Need some help with new used car - needs major work

R

RX-7 Addict

New member
I just got a red, 1993 Mazda RX-7. Its 10 years old, and the paint is really in rough shape. Because the mirrors and front bumper are faded, I will repaint those pieces as they cannot be helped.



The paint was rough and dull, and a quick test of Klasse on the hood brough up a pretty good shine. However, there is still a lot of swirl marks, and the paint could look a lot better.



I know I will firstly need clay bar, what do you professionals reccomend?



Next I will need some type of polishing. Here is where I am lost. there are so many products for so many different applications I really dont know what to use here. I want something to bring out the shine and get rid of the swirl marks + hairline scratches.



Finally I would put a coat or 2 of pinnacle souveran carnuba.



Please help a newbie out. This car really deserves better! Thanks,

Scott
 
I would get some Clay Magic from Autozone, then order a PC some pads, and Einzsett polishes, pakshak microfiber towels.....that would take care of the important stuff, you can top it with Klasse since you already got that.....
 
RX-7 Addict- Since I couldn't get together with you last weekend to see it in person, I hope I can offer some help here.



Most any clay is good these days, even Meg's has reformulated their (previously problematic) stuff. Just get whatever's available.



The 1Z polishes work *VERY* well and are quite user-friendly. The Menzerna IP and FP are popular too, but I dunno if I'd try them by hand. Plenty of people like Poorboy's stuff and Meguiar's (DACP, #80, #82) but again, I dunno about using them without a PC. 3M's PI-III line (RC 05933 and MG 05937) work pretty well by hand, but sometimes you still need something finer after the MG.



I guess I'd say get the Ultra, Paint Polish, and Metallic Polish from 1Z; that's what I'd probably use if it were my car. I'm quite sure you'd be happy with them.



Note that the '03 RX-7 paint is pretty hard (but brittle). You should probably consider getting a PC if you're gonna do a lot of detailing on it. That's one car where it would make a world of difference, IMO. And I wouldn't worry about getting our every bit of marring. Better imperfect paint than a repaint if you can help it.



Oh, and you just might be surprised at how well the badly faded areas clean up. If it's just oxidized clearcoat, it migh polish up OK (and what do you have to lose by trying, since you're considering a repaint anyhow).



Cool car. Accumulatorette really liked hers. Be carful with those thin panels, though. They sure dent easily!
 
thanks so much for your help, Accumulator. I did consider a repaint, but after I put some AIO on it made a world of difference. I'll be placing an order for 1z stuff today!



If I do get a PC, should I be worried about messing up the paint because I am a noob? This is what Im worried about, hate to use my new car as a guinea pig for using a PC for the first time. lmk what you think about this..:)



Yes, the paint on these cars is pretty weak. Especially the early 93s (mine is a 6/92 build) that used a very chip prone paint. I did get the front bumper and mirrors repainted and blended, anxious to see how that looks because I am in college and havent had a chance to look at it yet. It certainly does dent easily, and I am going to go to a dent-master place and hopefully thatll work - its evident that the previous owners did not take much care in where they parked the car.



I'll look into a PC - im still a bit worried that I will do more harm than help to the paint.



Thanks for all your help



Scott



Accumulator said:
RX-7 Addict- Since I couldn't get together with you last weekend to see it in person, I hope I can offer some help here.



Most any clay is good these days, even Meg's has reformulated their (previously problematic) stuff. Just get whatever's available.



The 1Z polishes work *VERY* well and are quite user-friendly. The Menzerna IP and FP are popular too, but I dunno if I'd try them by hand. Plenty of people like Poorboy's stuff and Meguiar's (DACP, #80, #82) but again, I dunno about using them without a PC. 3M's PI-III line (RC 05933 and MG 05937) work pretty well by hand, but sometimes you still need something finer after the MG.



I guess I'd say get the Ultra, Paint Polish, and Metallic Polish from 1Z; that's what I'd probably use if it were my car. I'm quite sure you'd be happy with them.



Note that the '03 RX-7 paint is pretty hard (but brittle). You should probably consider getting a PC if you're gonna do a lot of detailing on it. That's one car where it would make a world of difference, IMO. And I wouldn't worry about getting our every bit of marring. Better imperfect paint than a repaint if you can help it.



Oh, and you just might be surprised at how well the badly faded areas clean up. If it's just oxidized clearcoat, it migh polish up OK (and what do you have to lose by trying, since you're considering a repaint anyhow).



Cool car. Accumulatorette really liked hers. Be carful with those thin panels, though. They sure dent easily!
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What would anyone reccomend using to apply by hand. I have that special buffing towel from Proper auto care for the final coat, and that green pad from Klasse, but obviously I need more stuff. Just MF towels? seems like I would need something more like a pad
 
scottabir said:
Terry towel for giving more bite, it'll help the polish break down.
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oh yea.. haha , its been a while since ive detailed, I havent owned a car for 9 months (college:rolleyes: ) >> I have like 10 of those terry pads from proper auto care. I just ordered the 3 polishes from the autopia store. Picked up some leather conditioner too
 
Scottwax's hand method would do best...You get a 100% cotton terry towel and create a pad with a place to put your hand.........then apply product to the pad and spread it out in cirular motions...then as it gets spread out....switch to back and forth motions until the polish breaks down...then wipe it off with a microfiber.....
 
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