions?

Claybar - OTC products Meguiar's, Mother's, ClayMagic (Blue)

Wax - Where are you shopping? What are the available options?
 
I don't know what products will be available at either of those, maybe someone else will know. Are you going to be doing a multi-step correction, a one-step (cleaner/polish) or just a wax. That information will also be helpful to anyone who might be making suggestions.
 
GearHead_1 said:
With those two shopping options in mind I might want to see if they carry DuraGloss. I've seen DG at AutoZone's in Utah.
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Didn't know that. I've been going to a CarQuest to pick up my DG products. While it is relatively close and on the way to the store where we buy out dog food, the AZ is closer. Thanks for the tip. :bigups
 
Mr. Clean said:
Didn't know that. I've been going to a CarQuest to pick up my DG products. While it is relatively close and on the way to the store where we buy out dog food, the AZ is closer. Thanks for the tip. :bigups
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I'm sure product lines vary by region. I've picked up DG at AZ and CQ.
 
GearHead_1 said:
I'm sure product lines vary by region. I've picked up DG at AZ and CQ.
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You are correct, but a trip to the AZ isn't that far out of my path to check out. It's just that there are two newer O'Reilly's between me and each of the two local AZs. So, I won't hold it agin' ya if my AZs don't have DG. :lol2:
 
Another black DD......:wow:

Whats that phrase Rabbi use's :thinking

Oh yea, :idea

I'm Staying Out Of It.......:headspin
 
GearHead_1 said:
I'm sure product lines vary by region. I've picked up DG at AZ and CQ.
Click to expand...
AZ don't carry DG in my area but CQ has some items but not nearly all of them.

I buy my DG in gallon containers and I doubt that AZ would have anything other than bottles if they did carry DG but I buy from AG or direct from DG

If I'm buying nothing but DG products I buy direct and save on shipping but usually I want several other items from different manufactures so I order from AG.
 
Mr. Clean said:
I don't know what products will be available at either of those, maybe someone else will know. Are you going to be doing a multi-step correction, a one-step (cleaner/polish) or just a wax. That information will also be helpful to anyone who might be making suggestions.
Click to expand...
I found something different at Advanced Auto. After reading the threads I guessed that it wouldn't make much difference in what clay I decided to use. I forgot the name and I'm at work, so I'll post it later. The clay worked fine and was easy to use, so I have no complaints about it.

I picked up some Meguiars Carnuba Wax to apply afterward. The finish feels nice, but I can still see the old swirl marks and surface scratches. Any suggestions???
 
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