Advice on Detailing Proceedure

[57_300SL]

I am a collector and have been using the same polishing/waxing proceedure for about 7 years. I am about to go through the process on 2 cars and am rethinking this and want to get advice on what people think is the best way to go.



First, the cars 1) '02 Black Mercedes E430 - this is my daily driver and spends most of its time outside and on the highway. I still want a mile deep shine and no swirl marks! 2) '57 light blue metallic. Mercedes 300 SL. I show this car and drive it in vintage events. The paint is approx 8 years old two part w/ clear coat. This car I want to SHINE!



Currently I wash the cars with Griot's Car Wash, then use Griot's Clay with Speed Shine, then apply Griot's Machine Polish #1 (fine) with a PC and remove it by hand, and then use Griot's BOS Wax applied with the PC and removed by hand.



I am thinking that there may be a better process that will give me a deeper shine. The e430 has some minor scratches that need to be addressed, The 300SL's paint in perfect condition.



One product I am thinking of using is Klasse. I am interested in advice and open to suggestions.



Thanks,



Todd

 

[the other pc]

:welcome to Autopia 57_300SL!



Incredible cars you have there!



It sounds to me like you do have a good process. You'll find plenty of suggestions here for various other products you might like. I think, in the end, you'll have to try some different approaches and decide for yourself which you prefer (you may even find that what you're doing now is still right for you).



I haven't tried Griot's products myself but I do get the impression from their descriptions that they aren't meant for aggressive restoration. Perhaps those deeper scratches on the E430 just need some extra work. I would start with ScratchX by hand on them. If that works, great, just go ahead with the rest of your process as usual. If they're more stubborn you may want to try one of the machine polishes discussed here.



good luck.





PC.