Newbie with a problem Type R (Before pics)

T

thegame888

New member
A friend of mine put me onto this forum and all I can say is WOW! You guys are amazing!



I've purchased my dream car this week. A Honda Integra Type R (Acura for those of you in the states) in starlight black pearl.



It's been in storage for 2 years in some garage. The paint is average. It's very dirty, some swirl marks, though not significant. There's also some scratches and some really deep ones.



In a couple of places on the front bumper, there's some paint cracks appearing.



I want to bring this back to a condition that it deserves. I don't mean that I want it to be perfect, just really good. No swirl marks is a big one for me and some correction that lasts long term to the scratches.



As a newb, I don't want to damage anything, but at the same time, I can't afford a professional detail or really expensive products.



I want to do this myself, but I can't afford any machines, so it'll have to be all by hand.



I'm worried about taking too much paint off. After reading heaps of posts on here's what I've come up with, and what I've found is available here in Australia where I'm from:



Good wash (maybe with dishwashing liquid and some good microfibres)

Meguiare's quick clay detailing system

Menzerna IP (expensive over here)

Menzerna Final Finish (expensive)

Turtle Wax Platinum Ultra Gloss Liquid Wax (because I already have some)



Can I get good results with these or cheaper products? What do you guys think?



Here's some before pics of my car



Bear in mind it has not been washed in years, so the condition may be better than it appears.



Dirrrrrty!

30iykxj.jpg




28mmw5y.jpg




mbivd4.jpg




Minor swirls and dirt to get rid of

t80nc0.jpg




Rear bumper scratch - deep to the plastic. Not sure what to do here without damaging surrounding paint and making it look bad

301ka9s.jpg




Same one...

28jkzmd.jpg




Rear end scratch, not too deep

157otqt.jpg




Scratches

294j49d.jpg




Front bumper almost flaking and some moderate depth scratches

11awxtl.jpg




Headlight has some buildup, do I need a separate product for its repair?

2znz6tt.jpg




2d147iu.jpg






I may need professional help on this one but I just can't afford it. So I'm counting on you guys to help me out. So please submit your advice. I'm on a budget and I need help. I'll post up some pics afterwards to compare, but help me decide how to tackle this. Please be as in-depth as you can.

:thx​
 
That Honda paint is soft.



SIP and FF are good to try. You can go the Meguiars route with M105/M205 in 16oz samples from ADS if cost is an issue.



What are you planning to do for pads and a machine? Forget that hand polishing. If you dont have access to a machine and pads, it may be less expensive to find a pro.



You could easily spend $500US to get started. A pro could be less.
 
jdoria said:
That Honda paint is soft.



SIP and FF are good to try. You can go the Meguiars route with M105/M205 in 16oz samples from ADS if cost is an issue.



What are you planning to do for pads and a machine? Forget that hand polishing. If you dont have access to a machine and pads, it may be less expensive to find a pro.



You could easily spend $500US to get started. A pro could be less.
Click to expand...



Im with jdoria on this one with out a machine your arms would fall off. nice products both sets.:buffing:
 
if you dont use a machine you will either a) not see the results you want and be disappointed at the waste of money or b) destroy your arm after getting through only a quarter of a panel. :P
 
Where are you located? You MIGHT be able to find a fellow Autopia member to help you out with that. Maybe if you buy the products they could show you how to correct that paint using a DA or what not, so that when you need to polish it up again you will know how. Just a suggestion...
 
couple things here. pro's can be costly. invest that money into stuff.



if you just want enough to get started here is what i suggest.



craigslist - purchase used porter cable 7424/7336 should be well under $100



ads - purchase small portions of products as they have sample sizes that would allow you to do your car



pick up some inexpensive pads.



you could prob. spend $150-$200 tops and get what you need if you shop right.



that will allow you to take care of your car and save up to get more products later.



hope that helps.
 
Thanks guys for your replies. By the way I'm located in Melbourne (Northern suburbs). Maybe there are some fellow autopia members who are nearby who would be able to assist. Anybody out there offering their services?



Like I said though, I don't really have the budget. I'm looking at AUD$200-250 tops.



So I guess doing it by hand isn't going to cut it? I was really hoping to save $$$ by doing this myself, even if it was going to require some serious elbow grease.



If I were to invest in a machine, and pads, what would be a good bear minimum price bet?



By the way, where do other guys in Melbourne get their supplies? I was going to go with Waxit.com.au in Tullamarine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top