Soulman1980
01-28-2011, 09:43 AM
I'd like to give thanks in advance to any advice you may have to share.
I purchased a 2011 Acura TL Tech - Black on Black. I'm no professional detailer, but I do enjoy it as a hobby on my own car and read the forums regularly.
I had mentioned my concerns about the dealership detail to the salesperson. I didn't think the message would get passed along, however when I picked up the car they actually did a fine job, there were no swirls or scratches. It was actually perfect.
About four days later we had heavy snow in the northeast. My wife offered to clean the cars off while I shoveled, I passed and said I'd take care of the new car myself. Approximately one hour later a town plow ripped through the driver side of the car from back to front.
Less than a week, and less than 300 miles on the car!
$6k worth of work later the front fender, and both doors were replaced while the rear fender (which got it the least) was repaired.
The final courtesy detail from the bodyshop was less than impressive. While not a horror story like those I've read on the forum, there were very clear light scratches (vertical, NOT swirls) as if there were a few bits of dirt on their polishing pad, very hard to see unless in direct sunlight, and even than it's noticeable, but not terrible.
So, to make a long-winded post into a short question:
How should I correct this on a new car, which now has had half the car repainted? I've always read start least aggressive.
In the past I owned a 2004 Black Honda Accord, on that vehicle I would do the Meguiars 3-step (cleaner, wax, polish) and would get lovely results.
I do not have a buffer, but am contemplating one of the DA machines. If I go at this with elbow grease what would you suggest?
If I buy the buffer what would you suggest?
On a side note, I got one wash in with my first time using ONR and two-bucket during a snowy week in the Northeast, and wow.. I was impressed.
Thanks again for the advice, but I figured I'd give the backstory to why half my car was painted while still considered brand-new.
Thanks,
J
I purchased a 2011 Acura TL Tech - Black on Black. I'm no professional detailer, but I do enjoy it as a hobby on my own car and read the forums regularly.
I had mentioned my concerns about the dealership detail to the salesperson. I didn't think the message would get passed along, however when I picked up the car they actually did a fine job, there were no swirls or scratches. It was actually perfect.
About four days later we had heavy snow in the northeast. My wife offered to clean the cars off while I shoveled, I passed and said I'd take care of the new car myself. Approximately one hour later a town plow ripped through the driver side of the car from back to front.
Less than a week, and less than 300 miles on the car!
$6k worth of work later the front fender, and both doors were replaced while the rear fender (which got it the least) was repaired.
The final courtesy detail from the bodyshop was less than impressive. While not a horror story like those I've read on the forum, there were very clear light scratches (vertical, NOT swirls) as if there were a few bits of dirt on their polishing pad, very hard to see unless in direct sunlight, and even than it's noticeable, but not terrible.
So, to make a long-winded post into a short question:
How should I correct this on a new car, which now has had half the car repainted? I've always read start least aggressive.
In the past I owned a 2004 Black Honda Accord, on that vehicle I would do the Meguiars 3-step (cleaner, wax, polish) and would get lovely results.
I do not have a buffer, but am contemplating one of the DA machines. If I go at this with elbow grease what would you suggest?
If I buy the buffer what would you suggest?
On a side note, I got one wash in with my first time using ONR and two-bucket during a snowy week in the Northeast, and wow.. I was impressed.
Thanks again for the advice, but I figured I'd give the backstory to why half my car was painted while still considered brand-new.
Thanks,
J