I’ve been lurking for quite awhile and have read a ton of posts full of wonderful information and tips. I want to thank all the pros as well as the die-hard enthusiasts (to say nothing of the good folks that keep Autopia running) for taking time to contribute.
At first, most of what I read was overwhelming. Maybe it was just information overload or whatever. Finally, however, I’ve slowly been able to formulate a plan of attack for my newly purchased 1994 Lexus LS400. Not exactly in the same class as some of the fine and exotic machinery some of you own, but for me this car is going to be like good psychotherapy as I work to get it into shape.
But to be honest, I have some nagging doubts about my ability to do all that I want to do. For one thing, I’m old enough to remember watching the Beatles first appearance live on the Ed Sullivan Show if that tells you anything. So, you'd think I'd be looking to use all the "labor saving" devices I could. :doh But after some soul searching, I’ve finally decided that a PC is not for me…at least not right off the bat. I figure a tool in the wrong (i.e., inexperienced) hands can do more harm than good. But on the other hand, I wonder if the current state of my exterior would dictate that I really should use one if I expect to get the results I want. And this is where I could use some advice.
I’m not expecting a competition finish, and can actually abide a few minor flaws and imperfections. Still…I would like a finish that will give me pride of ownership and confidence that I’m protecting the vehicle for a long time to come.
Actually, the paint job and clear coat are not in too bad of shape. However, I do have the usual number of scratches and minor dings that one might expect for a car this old and for one that has seen more than it’s share of bad car wash drive-thrus. I also have a few missing paint chips. At this point I’m planning on using a paint marking pen type of product that I saw mentioned instead of touch-up paint (darn it…seems I’ve lost the link to what I’m referring to, so I’m not sure what to call it).
My plans (in order) are to:
1. Dawn wash it
2. Clay it down
3. Use some sort of swirl remover (not too sure if this step is necessary…and not settled as yet on a product if I do decide to do this…ScatchX?).
4. Use some touch-up markers or touch-up paint
5. Apply AIO x 2
6. Apply SG x ?
7. Apply some S100 (just because).
My question (finally)…considering the job I’d be undertaking and the products I plan to use…is this too ambitious a project without the use of a PC? Or should I just bite the bullet and spring for one to tackle such a job? Trouble is, I don’t have a “practice vehicleâ€� to help me gain the experience. At least the color I have to work with won’t be that hard to do…it’s silver with a silver interior (however, if it counts,
I wanted a black exterior…just couldn’t find one).
Any advice would be appreciated.
-Taz
At first, most of what I read was overwhelming. Maybe it was just information overload or whatever. Finally, however, I’ve slowly been able to formulate a plan of attack for my newly purchased 1994 Lexus LS400. Not exactly in the same class as some of the fine and exotic machinery some of you own, but for me this car is going to be like good psychotherapy as I work to get it into shape.
But to be honest, I have some nagging doubts about my ability to do all that I want to do. For one thing, I’m old enough to remember watching the Beatles first appearance live on the Ed Sullivan Show if that tells you anything. So, you'd think I'd be looking to use all the "labor saving" devices I could. :doh But after some soul searching, I’ve finally decided that a PC is not for me…at least not right off the bat. I figure a tool in the wrong (i.e., inexperienced) hands can do more harm than good. But on the other hand, I wonder if the current state of my exterior would dictate that I really should use one if I expect to get the results I want. And this is where I could use some advice.
I’m not expecting a competition finish, and can actually abide a few minor flaws and imperfections. Still…I would like a finish that will give me pride of ownership and confidence that I’m protecting the vehicle for a long time to come.
Actually, the paint job and clear coat are not in too bad of shape. However, I do have the usual number of scratches and minor dings that one might expect for a car this old and for one that has seen more than it’s share of bad car wash drive-thrus. I also have a few missing paint chips. At this point I’m planning on using a paint marking pen type of product that I saw mentioned instead of touch-up paint (darn it…seems I’ve lost the link to what I’m referring to, so I’m not sure what to call it).
My plans (in order) are to:
1. Dawn wash it
2. Clay it down
3. Use some sort of swirl remover (not too sure if this step is necessary…and not settled as yet on a product if I do decide to do this…ScatchX?).
4. Use some touch-up markers or touch-up paint
5. Apply AIO x 2
6. Apply SG x ?
7. Apply some S100 (just because).
My question (finally)…considering the job I’d be undertaking and the products I plan to use…is this too ambitious a project without the use of a PC? Or should I just bite the bullet and spring for one to tackle such a job? Trouble is, I don’t have a “practice vehicleâ€� to help me gain the experience. At least the color I have to work with won’t be that hard to do…it’s silver with a silver interior (however, if it counts,
I wanted a black exterior…just couldn’t find one).Any advice would be appreciated.
-Taz
