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sharpie

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Hey all, im new to the forums and need some help.

I recently realized that while I am good at almost everything auto related I know nothing about paint maintenance and repair. I have been the guy who knows its bad to take the car to an drive threw wash but that’s about it.

So here is the question I have, I’m sure it has all been asked before and I’m sorry for the long read but here it goes...

2002 black S10

I have a lot of bird dropping etches in the hood and roof; in AZ it only takes 10 mins to dry and etch. I am not sure how to remove these etches they are fairly deep as I can feel them with my finger easily. What method and products should I use to remove these etches?

Also once I have removed the etching tell me the steps that you guys would use if you bought a car with a fairly new paint that was just poorly taken care of what would you do.....steps ? products ? methods ?

It is a black truck so I have etching, swirls, light scratching and I’m sure basically dry paint that just needs to be restored (not sure if that’s the right word). I looked at this http://www.detailcity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14274&highlight=black+si and that is what I need to do to my truck, I’m a noob so I need the long version.

I know that is a lot to ask but maybe when this thread is all answered it could help a lot of noobs like me out!

Thanks in advance for all the help!
 
Well, first off, do you have any sort of polisher or are you doing this by hand? Are you looking for locally available products, or are you planning on ordering stuff? What do you have on hand? Do you have a garage? (Being in AZ, you shouldn't need to worry about the temp dropping too badly, but it may be nice to work in the shade, out of the wind/dust etc.)

Bird bomb etchings, if felt with your finger, are DEEP! You would need to remove lots of paint to level it smooth. You may want to just "feather" the edges so the marks are less noticeable.

The "quickest" way to fix this up is to get a reputable pro detailer to "restore" it, then just maintain it yourself. However, if you get satisfaction out of doing things yourself, this wouldn't be the most self-gratifying way to go. ;)
 
Try to get a few pictures and we can go from there. If it looks like the Honda in the other thread, and your going to go at it by hand, you have a lot of work to do. If you have about $200-$300 you can get your truck lookin 100x better. Get some pics and i'll help some more...
 
trhe best, most inspiring, and most fun way of doing it is to read the "how to's" here

http://www.premiumautocare.com/
OR
http://www.detailcity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3136

and then add the little fixes after. it allows u to introduce u'reself with the car and detailing and not make it too much for one person to learn and handle in one day.

once u got the basics down, fixing small things like etching, swirls, touch-ups, ect, will seem like much smaller projects than doing it all in one weekend.!

then all u gotta do is search the forum for those certain topics like "etching, swirls, ect."
 
Thanks for the quick responses, I do not have a buffer but am not opposed to buying one if need be....also I if anyone can recomend a good shop in the Phoenix are I would gladly take it to them and have them do the major leg work, but I am still interested in basic care after the major stuff is done...do i still need a buffer etc.etc. Here are the pics i took today at 1:00, there is one of a bird bomb, minor scratches on the bed rail, and one of spiderwebing on the cab. What you guys think? thanks again for all the replies!
 
That actually doesn't appear to be all that bad. If you could borrow or rent a PC (if you can't afford one right now), I'd say that you should be able to remove most of the damage and be able to 'fade' what can't be removed to barely noticable (to a non Detail City member).
 
From the pictures it doesn't look all that bad. I would definitly get a Porter Cable Dual Action polisher. It'll make your life a whole lot easier and you can use it for some many other things. So you will need the PC and some pads to go with it. Autogeek and Premium Auto Care (our sponsors) offer packages with the PC with pads for a decent price. While you are there, pick up some Pooroys SSR2.5 and SSR1, Klasse AIO and 4 star UPP and some Clay with Lubercant. Oh and can't forget the Microfibers. Get some Plush ones along with one or two 'Waffle weaves' for drying. That should basically bring your truck back to life. Wash, clay and dry the truck. Then use a polishing pad on your PC with the SSR2.5, SSR1, and AIO and use a finishing pad for the UPP. Take your time and dont be scared to crank it up to Speed 6 using the 2.5. Use the search feature if you have some general question on how to use the PC, what products, how to clay and that type of stuff. Good luck to you.

-Edit- Ya what Don said. If you can get your hands on one... do it. If not, you could get one and keep up with the finish. And then once you get more comfortable you may start to want to to other peoples cars... you'll see you'll get the bug.
 
Well guys thanks for all the help and advice after a few days of reading everything I can find I think I understand what I need to do:
wash / clay / polish (remove etching and swirls) / seal / wax

Does that sound about right?

I do plan to buy a PC as it will save alot of time and effort (also seems to be that mild to deep scratches and swirls can only be removed effectivley this way), but what is a UPP , havent found the definition for that yet :noexpress

Anyways i will post progress and before after pics to make sure I got it right :boxing:
 
The process sounds fine...UPP is short for 4* Ultimate Paint Protection
 
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