I have to get use to this...

[roadrunner1659]

Well today i have decided to work on my little brothers truck...lets just say its my testing and learning vehicle!

Its an oler 90's (i will find out what year) Ford Ranger Pickup and the color is Forest Green with some pearl...

I have been working on the half of the hood for a little while now (like 1 1/2 hrs...haha) anyway this is the process so far...

Washed with dish soap to strip off any wax (doubt there is any), then clayed (surprizingly it wasn't bad at all)...

Started with my PC and LC CCS orange pad and XMT #3...tried it out and decided to give #4 a try too...i think #4 helped a little more and then i came back over again with number #3. Followed up #3 with #1 on LC CCS green pad, and finished with 360 also on the green pad. The half of the hood looks fantastic compared to the other half, although not perfect but still looks really good!

Questions -

can i use two different polishes and compounds on the same pad?

Also, how do you work the pads into the lines of the body that aren't flat?

I know that the cars paint isn't going to be perfect but i am wondering if i can get it better? but being that this is my first time using the PC i know its a learning process...

If anyone can give me some advise that would be great!

Thanks!

PS - Love all of my new products and i will be posting pics of the work later!

[D&D Auto Detailing]

Dont use different polishes on the same pad without washing and drying the pad first.

Best advice is to watch the videos on using the PC to make sure you're doing it right. Porter Cable Random Orbital Video Demo

[roadrunner1659]

i've been watching the video's and i just watched them some more...

i think i will alter my plan of attack...my brothers truck has heavy swirls, bird etchings, and water etchings...so this is my idea...

XMT #4 and LC CCS Yellow Pad then XMT #3 and LC CCS Orange Pad then
XMT #1 and LC CCS Green Pad then Finish with XMT 360 and LC CCS Blue Pad...

How does this sound?

Also, with the pressure...another thing i will have to learn...but pressure will decrease as i change pads and use different pads and polishes but at any point do i just use the pressure of the machine to do the work? and how much pressure is that considered?

someone please respond to this as i am trying to do this now...thanks!

[D&D Auto Detailing]

That sounds like a good plan to me. Basically you want to start with the least aggressive combo. If what you used on the other half of the hood wasnt good enough, then try something stronger this time.

Pressure will depend on paint condition, polish, and pad. I think its best to use as little pressure as possible. With more severe swirls, you'll probably need more pressure. With light to moderate swirls, you'll need less pressure, maybe even none. It all depends on the conditions.

You really dont need to use any pressure when applying a sealant or wax via PC. When I apply a wax or sealant, I hold the PC with one hand, on the end of it towards the power cord.

[roadrunner1659]

yea the plan did sound good but after starting back up i began to smell something burning...needless to say that when i turned the PC off, smow began to come out from the seams in the machine...and the gray area of the PC was so hot i didn't want to touch it...

...so i had to stop and i guess i will have to box up the pc, send it back and either get a new pc or maybe look into the UDM...idk...

right now im just kinda bummed out...

[D&D Auto Detailing]

Yeah I saw, that sucks. Good luck.

[roadrunner1659]

im starting to think that the problem with my PC occurs during pressure placed on the machine while in use...b/c i took it outside and turned it on but without using it on a car...it staid cool and no smoke...

...so does anyone think that i should give it another try? i am almost tempted to use it on my car using just 360 b/c i know it doesn't require alot if any pressure...but then again what about when i need to use pressure?

what should i do?

[D&D Auto Detailing]

Might of been using too much pressure. Once the machine starts to bog down, back off.