Pre-Detail Evaluation...

B

brandn3w

New member
Sooo this is acutally a filler post as I'm under 10 and my last thread (despite e-mail and inbox full PM to TortoiseWRX) has yet to be posted and doubt it will. Therefore, I'll explain once again and then the subsequent post shall contain links/pictures. =]







I've been wanting to get into 'real' detailing for some time and thank God I think I'll be soon picking this up as my new hobby. However, I'm a square one and don't have any products, not even a DA. With that being said I'll be posting my car in detail to show the holograming (appears from previous rotary 'detail') and spiderwebbing that needs addressed. After much reading and review, I *thought* I had it down to the Autogeek PCXP Meguiar's bundle using a 105/205 combo; however, I'm now reading they're somewhat user dependent on results. That now opens up the doors once again of just a DA and piecing together my own equipment or perhaps another different 'bundle' offer.





Unfortunately, I don't have pictures here to post promptly as they're on my laptop so this afternoon I'll repost pictures of the 'patient' and potential product buys in hopes of some professional feedback in the right direction!





TIA and thanks for a GREAT site with TONS of information in the stickies and forum threads themselves!!!!





- Josh
 
Here is what I was originally considering, but now hesitant after further reading: Mequiar's PCXP Bundle





This seems like a pretty decent deal and allows the freedom of choosing the perfect products for my goals: Bundle with Pads and PCXP yet no creams





And last but not least a very sparse 'bundle' and handpick pads later as well: Mini-Bundle





For the most part I think I could pick up MF towels cheaper so those as part of the package just seems to increase the price without getting anything worth while.





I'll post pictures this afternoon =]
 
Just saw that any and ALL posts when under the limit 10 will be 'held' back. Cool...I'll be back. Gotta go post so people can see my links/pictures...
 
brandn3w said:
Just saw that any and ALL posts when under the limit 10 will be 'held' back. Cool...I'll be back. Gotta go post so people can see my links/pictures...
Click to expand...



Good luck getting your stuff reviewed and posted, lol.



I made enough comments to get to 10 posts. Half of them showed, but once enough did I could post links. Keep posting around :)
 
I feel so free and ALIVE!!!





Okay, Here are few options I've considered as far as bundles go:





Mequiar's 105/205 I had originally planned on getting then decided to wait.



Many a Pad Bundle and I could pick my polishes/creams as needed.



Cheap Bundle that I can choose a couple pads/polishes/creams, meet my *specific* needs AND still be well under budget.





Thoughts and opinions? Once again, I'll have pictures this afternoon so we can all gaze at some Brilliant Black etching and holograming :-X
 
Thanks...I opened the link so I'll glance through autogeek.net too!



As promised: :X





2nd picture IDK what's going on there with those circle scratches. They'll come out I'm sure they're not too deep. Couple other 'scuffs', but this is the majority of the car as a whole. Pretty bad...













 
Wow, you sure picked a good one to start with.



dscf1172b.jpg




Wow.



I'd find someone around you that is willing to help. All those look pretty deep and will take some work to get out not leaving you much room for mistakes.
 
Ha, they look worse than they are. Fingernail doesn't catch and the paint is pretty hard so I think they should pull. Like I said, that's worst section and the other pictures are representative of the rest of the car. This is direct sunlight and shows the etching well. I could snap a picture in cloud cover now and you would think I'd already polished it...





Weather is getting cooler here (Pittsburgh) so I doubt I even get a chance to work on it until sometime when I'm not pressed for time in the spring. Just hoping maybe catch a break with warmer weather over next couple weeks and give it a shot before winter. If not, no harm...more time to read. =]
 
Wow is right...swirl/scratch city. I am also glad to see that you opted for the additional backing plate and stayed away from the 6.5 pads. I personally don't like the larger pads, but stick to the smaller ones. Anyway, good luck with your detail, and be sure to post some pics when you are done.
 
those "circle scratches" are swirls caused by improper wash technique and cheapo depot car washes. Good luck! It will definitely get you some experience
 
Ya, I've read the larger pads don't do much and actually considering 4" Orange for a cut or even 5.5" PW. 6.5" Seems as thought it would be awkward even on a flat bodied car...Thanks!



P.s. Ryan, I have a good friend I go to school with out here in Pittsburgh that's from the Wilkes-Barre area. He went to Pocono West HS if that's anywhere near you, ha.





thedetailer said:
those "circle scratches" are swirls caused by improper wash technique and cheapo depot car washes. Good luck! It will definitely get you some experience
Click to expand...





The "circle scratches" are only right there on that lower rear passenger quarter. They're more prominent than the holograms/etching plaguing the rest of the car. Rest of the car looks like the Dog Hair picture, kinda like bad sun spiderwebbing and rotary holograms (I *think*)





When I went to look at the car for the 1st time it was a sunny day and I was able to barter the price down because of the massive holograming. He explained that his detailer said it was from the way he circularly washed his car, but trust me it's from the detailer not knowing what he's doing. He knocked off the price of a detail as he had an appointment and I bought it before it and cancelled the appointment. Thank God for that too, ha...





In any event, If I get 80% correction out of the entire car I'll be more than pleased. I just don't want to see the hazy swirls in the sun so should be a pretty mild goal to accomplish. As stated before it IS pretty tough/hard paint so I think cutting it should do quite the trick.



NOW...





So we all get to see my horrid paint and I'm ready to take action! However, I've posted multiple links and options above so I can start ordering and maybe get a quick one in before winter. With that being said, I'd like to here some opinions on:



Bundles

Pads

Polishes

Combos

Etc.





Originally I was going with Mequiar's Bundle and using 105 on LC CCS Orange then moving to 205 on LC CCS Gray/Black and finish with BH Autobalm.



HOWEVER! I've been reading and 105/205 has produced less than appreciative results and I'd rather 'get it right the first time' when buying/detailing.



So should I stay with that approach or perhaps go with another 'bundle' or even the Orange Pad combo and pick up SIP and UF on LC White?



I'm a n00b, but I've done quite the reading/researching. Looking not to waste money and get going on this detail!!!!





The car *really* is nice too, guys, ha. The pictures were taken to show the etching, but honest you don't see it until you're on it or in direct sun. Ha, you guys make me feel like I'm driving around a '73 Lariat found in a barn. BUT I'm here and willing to learn and seeking help soooo....HELP! lol =] Thanks again for the responses, guys ;)
 
So putting together a bundle seems cheaper now, so thanks to previous suggestion.





PC XP - 119

6pk LC CCS - 35

HD Backing Plate - 19





Now, I just need to settle on creams. I have QD, MFs, LSPs, etc so that stuff isn't necessary. Pretty much need the machine, pads, and polish. Oh p.s. Menzerna is expensive okay, got that, but Ultrafina (06068 = Ultrafine as well I assume???) is JUST as much, ha. I thought 3M was a cheaper alternative for the most part? In any event I hear really good things from both of these so it may be worth the extra coin, or no?





6pk LC CCS = 2 Orange, 2 Black, 1 White, 1 Blue





Thoughts and suggestions?





Also, where have you guys got your work lamps? I found a tripod pair 500w a piece on eBay for like $37 shipped!
 
So 2 options and looking on opinions:





LC CCS - 1 Yellow, 2 Orange, 2 Black, 1 Blue



(Should I consider PFW???)



Creams - 105/205



OR



SIP/UF





Suggestions?
 
brandn3w-If I were putting together a starter pack, I'd go with M105/M205 and the cyan and tangerine hydrotech pads. If the paint is gonna get to the point where you'd benefit from a black/blue finishing pad, I'd use some Menzerna polish for that step (and I'd still consider using the tangerine pad).



I'd steer clear of Ultrafina, at least at this point (you're not using a rotary and you don't *need* what it brings to the party).



If you really want to do something beyond the M205 then spend for the Menzerna.



IMO you oughta just work with getting the hang of the M105/M205; I'd keep the process as simple as possible, hence the two products/two pads approach. IF anything I'd add a quick AIO or glaze type step between the M205 and the wax (I'd probably use Autoglym SRP).



You're more likely to need polishing pads than finishing pads. The jump from M105/orange to M205/black can be too big IME.



Yeah, you could use the PFW pads for some of the more serious work, but how much time are you planning to put in on this? Are you gonna do one/two panels at a time after each of a series of regular washes, or are you gonna do the whole thing in one marathon session (and by that I don't mean just five or six hours)? Once the vehicle's clean and you're ready to start, you'll....



Prime the pad. Work a small area with M105. Buff it off (got any #34 to spritz on? Better add that to the list..). Inspect. Repeat a few times until the marring looks good enough. Clean/reprime pad as needed. Eventually finish first panel. Repeat for whole vehicle (what time is it now?).



Prime pad. Work a somewhat larger area with M205. Buff off. Inspect. What about all the M205's oils? Are they concealing any micromarring from the M105 (better go over the area again..). Are they causing "pseudo-holograms" in the sun (better be prepared to IPA/PrepWash if necessary). Repeat until things look good enough (hey, what time is it *now*?).



Then (oh man, what time is it now?!?) maybe you'll be ready to wax. Then you need to do a final, am-I-finished-yet? inspection.



Doing two-three passes on the whole thing with M105 and then two with M205 might get it to the ~80-85% range, and will easily take a full day, maybe even two. Gearing up for attaining ~85% is reasonable, and different from gearing up for ~95%. Realistic expectations and incremental progress ;)
 
Wish I had noticed this thread earlier, brandn3w. I'm in Pittsburgh, also, and would be more than happy to help you out if I can (let you test some products, etc)......

PM me if you're interested.
 
Accumulator:



Appreciate ALL the information given, very kind for you to take the time. I was under the assumption that the hydrotech pads were too (how should I say this) new, and very basic in design. I see all the tried and true LC CCS pads and then see just 2 HT pads capable of doing everything.





None-the-less, I trust you and the reason for the SIP/UF was of course from reading great reviews, having a pretty hard paint to deal with (as well as some heavy marring), AND from reading that 105/205 wasn't all THAT user friendly. However, I can learn and I'll re-read that large thread on it. LOTS of good information in there.





Still have to brush up on the IPA wipes and inspections, but thanks a lot. Your response is greatly appreciated (as well as other's comments)





Gusbubba:



That'd be awesome man! That's a really kind offer, and I'm DEFINITELY in to meeting up and just soaking in some knowledge. I'd hate to use any of your products so what would you say if when I buy my stuff I bring it and you can help me do a panel or something? I haven't pulled the trigger on ANY products yet, but I'm going to search some more then post another list. Let me know if you're into helping me out on a panel and a panel is ALL, I PROMISE! LOL This is a labor intense hobby and I'm not trying to ruin your day, ha. Thanks so much man, wow, that's really kind... =]





Thanks guys!





Oh and here's a link to the lights I'm considering: eBay Link
 
Here's my list and only 1 day left on 15% off + Pinnacle Crystal Mist on orders over $75 so PLEASE interject/confirm my order so I can get the discount before tomorrow at midnight! Thanks!



PCXP

LC 5.5" Cyan - 2

LC 5.5" Tangerine - 2

Hook/Loop Backing Plate 5"

105

205

#34





How's it look? Should I consider anything else or am I missing anything? I realize this is a good time to get KAIO and what not, but as I'm just beginning I feel a simple approach per Accumulator (and others) would suit me better...
 
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