Hey, finally got around to cleaning it up and taking some pics in the direct sunlight. What would you recomend to take care of the swirls; 1 pass with 83 followed by 1 pass of 80?


Thoughts, Ideas, Anything would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks

 

DACP should get them out then follow up with the polish.


Brian

 

PhillipSVT,

I know that RP will come back with some excellent recommendations. In the meantime, I posted a response to a question about oxidation removal over at DetailCity. In my response, I went through a pretty comprehensive description of "my version" of proper paint prep. It included some stuff on paint polishing process/product selection that you might find helpful. It's a bit too big to post over here. Check it out if you'd like:

http://www.detailcity.com/showthread...598#post116598

 

Great post Boss. I have learned so much from you!! You are a HUGE asset to us here... thanks for continuing to lend your knowledge.


Phillip:

If it were mine, I'd go with #80 first... I think you'll note a considerable difference after one slow pass (remember, this is probably the number one problem that PC users have -- going too fast with their machine -- you have to allow the product to properly break down so it can do it's job -- if you don't, you're wasting your time or, potentially, introducing more marring with a 'partially degredated' product on the paint).

While I like #83 DACP and think it's a solid product, it can be fairly difficult to work with on the PC in my opinion. It just doesn't break down well unless you're VERY slow with the machine. The PC just can't get the heat that, in my opinion, may be necessary to really break it down well. I'm still not 'real good' with 83 and a PC... smack it on a rotary and I think I'm 'better' but, the PC is a much different tool versus the rotary.

RP

 

Thanks RP... you are certainly welcome! Online is one of my favorite places to contribute... good people, good posts and often times a nice "thank you" when you've helped!

Not all sites are like that!

 

Thanks Boss, Rock Pick, and Brian.

Before F150online, I didn't even know about polishing techniques and the correct tools for the job. Now that I've seen what they can do, I'm hooked and ready to try it on my own. I'm sure it will be like everything else, once you start you wont be able to stop.

When finals are over next week and I have some time (and a garage to work in), I'm going to get the truck back into shape. I havn't really payed a lot of attention to it this year, so a good polish/wax is in order. I should be able to pick up a DA PC in the next week or two. I'll take step by step pics to show each results, and post up when I'm done.


Thanks Again!!!






One final question, would you recomend just the simple "polishing pads" instead of a cutting pad?


Thanks!

 

Not sure what RP's thoughts are, but I'm not a fan of a cutting pad with a PC. I would get a few polishing pads, and a couple of finishing pads.

There are some pad manufacturers that have several levels of polishing and "light" cuttting pads. It would probably be nice to have a few of each, but it could get a bit expensive.

The important thing is to "evaluate" each step you are taking before moving to the next step, or continuing the current step.

To be honest, based on those pictures, you'll need the polishing pad and a moderately abrasive product. You'll probably need to make a couple (or more) passes before they start to disappear.

Hope this helps.

 

I have to agree with RP in that I would try #80 first. Remember to always start with the least agressive products first!

Secondly, I'd agree with Boss in that I wouldn't recommend using a cutting pad with a PC. The polishing pad will do just fine.

Good Luck

-slippy

 

Boss & Slippy, Thanks. That is kinda what I was thinking. A friend has the black Cobra I posted, and he said the same about the cutting pads.



Thanks again.

 

Here's a third for not using the cutting pad on the PC...