steps to the perfect shine again?

[Totoland Mach]

Originally Posted by 97on22s

my cars paint just doesnt have that pop anymore it really needs something to make it shiney again..

what do i needa buy and how do i do it?

wet sanding?
buffing?
polishing?
waxing?

cars torch red.

There's a couple of ways to get your Mach back to a fantastic looking finish: Do-It-Yourself or pay a professional detail to do it for you.

DIY: This approach involves will be purchasing some equipment and products. There are sites like www.autogeek.net that offer complete kits and instructions for use. Basically, you will wash, clay, compound, polish, and wax with a porter-cable random orbital machine and the appropriate foam pads. You'll also make a big investment in time: 10-12 hours on paint work alone.

Pro Detailer: A pro detailer usually uses (but not always) a rotary polisher, wet sanding heavy scratches, different grades of compound and polish. And, he will have a lot of experience to minimize mistakes. You're going to pay him for his time for the most part. I recondition BMW's, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Viper, etc and spend anywhere from 12-20 hours getting exterior paint to "as new" condition. Depending upon location, expect to pay $300-$500 for this service. Should you choose this decision GET AND SEE REFERENCES!

For examples of my work and what's involved, you can view my PhotoBucket site: http://s121.photobucket.com/albums/o212/Totoland/

Good luck and happy detailing.

Toto

[wiz_of_wuz]

Holy sh!t.............. I want that on my TR one!

[Totoland Mach]

wiz_of_wuz: This is probably THE most perfect black paint I've done. I had a great foundation to start (it had cat scratches on the driver door...long story) and the finish was swirled all over. It's a Bentley Flying Spur: 600 Hp of W12 twin turbo all wheel drive on a 6200 lb car. Accelerates like crazy! Costs like crazy too! The Bentley had zero orange peel and once I worked on the finish...it was so deep looking, I actually bumped my head on the C pillar LOL...no joke, walked right into it...felt like an idiot.





Toto

[hawk]

Hey Flatlander, good to see ya around. Don't be such a stranger.

[Totoland Mach]

Originally Posted by hawk

Hey Flatlander, good to see ya around. Don't be such a stranger.

Hiya Hawk!.....nice to see another "seasoned" vet hanging around. I've been busy with recon'ing Bimmers as a full time job. My law enforcement sales job went away due to a buyout and nobody is tripping over themselves to hire 64 year old people (well, maybe Wal-Mart as a greeter LOL).

Take care Sir!

Totoland

[hawk]

Originally Posted by Totoland Mach

Hiya Hawk!.....nice to see another "seasoned" vet hanging around. I've been busy with recon'ing Bimmers as a full time job. My law enforcement sales job went away due to a buyout and nobody is tripping over themselves to hire 64 year old people (well, maybe Wal-Mart as a greeter LOL).

Take care Sir!

Totoland

Lol, Yeah, seasoned with salt and vinegar, hehe. Hey man, you have a calling in detailing cars, that police gig was too much travel on ya anyway!

[DSG2003Mach1]

as mentioned a good claying before waxing it will go a looooong way. I personally prefer the Zaino claybars because you get 2 for the same price as 1 bar in the Mothers kit. I dont use their detail spray anyway, just car soap in a spray bottle then hose the car off when Im done, no constant drying.

the swirls I have dont show up so much with the DSG. I have the Porter Cable and sonus buffing kit, im just too wussy to try it out on my own car.

this is a beater jeep of ours I messed around with a little:



there is nothing on the right side of the hood, thats how bad the paint was

[wiz_of_wuz]

I will tell you what! You are a true craftsman!!!! Very nice stuff. I have a 73 Stingray that is Jet Black and it looks good BUT not that good! I am thinking of getting the Mach and the Vette done professionally now.

[04VAMach1]

Toto, great to see you posting again.

Listen to this guy...he'll steer you straight.