Need Help With Old Truck

[rt4t]

I am new to this site, and have a question. I have an old 1993 Ford f250 that needs alot of help. I used compound and a coat of wax when I bought it, but it has since faded and ready for something new. I have a cp that I have not used yet. This will be my first project.
I would like to know what steps I should use to not only protect this truck, but make it shine. Do I use haze and swirl remover, or do I go with something stronger?
Thanks

[turbos17]

Welcome! First you must do a test spot on a few areas to see the results and if you are happy. This can be done with any DA polisher.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-videos/20849-how-do-test-spot-using-flex-3401-a.html

Once you are done with a test spot now you can spend a full day working on your truck. :laughing: It is an addiction I tell you! :buffing:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/3107-entire-process-c6-owners-obviously-all-others-long-post.html

Obviously some of those steps can be skipped if you don't have a foam gun, leaf blower, etc. But you get the general idea. I would highly recommend looking at these too before you get started.

Auto Detailing Facts, auto detailing Tips, How to detailing Guides, how to polish, how to wax, DIY detailing, do it yourself guides (http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html)

Dual Action Orbital Polisher Guide: how to remove swirls, scratches, & oxidation with an orbital buffer. Porter Cable 7424, foam pads, backing plate, (http://www.autogeek.net/dual-action-polisher.html)

Hope this helps! Keep us updated and post some pics of your truck when you get a chance.

[Mike Phillips]

I have a cp that I have not used yet. This will be my first project.





Just to clarify, when you say you have a CP, do you mean XP, as in a Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher?

Like this?



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/794/PorterCable7424XP.jpg

[rt4t]

I'm sorry, yes, it is the Porter Cable 7424xp

[Mike Phillips]

it is the Porter Cable 7424XP







I would like to know what steps I should use to not only protect this truck, but make it shine. Do I use haze and swirl remover, or do I go with something stronger?
Thanks



Hi rt4t,

Is this a daily driver?
Is it parked outside all or most of the time?

The reason I ask is because you want to keep your goals realistic and for most people, if their car, truck or s.u.v. is a daily driver then it's a good idea to aim fora very nice finish but since daily driver's tend to get swirls and scratches from normal day-in, day-our wear and tear.

Since you already compounded the paint once as long as the compound did not leave its own compounding swirls and the swirls and scratches that have accumulated since compounding are not too deep then you could
possibly restore the finish using a less aggressive product than a true compound but you won't really know until you go out and test a product or two.


Do you have any SMR's or Swirl Mark Removers in your detailing arsenal?

Do you have a brand that you like already?

Let me know because here at Autogeek we care a lot of great medium to light polishes and I'm sure we'll have one that will work on your car's finish.


:)

[Mike Phillips]

If you haven't already, maybe take a few minutes to read through the below thread as it's very thorough and detailed on how to use the XP to remove swirls and restore a beautiful finish.

Tips and Techniques for using the PC 7424XP Dual Action Polisher to remove Below Surface Defects (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/expert-tips/20021-tips-techniques-using-porter-cable-7424xp.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/mikephillips/images/polish-2.gif



This was the article I used for my recent class at the Mobile Tech Expo except that I tweaked it and made it even more specific for each of the different procedure taught at that class.



:)

[rt4t]

Hello Again, this is my daily driver and it is kept outside all the time. I have a new camaro that I drive once a week. Looking through this site, it looks like I go with claying first, then swirl remover , a polish, then pinnacle souveran(which I already have). Being new at this I want to do it correct the first time

[Mike Phillips]

Looking through this site, it looks like I go with claying first,

then swirl remover ,

a polish,

then pinnacle Souveran(which I already have).



That's correct.

Wash and dry car
Clay paint
Remove swirls and scratches
Polish paint to a high gloss
Apply wax or paint sealant


Do you have buffing pads for your PC 7424XP?

If not, you'll need at least a small selection of pad with the most popular for what you want to do being the CCS Orange, White and Black/Gray pads in either 5.5" or 6.5" diameter.

For a swirl mark remover you can go with Wolfgang, Menzerna, Meguiar's, 3M, Poorboy's, XMT, Optima, Griot's Garage, etc.

Let us know what direction you want to go and we can make specific recommendations or call our 1-800-869-3011 Tech Line and we can put together a custom kit that will include everything you need to tackle both your truck and your Camaro.

:)

[rt4t]

Thanks for all the info