I Will NEVER Wax By Hand Again!

[Tallboy]

Man, I'm hooked. Just detailed the MM with my new Porter-Cable 7424. But first, how I got here...

I have been quite picky about how my cars look. Ever since my first car [67 Impala] I would be out in the garage washing, waxing, etc. I like my cars to look good. I've pretty much followed the same routine my whole life.

Until about 18 months ago...

I became friends with a guy who owns a car chemical supply company. He's a manufacturer, not just a distributor. I learned I didn't know ***** about cleaning cars. He detailed my MM for me to show me how it should look. I was blown away, and replied "teach me." He did just that. After many nights spent in the warehouse detailing all sorts of cars [including Paul Azinger's Porsche] I learned what to do and what not to do.

I learned it's not so much what you use, but how you use it. I've tried 'em all [so has he] and after learning the proper techniques, I finally did a "solo" on my own. But, I didn't use my car. :D I did my mom's white Reatta yesterday. I was shocked at how good I was able to make the car look.

This morning, I did my MM, as a reward for it's first ever 12.X pass two weeks ago. I didn't use any "high-dollar" products. I used stuff made and sold right here in South Florida. So, use whatever you like, if your methods are sound, your car will always look great. I've discovered you don't have to spend a million dollars for your car to look like a million dollars.

Thanks for playing along. Here's a few pics...

[Dave Compson]

More info please... Porta cable/?? I dont want to start a war on which wax is the best, i just need to know basic technique and which buffer/pad/ combo. Wont burn off my clearcoat.

I want to know how to use a buffer /machine on my car to help apply the wax product and make the car look better than i can do it by hand.

[Tallboy]

More info please... Porta cable/?? I dont want to start a war on which wax is the best, i just need to know basic technique and which buffer/pad/ combo. Wont burn off my clearcoat.

I want to know how to use a buffer /machine on my car to help apply the wax product and make the car look better than i can do it by hand.


I used a Porter-Cable variable speed random-orbit polisher, model #7424, speed # 3. [There are 6 speeds]. You really cannot screw up with this thing-no chance of burning the paint. I used foam applicator pads developed and made by my friend. I used the wax of my coice, and the methods taught to me by my friend. If you buy a buffer, but are unsure which pads to use [very important, by the way] drop me a line, and I'll send you a couple from his warehouse...:D

[Joe Walsh]

I used a Porter-Cable variable speed random-orbit polisher, model #7424, speed # 3. [There are 6 speeds]. You really cannot screw up with this thing-no chance of burning the paint.

That was always my biggest fear with using a machine polisher.....burning the paint.
Is the Porter Cable polisher very slow speed? Or is it more in the technique?

BTW: Awesome looking shine!

[Tallboy]

That was always my biggest fear with using a machine polisher.....burning the paint.
Is the Porter Cable polisher very slow speed? Or is it more in the technique?

BTW: Awesome looking shine!

The polisher can be whatever speed you want. I did the Buick on "2", and moved to "3" on my car. It's absolutely amazing what you can do with one of these. I bought mine beacuse it's what my friend uses. As far as technique goes, do small sections at a time. Front-to-back on horizontal surfaces, top-to-bottom on verical surfaces. Very slick, indeed. Thanks for the compliments!

[MarauderMark]

That car SHINES!!!:up:One question does it have to be a porter cable polisher cause my kids bought me a ryobi last christmas and its still in the box(unopened) as i do not or may be in fear of using it as i do not wanna mess up anything on the car ..Thanks.

[Tallboy]

That car SHINES!!!:up:One question does it have to be a porter cable polisher cause my kids bought me a ryobi last christmas and its still in the box(unopened) as i do not or may be in fear of using it as i do not wanna mess up anything on the car ..Thanks.

As long as it's a random orbital polisher, you should be fine.

The Ryobi should do a great job, brother...:beer:

[Agent M79]

As a general rule, a 'polisher' should not have any capacity to burn up paint or clearcoat. Generally a 'buffer' can easily do damage in the wrong hands.

Random orbital polishers are good for helping to hide swirly marks you might leave behind but typically if you use a detail spray when you are done, that helps cover any streaking/swirling.

Tallboy, did your pro friend do any clay barring or have any commentary about that? It seems worthwhile but I'd like to hear from someone making a good living at it.

[Mike Poore]

Porter Cable is the same one Meguiar's sells that we've been howling about for a year, now. You have to call and get the price, because they have 'em in their rip-off kit that has a load of unnessary crap you don't need. You can get the polisher & bonnets alone and believe Tallboy & me nothing's gonna do a better job. There must be a dozen or more of us using them, since someone posted about a Christmas special they had about a year ago. :)

[BruteForce]

...since someone posted about a Christmas special they had about a year ago. :)

That was me. See my shiny car pics in my gallery. :D

[Tallboy]

As a general rule, a 'polisher' should not have any capacity to burn up paint or clearcoat. Generally a 'buffer' can easily do damage in the wrong hands.

Random orbital polishers are good for helping to hide swirly marks you might leave behind but typically if you use a detail spray when you are done, that helps cover any streaking/swirling.

Tallboy, did your pro friend do any clay barring or have any commentary about that? It seems worthwhile but I'd like to hear from someone making a good living at it.

Yes, he uses and believes in a good clay-bar set-up, as do:) I.

[AzMarauder]

The polisher can be whatever speed you want. I did the Buick on "2", and moved to "3" on my car. It's absolutely amazing what you can do with one of these. I bought mine beacuse it's what my friend uses. As far as technique goes, do small sections at a time. Front-to-back on horizontal surfaces, top-to-bottom on verical surfaces. Very slick, indeed. Thanks for the compliments!

I don't want you to explain... I want you to come out here and SHOW ME !

:D

[the_pack_rat]

I used a Porter-Cable variable speed random-orbit polisher, model #7424, speed # 3. [There are 6 speeds]. You really cannot screw up with this thing-no chance of burning the paint. I used foam applicator pads developed and made by my friend. I used the wax of my coice, and the methods taught to me by my friend. If you buy a buffer, but are unsure which pads to use [very important, by the way] drop me a line, and I'll send you a couple from his warehouse...:D
The Porter Cable is one of those things I have been meaning to pick up & just keep procrastinating on.

Having (2) dark red & (2) black cars ..... I certainly have my work cut out for me at times. The Town Car is in dire need of a good buffing & the Toronado I had wet sanded back when I first bought it(amateur repaint before I bought it). Still some swirls in it from my regular buffing job I haven't gotten around to removing. Also never finished the LF fender either(wet sanding).

Looks good(tho never really looked bad) but it can still be MUCH better.

As it was when I bought it :


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=79 92


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=79 93


After I wet sanded - buffed & waxed :


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=79 90


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=79 91

Course the new BFG's - new rear coils & some adjustment to the torsion bars(raised the front a bit) do wonders to the car as well.

I'd be interested in the pad choices too as well as the tricks you've learned.

Sounds like a good excuse for a get together(I'm sure others would be interested too) over a couple cold ones on a nice mild day.

:beer:

[Mike Poore]

I don't want you to explain... I want you to come out here and SHOW ME !

:D


ME .... ME.... I'll come! Um, can I drive the Fairlane?:woohoo:


Hey pack_rat. that Toronado is to die for. :bows:

[AzMarauder]

ME .... ME.... I'll come! Um, can I drive the Fairlane?:woohoo:


Hey pack_rat. that Toronado is to die for. :bows:


Mike,

Sure you can ! The Fairlane likes to be driven ! :D

[Ozz]

I have used a 10" random orbital waxer and Meguire's Crystal System (3 step cleaner, polish, wax) for years and every car I have ever done ('03 MM, '69 Mustang in Royal Maroon, '98 Dakota R/T, '91 Mustang GT) has recieved many compliments. I couldn't ask for anything more.I recently had my black MM detailed professionally but decided to redo it myself since I thought the paint should look better... after the Crystal System treatment, it looks like it should have from the detailer...Most people are afraid of the machines but as long as it's R.O. there are no worries.Congrats.

[John F. Russo]

The polisher can be whatever speed you want. I did the Buick on "2", and moved to "3" on my car. It's absolutely amazing what you can do with one of these. I bought mine beacuse it's what my friend uses. As far as technique goes, do small sections at a time. Front-to-back on horizontal surfaces, top-to-bottom on verical surfaces. Very slick, indeed. Thanks for the compliments!


It looks very impressive. I wish I could see it first hand.

Thank you for the presentation.

I'll talk to my detailer to see what he does.

[Hotrauder]

Chuck, I want this done, ...my car wants this done. Please send me 2# of motivation and 3 gallons of elbow grease..or do it for me, please. Dennis

[Mike Poore]

Mike,

Sure you can ! The Fairlane likes to be driven ! :D


On my way! :cloud9:

Um, can I stop off and pick up Barry? We'll have to wait for some really, really bad weather, though. :drive:

[Tallboy]

Chuck, I want this done, ...my car wants this done. Please send me 2# of motivation and 3 gallons of elbow grease..or do it for me, please. Dennis

This can be arranged. We'll discuss it next week in Fort Myers...:D