Greetings from Pittsburgh...

BPebzly

BPebzly

New member
Hello all!

I've been reading around the site for a few months now, and have been intrigued by the talents that you guys have. The detailing showcase forum in particular, has me in awe. :bow I've always considered myself to be a bit retentive when it comes to my cars, but this site has introduced me to a whole new realm. I am very much interested in learning how to do this, and do it well, however my experience is limited. As of now, my expertise extends to washing and waxing for the most part. I've dabbled in using a claybar, although after exploring this site, I don't think I will be dabbling in clay anymore until I have some other skills under my belt as well!

So here's my situation...I've decided to make my girlfriend's black 05 Acura RSX, my Summer project. It's not in bad shape, and she is more than happy with it, but as I am the one that cleans it, and being a perfectionist, the light swirls, and somewhat dull finish, just kill me. I have a friend that works in a body shop, and will probably be able to hook me up with practice panels. Once the weather breaks around here, I plan on washing up the Acura and getting you guys some pics to show you what I'm working with.

As of now this is just something that I've always wanted to know how to do, but that's not to say that in the future I wouldn't make a career of it. If I felt comfortable with my abilities, then it would def be something I would pursue, as I find spending the time cleaning a car to be my moment of Zen. Please keep in mind that I'm a total newb, so you may have to dumb it down a bit for me. I am completely forgeign to the processes, products, and methodology of your craft. Any input and advice would be greatly appreciated, and if any of you guys operate in the PBurgh area, and are looking for some free help so I can learn some things, then I'm all ears. I thank you ahead of time for your patience, and goin on the ride with me to make the Acura shine again! Thanks!
 
:welcome: to DC BP! Glad to have you here. You have come to the right place!

There is a wealth of information and knowledge here that will help you achieve your goals. It seems a little daunting at first, but you will get the hang of it quickly. Read as much as you can here and search for specific topics using the search feature and you will find a lot of info. Anything that you can't find answers to, feel free to ask about and plenty of the members here will provide you with answers.

When you can provide pics, it will help us provide recommendations for you. If you are planning on starting with a PC (or some other brand of (DA) dual action machine), I don't think you will really need test panels. They won't hurt, to build your confidence level, but the PC is a very safe tool. While you "can" do damage with the PC, it is not very likely with a little common sense.
 
Welcome to Detail City BPebzly, I am in Harrisburg PA. AAhh the moment of Zen... I totally dig where you're coming from there. I too find it a tranquil form of meditation laboring over a detail for 10 or so hours. I started by reading up on the polishers forum and then the polishes swirl removers forums, Made a decision based on safety as to which polisher to purchase(I needed a dummy proof tool to start with). I chose the cyclo polisher. The Porter Cable 7424 is a much more popular polisher with a greater availability in terms of getting pads locally and such. I would suggest getting your hands on a PC and getting a few pads (Green light cutting polish pad, a few polishing pads with no cutting abilities and a few finishing pads) get yourself some mild polish such as Poorboys World SSR1 or Pro Polish and just start polishing with the pad with no cutting ability. Try the light cutting pad as well and run a second pass with the polish pad. These suggestions are very safe ones for a very new begginer. Spend a lot of time reading all of the areas of Detail City as knowlege is good but the experience is what gets results so go safe and don't be afraid... Good luck and again Welcome,TD
 
:welcome: to DC :howdy ...
don't give up on claying it's really easy. Just remember plenty of lube, rub lightly so the clay glides, and kneed the clay often. The PC is a good way for a beginner and if you stay away from very abrasive products and pads to start you virtually can not screw up ;)
 
Welcome to DC. As said before, dont get up on claying, just try another brand with a lube. My first clay bar experience wasnt good either but now isnt to bad and I found out what a a good claying does. Lots of good products from the sponsors here on DC, please purchase from them as they help support or own the DC site as Troy owns DETAILCITY.ORG and .COM for products. Good luck. RANDAL in IOWA
 
Thanks guys! I appreciate everyones willingness to help the newb!!! I really look forward to learning anything and everything that you can teach me! The weather is starting to break so it shouldn't be long until I can get some good details pics on here! However, in the meantime, I'm going to try and upload a pic of the offender, just to wet your palette! It's just a pic from my cell phone, but you'll get the idea!


103008164301.jpg
 
BPebzly said:
Thanks guys! I appreciate everyones willingness to help the newb!!! I really look forward to learning anything and everything that you can teach me! The weather is starting to break so it shouldn't be long until I can get some good details pics on here! However, in the meantime, I'm going to try and upload a pic of the offender, just to wet your palette! It's just a pic from my cell phone, but you'll get the idea!


103008164301.jpg
Click to expand...

:welcome: to D.C. :dcrules Nice ride!!! :bigups
 
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