Rate my test spot - prep for enormous detailing weekend

[LegacyGT]

Ok I have been reading the forums diligently for about two months, purchasing products, and doing some easier work before tackling this project. I just did a quick test spot and I want to get a bit of feedback before I go whole car.

It is really sad how bad of shape this paint is in, but I see enormous potential and will document and post my progress including some major Dr. Colorchip repair.

Things I have learned / changed after reading the forums - I was always afraid to put much pressure on the PC until I read Mike's articles about putting 10-20 lbs on the PC as long as the pad keeps moving. Previously I had not been getting the correction I wanted on this car, but with this change I think it will do the trick. The no-stick method of holding the PC is my new favorite =). I had previously been dry-buffing my Menzerna; this time I used pad conditioner, and primed the pad with a fair amount of product. Much less dusting this time, though last time I used it it was 95 deg w/ 90% humidity (damn Iowa summers).

Before pictures and test spot setup:
http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1683/1009389524_yfff5-L.jpg

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1684/1009389951_TJSqL-L.jpg

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1685/1009390732_jjP6k-L.jpg

Halogens were not showing the scratches, the Fenix TK10 did though
http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1687/1009391610_sgHdd-L.jpg

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1689/1009392619_djaBQ-L.jpg

Deep scratch, this guy will need wet sanding, when I am up to taking on that challenge.
http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1690/1009393560_TnonB-L.jpg

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1691/1009394350_8YKyN-L.jpg
Menzerna Super intensive, orange CCS pad, PC on 5, 20 passes. Does this look properly broken down? Minor dusting at very top of picture.

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1696/1009396092_a8ukJ-L.jpg
Surface after 20 passes of super intensive and wiped clean - amazing turn around.

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1697/1009397044_cYM9r-L.jpg

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1701/1009398144_gmMa9-L.jpg

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1703/1009399301_iczYA-L.jpg

Center line of tape removed after ONLY super-intensive round
http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1706/1009400456_HcdL3-L.jpg

Nano polish primed and ready to go.
http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1707/1009401311_TN7uR-L.jpg
20 passes of nano polish, 10 firm pressure, 10 light pressure PC speed 5, LC CCS white pad

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1709/1009402528_MKee6-L.jpg
Polishing Complete, center tape removed.

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1710/1009403617_NoX5a-L.jpg
Far edge of the test spot, entire area cleaned with 70% IPA.

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1713/1009404724_KDN75-L.jpg
The sun came out, check out the difference! Control line looks foggy compared to polished area.

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1716/1009407260_CGS4R-L.jpg
My favorite shot of the correction, center line shown, and far edge.

http://billmorton.smugmug.com/Cars/Detailing/IMG1717/1009408291_5ZHCy-L.jpg
The car is going to look a bit funny until I finish it :buffing:

So I am planning on taking the entire weekend plus Friday to really bring this car back to life. The plan based on the test spot is
Wash
Clay
Wash
Menzerna Super Intensive w/ orange CCS @ PC 5 (and wipe down sections when done [learned recently])
Menzerna Nano Polish w/ white CCS @ PC 5
IPA 70% wipedown
WGDGPS 3.0 (let rest overnight)
Pinnacle Soveran Paste

Look good? Missing something? Suggestions?

I'll take lots of pictures and post them to Show'n'Shine

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Looks GREAT! Did you do an IPA wipedown in all of your 50/50 pics?

20 passes?!?! You should only need to do 6 section passes, 8 at the MOST!

[LegacyGT]

Looks GREAT! Did you do an IPA wipedown in all of your 50/50 pics?

20 passes?!?! You should only need to do 6 section passes, 8 at the MOST!

I was waiting for the polish to appear to break down a bit, perhaps I used a touch too much.

IPA wipe down for the 50/50's. I was pretty amazed at how good things looked after only the Intensive polish.

[snowking724]

looks great. give menz power lock a shot. i've only tried wgdgps once but the power lock is outstanding.

[sullysdetailing]

Bump the speed up to 6 and move the polisher slower. Using SIP turn the PC to speed 6. For Nano polish turn the PC to speed 5. It shouldnt take 20 passes with SIP

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I was waiting for the polish to appear to break down a bit, perhaps I used a touch too much.

IPA wipe down for the 50/50's. I was pretty amazed at how good things looked after only the Intensive polish.
If you can't see any micro-marring after just SIP, you can skip the Nano, in my opinion. I guess it depends on how "perfect" you want to get.
After your pad is primed with polish, 4 little larger than pea sized dots should be sufficient. Make sure you clean the pads often. :dblthumb2:

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Bump the speed up to 6 and move the polisher slower. If you only using SIP then start off on speed 6 then bring it down to speed 4 to finish. It shouldnt take 20 passes
If he's using a PCXP, it only goes up to speed 5. I think...

[LegacyGT]

If he's using a PCXP, it only goes up to speed 5. I think...

I have a classic PC, but at speed 6 the thing goes bonkers. The pads deform and I can't control it, so I top out at 5. My next order I will get some 5'' orange CCS pads, and I bet I wouldn't have any issues with 6. Currently I am using 6.5'' pads.

[WRAPT C5Z06]

I have a classic PC, but at speed 6 the thing goes bonkers. The pads deform and I can't control it, so I top out at 5. My next order I will get some 5'' orange CCS pads, and I bet I wouldn't have any issues with 6. Currently I am using 6.5'' pads.
Ahhhh, ok. You would be much more efficient with 5.5" pads with the classic PC.

[sullysdetailing]

I have a classic PC, but at speed 6 the thing goes bonkers. The pads deform and I can't control it, so I top out at 5. My next order I will get some 5'' orange CCS pads, and I bet I wouldn't have any issues with 6. Currently I am using 6.5'' pads.

Make sure you center the pad, dont turn on till its touching the paint, and apply a good amount of pressure

[LegacyGT]

Make sure you center the pad, dont turn on till its touching the paint, and apply a good amount of pressure

I have spent a lot of time trying to center to no avail. I'll give the additional pressure a go this weekend and see what happens.

[LegacyGT]

looks great. give menz power lock a shot. i've only tried wgdgps once but the power lock is outstanding.

I'll put it in my next order. If it is anything like WGDGS, I'd love to have it.

[Mike Phillips]

Looks good...

Sounds like you've tweaked your technique and are now getting the results you've been hoping for, good job. We love seeing people through to success in their garage.

The first generation PC's are capable tools, it's established fact thousands, if not tens of thousands of cars have been polished out using these polishers. 5.5" pads will enable anyone reading this and using one to get the maximum benefit out of it.

Looking forward to the after shots...


:dblthumb2: