noob questions and a newish Mazda clear?

[Frankie T]

Hi All,



I've been lurking and searching, and either I'm thick headed, or just not searching using the correct terms. So I figured I would just throw my questions out there.



1. I've got a 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 (miata) in Velocity Red Mica. I've been told it has a clear coat on it, which my using Ultimate Compound on and getting no red back would confirm... However can anyone tell me whether this is a relatively hard clear or soft clear? I've only been trying to correct scratches by hand with lake country hand pads and UC, but don't seem to be getting anywhere.



2. After my LSP, I seem to find all these chips filled with wax. Would a QD after buffing off the wax help to alleviate these, or should I try an IPA wipedown? I was thinking the IPA would probably remove or at least de-luster the LSP (normally NXT 2.0 or Mother's Synwax).



3. When on a long road trip, how would you guys handle the nice smattering of bugs on the nose? Right now I just hit the first jet-wash that I find at my destination and take care of it, but I was wondering how a pro would handle that situation on his/her own "baby".



Thanks,

Frankie

 

[slickwilly]

Hi All,



I've been lurking and searching, and either I'm thick headed, or just not searching using the correct terms. So I figured I would just throw my questions out there.



1. I've got a 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 (miata) in Velocity Red Mica. I've been told it has a clear coat on it, which my using Ultimate Compound on and getting no red back would confirm... However can anyone tell me whether this is a relatively hard clear or soft clear? I've only been trying to correct scratches by hand with lake country hand pads and UC, but don't seem to be getting anywhere.



2. After my LSP, I seem to find all these chips filled with wax. Would a QD after buffing off the wax help to alleviate these, or should I try an IPA wipedown? I was thinking the IPA would probably remove or at least de-luster the LSP (normally NXT 2.0 or Mother's Synwax).



3. When on a long road trip, how would you guys handle the nice smattering of bugs on the nose? Right now I just hit the first jet-wash that I find at my destination and take care of it, but I was wondering how a pro would handle that situation on his/her own "baby".



Thanks,

Frankie

1. May need to step up to a machine (PC / FLex). Not sure about the clear toughness on a Mazda.



2. Not sure I understand, chips filled with wax and wanting to alleviate them. Are you saying you have chips in the paints from debris on the road and when you put your LSP on them, it fills them in? And you want to stop this so the chips will be more noticeable?



3. A bottle of quik detailer and some microfiber towels.

 

[Frankie T]

2. Not sure I understand, chips filled with wax and wanting to alleviate them. Are you saying you have chips in the paints from debris on the road and when you put your LSP on them, it fills them in? And you want to stop this so the chips will be more noticeable?

Bingo, that is exactly what I'm saying. I'm trying to touch them up as I find them, but you know how that goes on a daily driver...

 

[dogma]

Hi All,



I've been lurking and searching, and either I'm thick headed, or just not searching using the correct terms. So I figured I would just throw my questions out there.



1. I've got a 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 (miata) in Velocity Red Mica. I've been told it has a clear coat on it, which my using Ultimate Compound on and getting no red back would confirm... However can anyone tell me whether this is a relatively hard clear or soft clear? I've only been trying to correct scratches by hand with lake country hand pads and UC, but don't seem to be getting anywhere.



2. After my LSP, I seem to find all these chips filled with wax. Would a QD after buffing off the wax help to alleviate these, or should I try an IPA wipedown? I was thinking the IPA would probably remove or at least de-luster the LSP (normally NXT 2.0 or Mother's Synwax).



3. When on a long road trip, how would you guys handle the nice smattering of bugs on the nose? Right now I just hit the first jet-wash that I find at my destination and take care of it, but I was wondering how a pro would handle that situation on his/her own "baby".



Thanks,

Frankie

I have an 06 speed6 same color. I have had excellent results with a PC and ZPC, BF finishig polish SRC and the po85rd .



Try using one of wow products ZCS, OS or Ultima



a good QD or ONR as a QD or CG ONE

 

[Accumulator]

Hi All,



I've been lurking and searching, and either I'm thick headed, or just not searching using the correct terms. So I figured I would just throw my questions out there.



1. I've got a 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5 (miata) in Velocity Red Mica. I've been told it has a clear coat on it, which my using Ultimate Compound on and getting no red back would confirm... However can anyone tell me whether this is a relatively hard clear or soft clear? I've only been trying to correct scratches by hand with lake country hand pads and UC, but don't seem to be getting anywhere...

Doing it by machine will make things go quicker and easier. Otherwise it's just a matter of more time/effort.



I remove fingernail scratches from behind the door handles of Audis (*very* hard clear) by hand, so it *can* be done. Sure no picnic though.

2. After my LSP, I seem to find all these chips filled with wax. Would a QD after buffing off the wax help to alleviate these, or should I try an IPA wipedown? I was thinking the IPA would probably remove or at least de-luster the LSP (normally NXT 2.0 or Mother's Synwax).

Either touch up the chips (or have it done) or use an LSP that doesn't leave as much excess residue behind. Maybe a spray wax or sealant. Maybe just applying *much* thinner and buffing sooner would work.



Yeah, the IPA would just clean off the wax..not just the excess that bugs you but also what you *want* on there.

3. When on a long road trip, how would you guys handle the nice smattering of bugs on the nose? Right now I just hit the first jet-wash that I find at my destination and take care of it, but I was wondering how a pro would handle that situation on his/her own "baby".

Honestly (warning, more of my Autopian Heresy follows ), I don't do anything until I get back home. Even when I take one of the good cars on a long trip, I simply consider the vehicle *transportation*; it's about the trip, not the vehicle.



Yeah, I *sometimes* get light etching on the S8 because the UPP I use on it isn't too bug-resistant, but on the other vehicles it's simply never been a problem. Some LSPs hold up a lot better than others against bugs (and bird bombs too), and it's not always the LSPs you'd expect either.



Welcome to Autopia, Frankie T!