Need some advice

[dblaize]

Hey guys, hows it goin. I just recenly bought a used '00 mustang, and the paint on it looks like it wasnt properly cared for. The whole car was pretty dirty when I got it. i noticed after I washed it that the paint's finish or clear coat looked pretty dull, almost matte-like. I washed it and used some meguiar's paint cleaner on it, and I got the car's clearcoat looking shiny again. After I finished, I noticed it has quite a bit of small scratches and swirl marks (as you can see on the last pic). So here's my game plan for next wash.

Mother's clay bar
Meguiar's polish
Wolfgang total swirl remover
Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Wax

My question is, should i go through with the above, or is there something that might do the trick better for really bringing back the shine in this used car? I am also doing all this by hand.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/justblaize/DSCN5315.jpg
Swirl marks
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/justblaize/DSCN5314.jpg
Faded clear coat before paint cleaner
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/justblaize/DSCN5313copy.jpg

[ScottB]

your going to have limited success with hand ... really need to consider a machine.

I personally would suggest washing ... claying ... paint cleaning (to remove oxidation) .... polishing (abrasive polish) .... then protecting.

Paint Cleaners --- Pinnacle or P21S
Polishes --- Optimum, XMT, SSR's

If you decide on a machine, consider the Poorboys kit. Everything but the soap to really bring your dark finish to the next level.

[Jimmie]

Good looking car. Congrats on your purchase. That thing will look sweet when you're finished. Can't wait to see it.

[P1et]

I agree with Killr in regards to the Poorboys kit. When I first joined here, Killr recommended I buy the entire kit and I've used everything that has come with it. I ended up doing my truck, my wife's SUV and a few cars that customers paid for and have pretty much made my money back on the initial investment.

Poorboys is very friendly to use and I've had nothing but excellent results. I had never used a wax before, only sealants, and now cannot stop using Natty's Blue on my truck!

[dblaize]

Good looking car. Congrats on your purchase. That thing will look sweet when you're finished. Can't wait to see it.

thanks. ill definitely post pics when i'm done. The only reason i've yet to go the pc route is because ive read that it can damage paint if not done properly, so I am a bit skeptical, maybe ill give it a go in the near future, but for now, i'll be doing it by hand.

[FloridaNative]

thanks. ill definitely post pics when i'm done. The only reason i've yet to go the pc route is because ive read that it can damage paint if not done properly, so I am a bit skeptical, maybe ill give it a go in the near future, but for now, i'll be doing it by hand.

The PC is a dual action polisher and is very safe. It is the rotary buffer that you have to be careful with. I agree with the rest that you should get a PC to remove those swirls and to keep your car's appearance in like new condition. As Killerwheels likes to say, "the only way you can hurt your paint with a PC is if you threw it at it." I hope this puts your mind at ease. It is extremely safe even for an absolute beginner and it will work wonders on your car's paint finish. :) Good luck to you. :)

[supercharged]

Hey guys, hows it goin. I just recenly bought a used '00 mustang, and the paint on it looks like it wasnt properly cared for. The whole car was pretty dirty when I got it. i noticed after I washed it that the paint's finish or clear coat looked pretty dull, almost matte-like. I washed it and used some meguiar's paint cleaner on it, and I got the car's clearcoat looking shiny again. After I finished, I noticed it has quite a bit of small scratches and swirl marks (as you can see on the last pic). So here's my game plan for next wash.

Mother's clay bar
Meguiar's polish
Wolfgang total swirl remover
Pinnacle Liquid Souveran Wax

My question is, should i go through with the above, or is there something that might do the trick better for really bringing back the shine in this used car? I am also doing all this by hand.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/justblaize/DSCN5315.jpg
Swirl marks
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/justblaize/DSCN5314.jpg
Faded clear coat before paint cleaner
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g255/justblaize/DSCN5313copy.jpg
PC is a must for every enthusiast.

[dbustrum]

Sweet car. When I bought my X5 in February the paint was in bad shape too. I guess that's what we get for buying used, unless we buy from someone on Autogeek. I know exactly how you feel. I went out and bought like $500 worth of products from this site to make my car look how I wanted it to. I would strongly suggest (as killr did) investing in a PC. You'll be glad you did.

[StephenK]

your going to have limited success with hand ... really need to consider a machine.

I personally would suggest washing ... claying ... paint cleaning (to remove oxidation) .... polishing (abrasive polish) .... then protecting.

Paint Cleaners --- Pinnacle or P21S
Polishes --- Optimum, XMT, SSR's

If you decide on a machine, consider the Poorboys kit. Everything but the soap to really bring your dark finish to the next level.

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

[Lone_Star]

absolutely in my humble opinnion get the PC. I too was scared at first, but if I can use one without doing damage, anybody can. I tried by hand first and got nothing compared to using the PC. My paint was worse then yours and I used the XMT line for the polish. Good luck.

[Nuke33]

Good luck dont forget to post pictures when you are done!