Guys,

I just brought home a new 07 harley model and want to get it before it gets out of shape.

It was a demo so It has 7K miles on it, and has a few swirls now.

My question after reading all this is I cant make sense out of what brand of product to use and whether or not to go with hand polish or DA

From what I read I like the Zaino brand products but they dont appear to need or warrant the use of a DA, while others appear to require it.

So which brand is better for now and going forward.

If I go Zaino can I get a DA to speed up the process?

If I do do I use it to put on the polish or buff it off or both?

Also do you combine the #5 for a few coats to take out the swirls then go over it with #2?

Sorry for all the questions but this stuff is not cheap and I hate to buy things then wish I had researched it before plunking down my cash.

Thanks in advance

 

You said you have read all this. If you haven't done so. I would first read the sticky at the top of this forum as it will answer a lot of your questions.

 

As you’ve already heard, checking the sticky at the top of the page will answer many of your questions on detailing in general. That said, the sticky doesn’t really address the Zaino product line – which I have some experience with. Let me try to answer some of your questions as they relate to Zaino. (The Zaino web site also has some great information.)

First, if your truck is a Harley edition, it’s probably black. (The Super Duty version was available in orange too.) Black is a wonderful color and looks great when properly detailed – but awful when improperly cared for. Zaino will work on black and give you some awesome results, but just like almost every other product we praise in this forum, the final results have to do more with the preparation work than anything else.

So if you already have some minor scratching and marring (not at all unusual in a truck prepped by a dealer), you’ll have to do some prep work to get rid of or at least minimize them. For this type of work, a random orbital polisher like the ones from Porter-Cable do wonders. Zaino sells Z-PC Swirl Remover (in a wonderful hippie green color) that does a really decent job here.

For your next steps, Z-5 Pro is pretty decent stuff, but doesn’t hide all of the swirls. (That’s why I recommended the Swirl Remover first.) You can layer the Z-5, but I’d recommend using the ZFX additive so it cures faster. I’d also swear that this stuff gives me a bit more durability too. If you really want to see the finish pop, try the Z-8 Final Detail spray. Hope that helps. Don’t forget to post pictures!

 

Thanks 2stroked, thats the info I was looking for.

So use a DA on the swirl remover but not on the z5 for either application or removal.

It is a haley model but its the amethyst.

 

That's correct. No need to use the DA with anything but the Swirl Remover. One of the nice things about the Zaino line is that most of their stuff literally wipes on, then off, with very little effort.

 

Where do you live? I may be willing to do that one for free if you're near by... (I'm building a website and need some 'material'). The Amethyst color is stunning when it's polished/cleaned to the hilt.

 

In bluefield VA. I suspect I am a ways from you. But thanks for the kind offer.

 

Yep... pretty good haul but, if you change your mind, that offer stands.

I really think that color is sharp... very unique.

 

No one can tell you what brand to pick, that's going to be personal preference. I'm a Meguiars guy but I do make a few exceptions to that preference.

 

I agree with Thump on this. You have to pick what is best for you. I just bought some Zaino and I am going to give it a try. Also bought some CCS pads to try. Maybe I'll like it and maybe not but I am willing to try. I have been using mostly Meg's products until now.

Kevin

 

Geez, I’ve be a loyal poster here since before Jesus had sandals. Did Brad ever offer to detail my truck for free? Noooo. OK, so my truck is in fairly decent shape due to that OCD problem some of us have here and I guess that would make before and after shots look pretty close to the same. I still would have been willing to make the 13-hour drive – without ever once stopping to wash, clay, polish, wax and detail spray the truck – just to get a detailing job by the master. Heck, I’d even be willing to watch for free! (Talk about sweetening a deal!)

I think I know what this boils down to. I’m being discriminated against based on color. That’s right, my truck is Oxford White – which is notoriously difficult to get pictures of that show the true results of one’s efforts. It’s OK, though, I’m a big boy and am starting to get used to it (sniff, sniff) but it hurts so bad. Excuse me. I’ve got to take my medication now.

 

Bring it down! I'll do it (for a nominal fee). HA!

 

perhaps I am being foolish here, its only 5 hours for me and I drive rather fast anyway.

but two tanks of gas and an overnight would probably add up to more than getting a detail here....but learning how to do it correctly myself by watching the master...that could be priceless.

OK I have most of the other acronyms down...what is ocd?

 

Obsessive compulsive disorder...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessi...lsive_disorder

 

You're right... it would be a long and silly drive... none of what any of us do, as detailers, is rocket science.

I did have a customer/friend drive 3 hours, one-way, to have me work on his red 2005 Mustang GT though.