Jason's Introduction Page

J

JCastro1085

New member
Hey Guys,



My name is Jason, joined here a couple days ago and finally got a chance to make an Introduction Page (I had my first newborn son...so I've been really busy with him lately). Tell you a little bit about me....I'm from Chicago, Proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. for 4 years, came home from Iraq and bought my 2002 Chrysler 300M Special and have been in love with her every since. Its a Black car and as most you cleaning GURU's already know it is a PITA to maintain her clean, but never-the-less it's worth it! Been doing a lot of reading throughout the site and I have to say that my knowledge of detailing has definitely grown due to the information located here (my thank u goes out to all who contribute). If you're reading this far....I tip my hat off to you.



Anyways I just thought I'd stop by and introduce myself to everyone. Now for the pictures of my car (what everybody is waiting see I bet lol!)



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Keeping her clean even thru the Chicago winters

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This is how I keep my paint:



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This is how I keep my Engine Bay:



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Couple more random pics:



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Thank You to everyone who took the time to look at my Introduction. What do you think?
 
Hey Jason!!!! Welcome to autopia! Just what we need here another Jarhead!!! lmao We meet on the 300 Forum. Welcome over man!

Barry
 
bufferbarry said:
Hey Jason!!!! Welcome to autopia! Just what we need here another Jarhead!!! lmao We meet on the 300 Forum. Welcome over man!

Barry
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So I'm not alone then huh lol? I remember u Barry, how in the world could I forget what u did to that one black M! I stare at those photos religiously trying to achieve the very same results you did.



This one's for u Barry :goodjob
 
Welcome to Autopia Jason! Your 300 looks super clean. I like the blacked out tail lights. What products are you accustomed to using and how are you looking to expand your knowledge of detailing?
 
David Fermani said:
Welcome to Autopia Jason! Your 300 looks super clean. I like the blacked out tail lights. What products are you accustomed to using and how are you looking to expand your knowledge of detailing?
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-I pressure wash the vehicle

-clay bar it (I've read many articles here about clay barring)

-SwirlX remover

-cutting compound (if needed)

-Megiuars polish (glaze)



usually I just polish throughout the summertime and in the spring/fall I wax. I've been told by an older more experience detailer that applying a wax to a black car can actually decrease the shine made from the polish, not sure if that is true or not, perhaps someone more knowledgeable could chime in here?



-then Next Generation Tech Wax



All my products are Megiuars, but I also have Turtle ICE Wax (I like it)



What am I looking to learn....well I was interested in getting a Porter Cable but idk if its worth it from what I've been reading, so what do you recommend? My paint is not in bad shape at all, but I do have those cob webs in the sunlight, I guess any black car will have them. Not sure if I really need a rotary seeing as how I will only be using a machine to polish and wax....hence I think PC will do just fine. As always I'm open to suggestions.



I use Megiuars Leather cleaner and Lexol conditioner, but I'm not impressed with it, they always leave an oily finish.
 
Vdubby18 said:
Welcome!



Use to have a 300M... started to fall apart on me. :(
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Sorry to hear that! Usually they'll breakdown after 100k *if* you do not change the timing belt and waterpump. I was apart of a 300M car club that had a member with well over 500k on his motor, and has pictures of his odometer ever step of the way to prove it. So these vehicles do last if you take care of them.



Here is his vehicle:

http://media.motortopia.com/files/3857/vehicle/460261eb3d169/tn_challenge_B0000134.jpg



and this was way back when he had 400k:

http://media.motortopia.com/files/3857/journal/47a44f40b601d/tn_large_400Kweb.jpg
 
Hey Jason, welcome to Autopia!!! Love the pics of your car in the city. Super clean ride with a little snow on the ground looks sharp.
 
hello and welcome aboard Jason ! your car looks very nice. I have had the pleasure of trying to keep black paint looking good through winter here in Pa. as far as somebody telling you that a wax will diminish the look of your polishing, that is not correct. in fact some of the new sealants out there are so clear that they do not hide any flaws you have but make them more noticable ....yikes ha ha ha ha ha ha. sounds like you may benefit from a pc but a rotary more than likely is overkill for you. I do detail a bunch of black cars and trucks and they will make you nuts trying to keep them in top condition but they do look fantastic when they are clean. to me the most important step will be your washing and drying techniques to induce the least amount of marring possible. soft plush clean microfiber towels can be your best friend . your winter may call for a long last wax or sealant to protect the finish from all of the salt it will see. what do you use to seal the paint for the winter ? would like to say thanks to you and everybody else who has served us so proudly, we can not thank you enough. if you are interested in trying some stuff drop me a line. maybe I can hook you up with some free samples of winter goodies to keep that black paint looking awesome. shoot me a PM and we can discuss further.
 
flatstick said:
hello and welcome aboard Jason ! your car looks very nice. I have had the pleasure of trying to keep black paint looking good through winter here in Pa. as far as somebody telling you that a wax will diminish the look of your polishing, that is not correct. in fact some of the new sealants out there are so clear that they do not hide any flaws you have but make them more noticable ....yikes ha ha ha ha ha ha. sounds like you may benefit from a pc but a rotary more than likely is overkill for you. I do detail a bunch of black cars and trucks and they will make you nuts trying to keep them in top condition but they do look fantastic when they are clean. to me the most important step will be your washing and drying techniques to induce the least amount of marring possible. soft plush clean microfiber towels can be your best friend . your winter may call for a long last wax or sealant to protect the finish from all of the salt it will see. what do you use to seal the paint for the winter ? would like to say thanks to you and everybody else who has served us so proudly, we can not thank you enough. if you are interested in trying some stuff drop me a line. maybe I can hook you up with some free samples of winter goodies to keep that black paint looking awesome. shoot me a PM and we can discuss further.
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-Thanks for the compliments!



-Also thanks for clearing up that rumor, when he said it, it kind of made sense but I also have to remember he's old school so maybe thats the way it was back then perhaps? Who knows.



-Yeah I think a PC would suit me well since I want it only for polishing and buffing, I see many people using it to remove oxidation and cut compounding their vehicle and get frustrated for getting little results with a lot of effort, and it just makes me think, is the PC really supposed to be used for that, or shouldn't the individual step up to a rotary (although much more skill is needed there)



You're absolutely right about black, its such s PITA to keep clean because the color will show any and every imperfection, but when its clean, its truly does look beautiful.



-Washing techniques....well to be honest I just go to the local car wash and use a pressure washer and the tri-color foaming soap (smells like candy lol) just spray it on and spray it off, dry with an absorber and any rag that touches my car is a MF. For the rims I use terry cloth.



-The wax that I will be using this coming winter will be Turtle ICE unless you guys think that will not hold up? The products I mainly use are things u can buy at AAP, I've never bought anything from a website or a professional detailer shop. I always thought Megiuars was a good enough product for my car. I know my paint is nothing compared to most of you Detailing GURU's but I think it's good enough (until I learn the tricks of the trade here). The leather has always been my toughest challenge. Lexol and Megiuars just don't seem to impress me here.



-Your very welcome Sir!
 
You know one thing I always said to myself was "If I can make the paint look this good by hand, (which took many hours btw), imagine what I could do with something like a PC" I'm really looking into getting one before winter time and getting a good polishing and wax job done before the snow hits. Just need a good wax that will hold up, I plan on using Turtle ICE but I'll wait and see what you guys recommend.
 
JCastro1085 said:
You know one thing I always said to myself was "If I can make the paint look this good by hand, (which took many hours btw), imagine what I could do with something like a PC" I'm really looking into getting one before winter time and getting a good polishing and wax job done before the snow hits. Just need a good wax that will hold up, I plan on using Turtle ICE but I'll wait and see what you guys recommend.
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You hit the nail on the head with your thoughts. work can be done by hand that will impress you but the time you save with a pc will be worth it. also we just can not move our hand as fast as a pc goes. you can even use the pc to apply and remove wax ( with a microfiber bonnet on a foam pad ) I might suggest some Collonite 845 for the winter , easy to apply , looks pretty good and last a while. for winter I love to use ( via pc ) Jeff Werkstat prime or prime strong and their sealant Acrylic Jett: Trigger. it is a spay on and wipe off sealant. I have had excellent results with the JW line. also the optimum sealant is super easy to use, wipe on walk away LOL ! it looks good and last a long time. the big thing for me is that the pc and a paint cleaner or a glaze will bring out the best in the paint and save you time to to enjoy the shine. there are just so many products to use it can be mind boggling. since you will have more time on you hands you might want to try washing the car with optimum no rinse as it is quick easy and effective. this method should reduce the chance of wash induced marring. I see you sent me a message and I will take a look at it now. figure I can shoot you some small samples and you can try before you buy :xyxthumbs hey we all can agree or disagree on products but all in all we share the common goal in mind to keep our rides looking their best .
 
Guys I just watched this video and I have to say that I probably won't go the PC way but perhaps the Flex XC way, any thoughts regarding these 2 machines?



I'm looking to buy a DA real soon so I need your opinion. Here are my 3 choices so far:



Flex XC 3401

Porter Cable 7424xp

Griot's Garage Random Orbital 6 Inch Polisher



which do u think is the best choice (I know this is all a matter of personal opinion) but seeing as how I've never owned one and you guys have far more experience then I do, your opinions matter.
 
Been reading some reviews on the Griots polisher ( since I have not used it ) and they were very positive. for the price and the lifetime warranty that was mentioned, it looks like it is may be the way to go.
 
That is a beautiful car( especially in harsh Chicago weather) and congrats on your newborn and your service to the country. This forum has been very helpful to a weekend detailer like myself.
 
longdx said:
That is a beautiful car( especially in harsh Chicago weather) and congrats on your newborn and your service to the country. This forum has been very helpful to a weekend detailer like myself.
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Thank you!



I know how you feel, when it's slow at work I jump online here and start reading.
 
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