How aggressive should I start on my Volvo 240? Picture Heavy!

[Malibulx3]

As I'm preparing to start my first detailing project, my 1992 Volvo 245, I've been going back and forth about how aggressive I should start. I know the general rule of thumb is "use the least aggressive product as possible to get the job done". But I don't have any experience in auto detailing to assess the current condition of my paint to know just where to start, so I was hoping maybe you guys could help me decide!

I know many people recommend starting with a test spot and if it doesn't work as you might want, go one step more aggressive, and if I had tons of $$$, I would buy a whole line up of products. But since I'm just starting out, I'd rather just buy the products I know I'm going to need, as opposed to filling my shelves with all sorts of things I might not even use anytime soon.

The car is a 1992, and I've owned it for around 6 years, and have probably greatly neglected the paint, sorry! But I'm here now and looking to change that. I don't really see very bad swirls, but since I bought the car, it's looked as if the previous owner drove it through the woods a time or two. There are many little scratches down the side of the car, they don't seem too deep though. Today I washed the car with Dawn dish soap, and after looking at this pictures I'm really surprised at the shine this car has! Especially considering up until now, I've washed it maybe every 6 months!

Anyways, I let the pictures do the talking, so please let me know how aggressive you would start:
Maybe use this chart for reference, AutoGeek Wax Cutting Comparison Chart (http://www.auto-geek.net/charts/wax-cut-chart-master.htm)

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0517.jpg

As recommended by a member here, I tried a heat gun on my bumper, and it really does bring the color back!
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0518.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0519.jpghttp://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0520.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0521.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0523.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0525.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0526.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0527.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0529.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0530.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0532.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0534.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0535.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0536.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0540.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0541.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0542.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0544.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0546.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0547.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0548.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0551.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0552.jpg

Here is my project after the Volvo is done!
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/Volvo%20240/DSC_0549.jpg

[mbkite]

Nice VW If that volvo is single stage paint feed it first with mig #7..

[Flash Gordon]

I had an 87 240. That thing was bullet proof!

If it were me, I would go straight to 105. What machine will you be using?

[BobbyG]

It's be a nice little project especially if you're just getting into detailing. I would mask off a section of the hood and do a test spot. Is the paint single stage or base coat / clear coat?

Do you have a dual action polisher or a rotary polisher?

Have you worked at all with either of these two machines?

I'd start with something like Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and finish up with Meguiar's Swirl-X.

[Malibulx3]

Nice VW If that volvo is single stage paint feed it first with mig #7..

Thanks!


I had an 87 240. That thing was bullet proof!

If it were me, I would go straight to 105. What machine will you be using?

I love my Volvo for that exact reason! Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't purchased it yet, but I believed I have decided on the Porter Cable 7424XP.


It's be a nice little project especially if you're just getting into detailing. I would mask off a section of the hood and do a test spot. Is the paint single stage or base coat / clear coat?

Do you have a dual action polisher or a rotary polisher?

Have you worked at all with either of these two machines?

I'd start with something like Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and finish up with Meguiar's Swirl-X.

I agree doing a test spot would be the best way, however I don't know of anywhere that has a good selection of supplies locally, so I'll need to order everything online, and I don't want to end up ordering all sorts I won't end of needing. Especially considering I'm going to be buying the machine at the same time, I'll already be spending a good chunk of change.

I believe the paint to be base/clear.

I've never worked with either polisher, and because of that I think I'm going to buy the Porter Cable 7424XP. While I might not have any experience behind the machine yet, I have read MANY articles on proper technique, and watched A LOT of videos as well. I feel like I have a very good understanding of what I need to do, as well as how to do it properly, now I just need to get the machine and get to work.

Thanks for the suggestion on Meguiars, I'll look into it.

[Flash Gordon]

I love my Volvo for that exact reason! Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't purchased it yet, but I believed I have decided on the Porter Cable 7424XP.

They are great cars. I really miss mine. It was a 4 in the floor w/push button 5th gear :)

Have you ever considered the Griots DA?

[Malibulx3]

They are great cars. I really miss mine. It was a 4 in the floor w/push button 5th gear :)

Have you ever considered the Griots DA?

Awesome. Mine's just the 4 speed automatic. When I started looking for one, I wanted a manual, but this one was calling my name, so I had to take. it.

I have looked into the Griots machine, and it seems like a nice machine. I decided on the Porter Cable partially because I seem to see a lot more people posting about their PC, than I see people posting about the Griots machine. Not that that alone should indicate one to be a better machine than the other, but I also like the handle better on the PC. But I'm open to consider other machines. I'd really like a Flex...Im the MAN

[mwtaco]

i'll leave the suggestions to the pros. just wanted to say i love both your cars. looking fwd to your results. are 240s RWD?

[Malibulx3]

i'll leave the suggestions to the pros. just wanted to say i love both your cars. looking fwd to your results. are 240s RWD?

Thanks, I like them too! Yes, Volvo 240's are rear wheel drive.

[kywking]

I am in the same boat you are. I am a college student looking to start really caring for the paint on my car. I just never realized average joes could do this kind of thing (not that you all are average joes). I can't wait to see how your first project goes, and I look forward to hearing about the products you chose to use.

[Hoytman]

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/porter-cable-7424xp-updates/39258-link-pc-model-comparison.html

[Malibulx3]

Well, in trying to figure out if I have single stage paint or base/clear, I've got conflicting answers!

Some say single stage, some say base/clear, so I used Mike Phillips technique to test the paint myself.
How to Test for Single Stage or Clear Coat Paint (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/34829-how-test-single-stage-clear-coat-paint.html)

I reached to my shelf and found some compound I had laying around, and thought this should work.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/DSC_0596.jpg

I put a bit on my rag, and starting rubbing it in with what a would consider moderate to heavy pressure.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/DSC_0597.jpg

After working a small 1' x 1' section for about 1 minute, I flipped my rag over, and saw no black what so ever.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f47/MalibuLX3/DSC_0599.jpg

So, I take it this means my car is base/clear after all...I still have a hard time accepting it, as most all information states the opposite. However, I know for a fact this is the original paint, and has never been repainted. I just don't want to mess anything up!

[Tundra_10]

When you make that order... buy yourself some new MF towels as well. =)

Supporting a suggestion on what someone else made to you I would look a little deeper into the griots DA. With the information I have now I would have bought it over my PC if I didn't want to splurge for the flex. It has more power for quicker correction ability and a lifetime warranty.

As far as what to use, I wish I could help ya out there. I have been lurking around this site for a little over a month now and the more I read about x and y the less I feel I know.

Right now they have a heck of a deal on polishing pads if you are serious about getting a DA and its no minimum free shipping so if you are not decided on a machine just yet, at least you can stock up on the pads while they are on sale.

[Malibulx3]

When you make that order... buy yourself some new MF towels as well. =)



I've got some already ordered! Thanks for the input on polishers, I actually already placed my order for the PC7424XP. I realize the GG has more power, but I don't think that should be an issue for my case.

I also went ahead and picked up 6 pads, the sample pack of Optimum Compound II, Polish II, and Finish Polish. I also picked up a selection of quality microfiber towels, as well as Collinite #845.

Looking forward to getting things going, now I just have to wait till Christmas...

Im the MAN :buffing: