Product Help.. 2003 Tahoe

[XLNTShine]

Guys,

I am new to this, I purchased the GG Polisher about a month ago and it came with a few pads. For a guy who needs to do some correction on a 2003 Tahoe Dark Blue paint with scratches that appear to be in the clear coat only, what pads and products would you recommend? If you were starting from scratch, and keep in mind I am new to this so some user friendly products would be great. The paint correction I know about washing and using clay ect. I need help with it from there and someone experienced with GM paint and clear on product and pad.

As far as sealer or wax what do you recommend for a vehicle that lives in an extremely dusty environment? I work at a rock quarry and there is harsh dust blowing around settling on cars in the parking lot. What would protect the best with a long life??

I bought this truck used and it was looking clean but after two washes I see where someone took a rotary to it with out any skill and marked up the paint a bit. Also the wax filling the scratches in the paint has been removed by a few washes and they are showing up all over the truck. Thanks!!

:help:
Thanks!!!!!! Appreciate the recommendations.

[XLNTShine]

BTW I did not post this being lazy, I am overwhelmed with all the products and info talked about here. I am looking to spend my money wisely on products that will get the job done. I see a lot about the Megs stuff the 105 ect and then others feel that other brands are better on different paints. Anything in the BOGO or the DP sale you would recommend for a beginner??? Thanks!

[Old Tiger]

No doubt in my mind, I would order the 5" Megs DA MF System. I have ordered 5" & 3". The system includes a new backplate that mates with the pads.

[XLNTShine]

It appears that the 5" pads do not include the backing plate unless you purchase the kit. The kit shows unavailable, was it available?

[tuscarora dave]

Guys,

[QUOTE]I am new to this,
welcome to the site.


I purchased the GG Polisher about a month ago and it came with a few pads. For a guy who needs to do some correction on a 2003 Tahoe Dark Blue paint with scratches that appear to be in the clear coat only, what pads and products would you recommend? If you were starting from scratch, and keep in mind I am new to this so some user friendly products would be great. The paint correction I know about washing and using clay ect. I need help with it from there and someone experienced with GM paint and clear on product and pad.

Your GM paint is going to be anywhere from hard to extremely hard paint. There are some great new technology compounds/polishes designed with hard paint/ease of use in mind. A lot of folks (myself included) use Meguiars M-105 as a compound for hard paint like yours but it is not the most user friendly compound. Meguiars Ultimate Compound (UC) is a slightly less abrasive, much more user friendly version of M-105 and UC is what I suggest you get to start with on a 5.5" Lake Country Hydrotech Cyan pad. Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5.5 x 1.25 Inch Foam Pads, hydrotech foam buffing pads, dual action foam pads (http://www.autogeek.net/hydrotech-da-foam-pads.html) There will be very little learning curve with this pad/compound combo.

I would suggest that you read this article written by Mike Phillips before getting started.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html

I would suggest using M-205 as a swirl removal or finishing polish after the Compounding (UC) step. I suggest that you use the Lake Country 5.5" Tangerine Hydrotech pad with your M-205. Lake Country Hydro-Tech 5.5 x 1.25 Inch Foam Pads, hydrotech foam buffing pads, dual action foam pads (http://www.autogeek.net/hydrotech-da-foam-pads.html)

be sure that you have a suitable backing plate to accept the 5.5" pads such as this one, lake country 5 inch backing plate, 5 inch backin plate, 5 inch hook and loop backing plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)




As far as sealer or wax what do you recommend for a vehicle that lives in an extremely dusty environment? I work at a rock quarry and there is harsh dust blowing around settling on cars in the parking lot. What would protect the best with a long life??
With your truck living in a dusty environment I would recommend a pure paint sealant like this Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html) instead of a carnauba wax as the dust will less likely stick to a pure sealant once cured. (12 hour cure time) If you intend on keeping your truck in great shape I would suggest getting a pressure washer to blast the dirt off of the truck on a regular basis. The less dirt you have on the truck when you wash it the nicer it will stay. This will be an ongoing battle with working at a rock quarry.


I bought this truck used and it was looking clean but after two washes I see where someone took a rotary to it with out any skill and marked up the paint a bit. Also the wax filling the scratches in the paint has been removed by a few washes and they are showing up all over the truck. Thanks!!

:help:
Thanks!!!!!! Appreciate the recommendations.

This unfortunately is very common in the automotive world but we've got you covered.

[BobbyG]

Since you're starting off begin slowly. Try not to absorb everything by looking through all the products Autogeek has to offer or you go into overload! :laughing:

Spend some time reading

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/28617-articles-mike-phillips-2-a.html

The Menzerna combo below is a great place to start giving you control over a wide range of conditions.

http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-polish-bundle3.html (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-swirl-removers.html)

I think Jim is spot on with his recommendation on Meguiar's new Microfiber Correction System. I hear nothing but good news regarding Meguiar's new Microfiber Correction System and have all intentions of trying it later this year.

Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System, paint polishing system, car polish, car detailing system, compounding system, remove scratches (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-da-microfiber-system.html)

I also agree with Jim's recommendation of going with 5" size pads with these machines.

Sealant

Menzerna Power Lock

Menzerna Power Lock Polymer Paint Sealant, Menzerna auto sealant, car sealant, paint sealant protectant (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html)

Wax

Collinite 845

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)

[WRAPT C5Z06]

No doubt in my mind, I would order the 5" Megs DA MF System. I have ordered 5" & 3". The system includes a new backplate that mates with the pads.
:iagree:

[XLNTShine]

Thanks guy I guess I should start reading. Does the MF pad system look as user friendly to the beginner as the LC Pads do?? Would you go with the Megs products they use in the demo with the MF system or would you use some of the other products listed above?

[WRAPT C5Z06]

Does the MF pad system look as user friendly to the beginner as the LC Pads do??
Yes.

Make sure you buy a pad conditioning brush and clean the pad after every section pass. It would be even better if you had compressed air.

[XLNTShine]

Compressed air is not an issue. Advice noted! Thanks guys!!