Those pictures were on the trunk I only did half the trunk tonight because I was not happy with the results.
Gotcha, good move.
I keep the pad as flat as possible moving side to side up and down slowly with about 8lbs on the machine on speed level 6 and it is the older machine.
Aha, you need more pressure on the pad. Many recommendations I've seen indicate 15 - 20 lbs. Too much and the pad will stop rotating, you don't want that. It's beneficial to put a couple of marks on your backing plate using grease pencil, Magic Marker or whatever so you can clearly see it's rotating. The older PC will bog down easier than some of the newer, more powerful machines but they've been getting the job done for years. Increase pressure until the pad
almost stops rotating then back off a smidge (technical term) until you can clearly detect rotation, you don't need much. If you happen to be using 6.5" pads the larger pad's rotation will stop earlier than something smaller like a 5.5".
Is the 105 something I can pick up locally or need to order online?
M105 Ultra Cut Compound is in the Professional Mirror Glaze line denoted by the cream colored bottles and less fancy labeling. All the product bottles kinda look the same whereas the consumer products are flashier. Some have reported either Auto Zone or Advanced Auto is now carrying the Mirror Glaze line, I've seen it at several CarQuest auto parts stores. If you see it in your area OTC you may be stuck with quarts. If you don't use a lot of it that could be a lifetime supply. Some online venders offer it in 8 & 12 oz sampler sizes.
Ultimate Compound is only one step down from 105 on the Meg's aggressiveness scale. I'd say rather than run around buying different products try to refine your technique and go with what you've got and see if you can attain your desired results that way, you can always notch up your products later, if necessary. I've had surprisingly good results with Ultimate Compound and it's a lot easier to work with than 105. 105 has a much shorter working time, dries out faster, is more difficult to wipe off cleanly and dusts like crazy if you use too much product although a light misting of water can increase working time.
I'm not much of a fan of LC yellow. IMO, it's firmness makes it a bit harder to use and the pressure needed to remove some more severe defects will frequently leave the finish marred from abrasion. Since I tried Purple Foamed Wool pads I find they cut and finish better and rotate easier under pressure. But like I sez, give what you have another pass or two with more pressure and see what you get... it may take multiple applications. If you do experience some loss of gloss or marring from the aggressive pad try backing off the pressure and let the pad spin up for a couple of passes as you're finishing the section pass. Work small areas... no larger than 2 ft by 2 ft or smaller.
If you decide to step up your game and investigate some product upgrades I've been recommending the Meg's MF DA System vs M105 and just about anything. The D300 Compound is a joy to use compared to 105, wipes off clean n easy, no dust and cutting capability almost on par with 105 although
much more user friendly. The MF pads are a breeze to use as well and wash up better than anything else I've ever used. Since using the MF System about the only time I pull out the 105 anymore is for use with wool and a rotary to remove sanding marks or for seriously stout correction. Unless you have a well-stocked detailing specialty store near you (few and far between, IME) you'll probably have to buy the MF System online if you decide to go that route some time in the future.
As with almost all compounds, the mentioned products will stain black trim and be a bear to remove. A cutting pad such as LC yellow can also burn trim if you catch an edge. Once you get away from the wide open spaces of the trunk tape off anything you don't want compound on.
As an aside, if you go into your UserCP and modify your profile you can add your location if you're inclined. You never know, you may have a seriously capable detailer across town or even down the street that you can turn to for pointers. Everyone in the detailing community started somewhere and most turned to others for a hand from time to time and almost everyone is willing to lend a hand to someone having difficulty.
When you get this sorted out please posts results and pictures. Some folks disappear after solving their issues and leave one scratching their head wondering how it ever turned out. You can post pictures into your post vs attaching them by uploading the pics to the Photo Gallery then inserting the IMG URL into your post. Makes things easier to see and diagnose. A few spaces before and after multiple IMG URLs keeps them from running together and makes viewing easier.
TL
