Hello form Daytona Beach, FL

[:::houseofbunny:::]

I purchased a used car in January and have since made it my new hobby. I've researched detailing off and on for about six years, but this is the first car I've had that was in good enough condition to warrant spending some real time and money on.

So here I am. Refreshing old knowledge, checking out all the new products, and learning a whole lot more. I've settled on AG as my home base for some intangible reason; I think it is the sense of enthusiasm and personal experience that is written into the guides and product descriptions.

I have just received my first purchase from AG: (and happen to have tomorrow off!!)

UDM/intro kit
XMT #3
PB's SSR1
PB's EX-P
3.5" backing plate & two 4" orange pads (for glass and headlights)
PB's S&W

I'm a happy girl.

I am nervous about using the UDM. I don't have any experience with buffers--rotary or DA. I keep seeing frightening pics of novice detail work that involved a buffer. I don't want to contribute to that stock.

I figure I will start with the headlights to get a feel for the machine. I plan on using Meg's Plastx for that job (with the LC orange pad). That product may not be aggressive enough to get them to 'like new', but when used by hand it does make a noticeable improvement.

By the way, has anyone here tried Mother's Chrome Polish on their glass? By hand I get great results. It really makes the glass look deep and clear. The reflections are super sharp--much better than without, and my glass is already in good condition. Plus, I am deeply gratified by the way water beads off. I like it better than Rain-X, works just as well or better, and seems to last about 3-4 weeks. I just wonder if there are any side effects to using it that I should be informed of. Anyhow, I plan on using that with the UDM tomorrow. I'm hoping it will improve the cleaning ability of the polish, since by hand it does nothing for etching.

Any feedback or suggestions are greatly welcome!

[dengood1]

Welcome!! What kind of car did you get? Lot's of people here to help if needed, but it looks like you're well on your way. Good luck. I'm right across the state from you

[sparkie]

Welcome to AGOL...

[Meghan]

[wytstang]

I am nervous about using the UDM. I don't have any experience with buffers--rotary or DA. I keep seeing frightening pics of novice detail work that involved a buffer. I don't want to contribute to that stock.

With a DA it is very very very hard to damage the paint. DA's spin and giggle so it technically doesn't sit in one spot (which is important). DA's a very user friendly, have fun with your new toys.

[Smokin]

Welcome to the addiction.

[:::houseofbunny:::]

I used the UDM today on the headlights and the hood. I wasn't able to accomplish all that I had hoped.

The UDM was very easy to use and I didn't have any problems. Backing plates were easy to change, the noise level was low, and the vibration wasn't bad. I do think that the optional handle vibrates too hard (rather, you feel the vibration accutely) when using at high speeds. Maybe if it were wrapped in a soft plastic it wouldn't be bad. Not a big deal, since I didn't really need the handle.

I ended up using the PB's SSR1 on the headlights instead of the Meg's Plastx, because Plastx didn't specify for machine use. The SSR1 worked fantastic with the orange foam pad. Very pleased.

The hood really needed/needs some work. I started with SSR1 and a white pad. Moved to XMT#3 with the white pad. Then brought out the orange pad and used XMT with that. I wasn't expecting miracles, because I have some deep scratches that I know can't be rubbed out. But I was a little dissapointed in XMT#3's inability to conquer scratches that I feel are not very bad: maybe minor to moderate. I spent a good long time on this hood. Over two hours. I really wanted to give the XMT a fair chance, plus I don't have anything stronger on hand. I was happy with it's ability to work out the minor to moderate swirling. That much looks great. But I will need to step up my effort.

[:::houseofbunny:::]

Originally Posted by dengood1

Welcome!! What kind of car did you get? Lot's of people here to help if needed, but it looks like you're well on your way. Good luck. I'm right across the state from you

I bought an '01 Kia Optima LX for 3K. Now I know a lot of people would question putting any kind of work into a Kia. I straddle the fence with that one, myself. But it's in great shape and looks pretty sharp. So I'm just gonna ride this out and see where the detailing bug takes me. At worst, this car will be my training wheels for better cars that really deserve this level of attention. Plus it will look super fly when I decide to sell it.

[makdaddy626]

Originally Posted by :::houseofbunny:::

I bought an '01 Kia Optima LX for 3K. Now I know a lot of people would question putting any kind of work into a Kia. I straddle the fence with that one, myself. But it's in great shape and looks pretty sharp. So I'm just gonna ride this out and see where the detailing bug takes me. At worst, this car will be my training wheels for better cars that really deserve this level of attention. Plus it will look super fly when I decide to sell it.

I wouldn't question putting work into a Kia at all... polish it up and take care of it, you'll enjoy it more and it will be worth more when you decide to get rid of it. Besides, the work is the fun part.

I think most people that are new to polishing and especially machine polishing (myself included), read all the advice on using the least abrasive method first and end up with some fear (which is probably a good thing) and some unrealistic expectations from medium to mild polishes. My first attemps at machine polishing were very similar to yours (PC and XMT 1 & 3) and I was also disappointed that more of the scratches didn't vanish. Stick with and don't be afraid to experiment with some stronger or longer working polishes and more aggressive pads. You'll quickly get a better feel for what will accomplish what. Doing paint corrections with a PC/UDM is time consuming, but you can make a huge difference in the appearance of you car.

Best of luck and there are lots of great people here with a lot of knowledge and an amazing desire to help others, so post up any questions or problems you run into. This is (IMHO) the most newbie friendly detailing site on the net, and yet is also full of very experienced and knowledgeable pros.

Anyway, welcome to AGO... now go take some pics and share your experiences!!!

[maiku]

Welcome! I lived in Daytona for 9 years. I left after high school. I'm up in St. Augustine now. I'm new on the forums too, but I've been detailing for a few years.
I agree w/ mak. Don't stop doing what your doing just because it's a Kia. It's better that it's not a mercedes or somthing because if you screw up you won't hate yourself too much. lol. It's a great practice car. Test out different products, find what you like and work with that. Don't just stick with any one product. If you don't like something for whatever reason, just sell it off.
Read and watch video's about detailing and before long you'll have all your friends coming to you for advice or to do work on their car. lol.
So anyway, welcome!
I'll honk if I see any real shiny Kia's when I go into Daytona to visit. lol.