Help w/my black DD

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imported_Dude

New member
I am interested in trying AutoInt's ABC system. It is expensive, though, and $60 is more than I want to spend on something that I have never used before. It also comes in gallon lots, and a gallon is much more than I need.



Is anyone else in the LA area interested in trying ABC? If you are, please let me know. We can order ABC in the gallon lots and split the cost. Anyone interested in such an arrangement?
 
I'm using Griot's RO (last gen; not the newest one w/the adjustable handle), Griot's orange pads and Griot's machine polishes (1-4). I have swirls and scratches that I'd classify as "light" since I can't fell them, etc. I've done half to hood, in order to assess the effectiveness instead of just a tired eye :O
The problem I'm having is that the swirls and scratches are just not coming off. I have the RO set at speed 4, since the video recommends that, but have tried speed 5 as well, with the same (lack of) results. I'm also doing 3-5 passes each time in order to work the product down enough. I've used polish 3 twice. Then, since I wasn't happy with that, tried polish 2. After not being happy with that, I went down to 1, followed up with 2, 3 and then 4, but I can still see them under lights, at an angle. I tried to get pics of them, but my photog skills simply won't catch them.
Can anyone provide any insight? Do I need more pressure, ditch the Griot's products, etc?
Thanks, in advance, for any advice anyone can offer.
 
It's a 2006 Cadillac CTS-V. I don't know, for sure, if it's ever been painted since I didn't buy it new, but I recently had a 2 inch scratch repainted on the lower half of the front passenger door, and the shop said that door had been hit before, but not badly (never showed up in the Carfax report or anything :mad:). I'm guessing the previous owner, COULD have had the hood repainted if the fender was also damaged in that particular incident (don't know that it was...I'm just speculating a bit)
 
There have been a few posts about polishing late model Caddys - try the search function. If I recall, it has a hard clear coat from the factory - who knows about any repaired areas, likely softer. Which means you'll need at least two different methods and mix of products.

Regards,
GEWB
 
I would use a 5.5'' pad it is easier for the machine to spin. Also make sure you are moving the polisher slowly over the paint. Second if the products you are using are not working more to a more agressive one.
 
You might want to put aside those polishes your using and get some Meguiar's M105 and M205. The Caddy has a hard clear from GM and looks like the polishes your using is not cutting it. So make the move and and you'll should see improvement you want. I don't know about the pads and the machine your using but using a LC Orange Power Pad on a PC will do the job...................:wizard:
 
Thanks for all the replies and advice. I've seen those posts of the black CTS's and they are exactly what I'm after in my DD.
I read a lot about the M105/205 combo on here, so can anyone tell me if there are brick and mortar retail stores where I can pick this stuff up and give it a try? I'm in Phoenix, AZ.
 
Maybe some phone calls around to some of the auto body supply outfits in your area may yield results. If that doesn't get you any info maybe contact Megiuars and ask them if they supply anyone near you. I just have to believe there is some 105/205 in Phoenix. If not contact Meg's and negotiate a distributorship in PHX and you'll probably make the cover of Time in a year!

Trust me, it is worth the search to find that stuff!!! I service one of my client's Black Escalade and those 2 products work wonders on that hard Caddy black paint.

I just did a little quick research on the Griot's polishes and I would probably recommend the Polish 1 (medium cut) to tackle your swirls on that hard GM clear. If you can't get a hold of the Meg's products before your next attempt the Polish 1 seems to be the most agressive polish Richard advertises and in my experience you need some punch with Cad paint. Spin that orbital as fast as it will go (i.e. kick the little gerbil in the cajones to get it going as fast as you can). Slow overlapping passes with a moderate amout of pressure bearing down on the pad and you might see some diminishing affects.

Ahh, nevermind, just get 105/205.

Good luck and keep us posted.
 
I just ordered the 8oz bottles of the megs, as well as trying the 6 pack of pads to experiment with. I've used the Griot's 1, with little luck...I feel it showed a very little bit of improvement, but not what I'm looking for, and with too much time/effort for what I got out of it so far. I didn't kick the RO up all the way, though, so I may try that while I'm waiting on my megs stuff.
 
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