I haven't buffed, or waxed my '01 since the day i got it in 2004!im not eve sure the guy before me waxed it! I can tell it needs it BAD, and i have so many surface scratches it looks like a bunch of kids drew on it with keys!

Anyways, what proccess do i need to go about to wax/buff it? and wht to buff it with(hand or powerbuffer)?

Thanks,

 

Okay... A few questions:

1. How much time are you willing to spend on this?
2. How much $$$ are you willing to spend?
3. Have you read the sticky?
4. What car care stuff do you already own (if any)
5. What experience do you have with paint care?
6. Are you looking more for a 'decent' job, done showroom perfect, or just getting it a little nicer?

Once you answer those and add on anything else you feel necessary, then we can best recommend a plan for you.

Good luck!!!

 

1)Long enough to see it shine brighter than ever
2)Not a lot. Enough to get decent materials.
3)No, I have not. First time I came in here was this afternoon.:o
4)I have a Megulars Kit, but need to restock some stuff. Microfibers, shammys, rim cleaner and tire shine, and wash clothes...
5)????Not sure...
6)In between "alittle nicer" and "decent job".

 

If you could get some pictures of the paint in direct sunlight, we could come up with a process for you to follow.. Pictures are pretty necessarry when you are asking about paint correction.

 

Okay. This is no problem. Start by reading the sticky to familiarize yourself with a lot of this info. Granted, a good bit may not apply, but it was originally written (by myself, so I know this to be true) as a "by-hand" guide, with pointers about D/A usage here and there... That said, it shouldnt be *too* far over what you want to do.

Which megs kit do you have? (ie: What's in it? They make several)

Okay, here are a few things I recommend for you to invest in if you dont already have them:

1. quality wash solution (ie: Gold Class wash or NXT wash. Both availible at local Wal-Mart, Target, or the auto parts stores) COST: $7 OR LESS
2. The Meguiars Deep Crystal System (all 3 steps). Availible at WalMart, Target, auto parts stores, etc. COST: $22
3. Mothers SynWax or NXT (See note 1 at bottom). COST: $15 or less
4. Meguiars Quik Detailer Spray. Cost: ~$5 I think.
5. More MFs... Go for nice ones. For you, I am thinking Supreme Shines, but w/e...
6. Simple Green.
7. Tire shine

NOTE 1: Personally, I like SynWax better. More user friendly. However, I dont feel that it has the same cleaning ability or concealing characteristics as the NXT 2.0 does... Up to you. But Synwax is usually on clearance for $5...

If this is what you go for, wash, clay, then follow the instructions for the 3-step system, but before you do step 3, use the SynWax or NXT. Then go on to step 3. Use the QD spray to touch up between washes and also after a detail-- it gets the last little bit of POP out for you. Use the simple green to do the engine bay and other greasy areas (plus the tires).

Hmmm... I was going to find a setup for you based on a cheaper setup then another on a more expensive (remember, you get what you pay for) one, but I have to run... I will post again tonight...

 

i think i some of the stuff. but i will need to get some more.




i dont know if these are good enough or not. if they arent, then i will have to take some tomorow after work. its 8:30 CST here, so the sun is pretty much gone.

the paint isnt really all that bad. only in spots. but i have a ton of surface scratches im hoping to buff out.

 

Those pictures don't look too bad really. Try to get some close ups of DIRECT sunlight- these tend to show defects better than any other pictures. When you see the sun shining on your paint does it have swirl marks? If so, how bad would you say they are?

 

it has swirls. if your standing about a ft from the truck, in the perfect angle of sunlight, you MIGHT be ablt to see them. i know i can see them when washing, but of course im right on top of them.

i will shoot some tomorow after work. which is usually about 4:30. its nice because the way i park, my truck faces directly due west, so the sun hits it good!

 

2 things to add to Ryan's list.

1. A Mother's or Meguiars clay bar kit.
2. A tube of ScratchX.

I'd pass on DC2 (polish) - go right from DC1 to NXT. Any scratches you still see after DC1 is where you use the ScratchX. DC2 removal is a pain if you are working by hand, you can NOT let it dry. NXT 2.0 has enough fillers and polish so using the polish really isn't necessary.

 

If the swirls are that light, you really won't have to work that hard to get rid of them. Theres nothing I can say, f150sport and glc already gave you great advice. There's a lot of helpful people in the C&D section, don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

ok. i will throw up some more pics tomorow.

thanks for the help/pointers guys!

 

X2..
Make sure you clay.. Also make sure your ScratchX those rough spots.

Also... Get a cheap interior cleaner and/or dressing.. Can't forget about the inside!

Spray down a rag with Simple green at a low concentration rate and go over any rough spots on the interior. Then follow up with armour all or something of that sort to bring the interior back to life.


Yes, i just said armour all.
Deal with it. I still like that stuff! haha


P.S. Don't forget pictures, pictures, and more pictures.
Before
During
After.

 

How did I miss that???

Anywho, I just realized you are in Arlington, and I am in Fort Worth... Why dont we work out a time and you can bring it by? Shoot me off an email and we can figure something out-- I have a D/A with lots of chemicals and can get it to a point to which you wont need to make a huge investment... shoot me off an email >> navyguy@swbell.net

 

the interior isnt bad at all. the only problems with it are paint chips off the radio & a/c trim piece, and thats about it. ive have the interior done once or twice (my logic was that is where i spend most of the time in the truck, so i want it to be nice)but i will remember that!

well im not in arlington right now. thats where i go to school, UTA. im at home near on the gulf (galveston area). but if i dont get this done this summer, i will shoot you an email when i get back to school. my girlfriend lives in Crowley, so we usually head there on the weekends.

i will hit you up when i get up there though! thanks!

 

ok guys, here are the pics of my paint. i tried to get the paint without blinding the camera with sun reflection. hope yall can work from these!







sorry for the water spots. i tried to wash some dirt off, but it didnt work...
Thanks,