Working on My Eclipse

[4G63_DSM]

Hello Everyone!! I'm new here, and I have been spending some time on this forum and website latley because I'm trying to learn as much information as I can about detailing.

Heres my deal, I have a 14 Year old 1993 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Its the 1st Generation Eclipse, and it shows its age. Ive only had it for about 4 months now, and I'm sick of how old it looks. This car has never been detailed in its life. I can tell by how bad it is. The only "car-wash" its probably ever had other then my own are machine car washes for a quick 5$.

The number 1 Problem is water stains and spots. The paint is COVERED, in MASS amount of water spots. All over it. The mirror plastic, the paint, the windows, everything. Ive tried white vinegar, bug and tar remover, and a ton of elbow grease and it does NOT affect them in anyway. So I was told I need a buffer. That is how I found this site..

With some re-search I found that the Porter Cable 7424 Seems to be an excellent buffer, and Pinnacle waxes seem to be great as well.

However, I was told in my situation I might want to use a clay bar. All of the cars in the videos on here with the 7424, are generally newer already nice cars.

My head is spinning with all of the options, I am a COMPLETE detail newb and know nothing about it, so before I go spend 300$ on equipment I need as many of my questions answered and as many tips from you guys as possible.

- Is the porter cable 7424 the right buffer for me? Considering the fact that I have 14 year old water stains, swirls, scratches, just about everything??

-will the pinnacle #3 wax swirl remover be "hardcore" enough to take out those horrible paint problems? It better be amazing, because acidic vinegar is practically water to these stains.

-Ive never held a buffer before in my life, before I turn one on, what do you reccomend I learn? Any tips?

-For my birthday I'm hoping to get all of these detailing supplies so I can make my only car look great again. No matter how much I wash it, or use gerneral spray waxes, it doesnt get the water spots out, and the car paint is just completly dull. Any products you reccomend I should buy to help me with this major paint problem with my 7424??

-A good car buddy fully reccomends using a claybar kit and the buffer on my car.. What do you guys think??

-And please someone just generally teach me how do make my car new again... wash, dry, and buff? or is there more to it?

I am the farthest from smart on this topic so ANY information is greatful.

Please input on this guys, I'm in need! Ill post pics if needed of my paint.


Thanks everyone

-Josh

[nick19]

Hello Everyone!! I'm new here, and I have been spending some time on this forum and website latley because I'm trying to learn as much information as I can about detailing.

Heres my deal, I have a 14 Year old 1993 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Its the 1st Generation Eclipse, and it shows its age. Ive only had it for about 4 months now, and I'm sick of how old it looks. This car has never been detailed in its life. I can tell by how bad it is. The only "car-wash" its probably ever had other then my own are machine car washes for a quick 5$.

The number 1 Problem is water stains and spots. The paint is COVERED, in MASS amount of water spots. All over it. The mirror plastic, the paint, the windows, everything. Ive tried white vinegar, bug and tar remover, and a ton of elbow grease and it does NOT affect them in anyway. So I was told I need a buffer. That is how I found this site..

With some re-search I found that the Porter Cable 7424 Seems to be an excellent buffer, and Pinnacle waxes seem to be great as well.

However, I was told in my situation I might want to use a clay bar. All of the cars in the videos on here with the 7424, are generally newer already nice cars.

My head is spinning with all of the options, I am a COMPLETE detail newb and know nothing about it, so before I go spend 300$ on equipment I need as many of my questions answered and as many tips from you guys as possible.

- Is the porter cable 7424 the right buffer for me? Considering the fact that I have 14 year old water stains, swirls, scratches, just about everything??

-will the pinnacle #3 wax swirl remover be "hardcore" enough to take out those horrible paint problems? It better be amazing, because acidic vinegar is practically water to these stains.

-Ive never held a buffer before in my life, before I turn one on, what do you reccomend I learn? Any tips?

-For my birthday I'm hoping to get all of these detailing supplies so I can make my only car look great again. No matter how much I wash it, or use gerneral spray waxes, it doesnt get the water spots out, and the car paint is just completly dull. Any products you reccomend I should buy to help me with this major paint problem with my 7424??

-A good car buddy fully reccomends using a claybar kit and the buffer on my car.. What do you guys think??

-And please someone just generally teach me how do make my car new again... wash, dry, and buff? or is there more to it?

I am the farthest from smart on this topic so ANY information is greatful.

Please input on this guys, I'm in need! Ill post pics if needed of my paint.


Thanks everyone

-Josh


First, let me welcome you Josh. :awesome:

Second, you might want to take a look at the link below.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/4984-new-users-pc-7424-users-must-read.html


Now, let me get to your questions..


- Is the porter cable 7424 the right buffer for me? Considering the fact that I have 14 year old water stains, swirls, scratches, just about everything??

Yes. This machine is so versatile you will have a hundred uses with it. It's more than a machine for removing swirls. Depending on HOW severe you MIGHT need a rotary buffer, but before we even go there, you must get some experience with the PC. A rotary, in the wrong hands, WILL burn your paint.

Pictures of what you're dealing with, will help a ton. Is there any way you can get some pictures up?


-will the pinnacle #3 wax swirl remover be "hardcore" enough to take out those horrible paint problems? It better be amazing, because acidic vinegar is practically water to these stains.

XMT #3 may or may not be enough. It's a strong polish, but it all depends on how bad the water spots and swirls are. And how tough or soft your CC is.

You may or may not need to step up to XMT #4 or PB's SSR #3 or OC.


-Ive never held a buffer before in my life, before I turn one on, what do you reccomend I learn? Any tips?

See the link above. And the videos on this link.

Porter Cable Polishers & Buffers - Porter Cable 7424 and polishing pads (http://www.autogeek.net/pocapobu.html)


-For my birthday I'm hoping to get all of these detailing supplies so I can make my only car look great again. No matter how much I wash it, or use gerneral spray waxes, it doesnt get the water spots out, and the car paint is just completly dull. Any products you reccomend I should buy to help me with this major paint problem with my 7424??

Check out these kits.

The Edge 2000 Foam pads & Porter Cable 7424 Complete Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/ed20pocacoki.html)

The Poorboy’s Polish & Protect Kit removes moderate imperfections from your vehicle’s finish, seal it under a glossy coat of carnauba, and then (http://www.autogeek.net/popoprkit1.html)

Maybe pick up the XMT line or PB's line if you don't go with the PB's kit.

You might want to get two wash buckets, and a Grit Guard.

The Grit GuardRed, Black, Yellow, Orange, Blue (http://www.autogeek.net/gg1010.html)

Grab some MF's, and a Guzzler.


-A good car buddy fully reccomends using a claybar kit and the buffer on my car.. What do you guys think??

Highly recommended! :)



-And please someone just generally teach me how do make my car new again... wash, dry, and buff? or is there more to it?

Take a look around. Search around. It takes time to soak up all the information here. This is step one.




Hope this helps Josh, and enjoy your stay! :cheers:





-Nick

[blkyukon]

Nick19 pretty much covered it, but to show proof here are some before and after pics:

Here is some bad water spots on a BMW - used PC, XMT#3/LC orange pad:


Before:
http://melncal.com/detailing/pictures/watermarks_before.jpg


After:

http://melncal.com/detailing/pictures/watermarks_after.jpg


Side by side after PC, SSR3 & PO85RD:

http://melncal.com/detailing/pictures/highlander/bna_04.jpg

[nick19]

This paint was so oxidized it was hard to take pictures... This is the second vehicle I've done like this. I usually don't come across stuff like this.

BEFORE:



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/P1010235.JPG

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/P1010232.JPG


AFTER:


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/P1010239.JPG



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/P1010242.JPG



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/P1010241.JPG


PAD Afterwards.. (this was a YELLOW Edge pad)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/P1010251.JPG



http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/P1010252.JPG
(cut from steep corner.. and I KNOW not to go over corners like this.. oh well)

[alban61]

^^^^
Nick,
If that pad wasn't ripped, could it still be saved? What would you clean it with to remove all that paint?
Sorry if I'm hijacking.

[nick19]

^^^^
Nick,
If that pad wasn't ripped, could it still be saved? What would you clean it with to remove all that paint?
Sorry if I'm hijacking.
It's still usable, a little bit. I'd only use it on the hood or bumber(s) from now on. It came clean, looking almost brand new. Used XMT Pad cleaner, and two washes with WG stuff.

The pad is missing some of its bite, but its still a stiff pad.

[Nuke33]

Id get yourself some Optimum compund and polish it will work wonders with a pc!

[speedin]

Im also new here. And guess what I drive too? An Eclipse. Mine is a 1997 though. But I too have these water spots you talk of. Someone actually told me they were under the CC and I was basically screwed. But Id rather not beleve this. Even though I am a complete noob like the thead starter is. And yes, read those links. Thats what I did and found it VERY useful. Anyways....... Here are some pictures of my spots

(yea, I know I need to take better shots :()
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y112/speedin/eclipse/158633233285_3300.jpg



Since were talking about the Eclpise factory paint in here. Id like to also ask what some people would reccomend on these damages.

I beleve this is called spider vaining
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y112/speedin/eclipse/158633218309_3300.jpg

Some sticker fade
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y112/speedin/eclipse/158633225349_3300.jpg

[4G63_DSM]

Blkyukon, Thank you for your comparison pics of that bmw. However, That is the style of material that is on my paint, but mine is slightly worse then that. But if it did to THAT well, then Im pretty sure some #4 Stuff and a PC should make it sweet!!

Thanks everyone for your replies, Now can anyone tell me if I should just buy a certain kit, or if I should buy the PC and seperate polishes??

Which kits do you reccomend for my problem?

Any kits come with the #4 Pinaccle stuff??

Thanks guys

[bambo2888]

and there goes nick, with the good explanation...

[nick19]

Blkyukon, Thank you for your comparison pics of that bmw. However, That is the style of material that is on my paint, but mine is slightly worse then that. But if it did to THAT well, then Im pretty sure some #4 Stuff and a PC should make it sweet!!

Thanks everyone for your replies, Now can anyone tell me if I should just buy a certain kit, or if I should buy the PC and seperate polishes??

Which kits do you reccomend for my problem?

Any kits come with the #4 Pinaccle stuff??

Thanks guys

It is not recommended that new users break out XMT #4. It is a VERY strong compound and requires some experience to use. The highest I would go is PB's SSR 3 or XMT #3.

After a few times and you feel comfortable using the PC, and you've made a significant dent into the swirls/water spots, then you can upgrade to a more abrasive polish IF you want to. Remember when using such an abrasive compound/polish you're sacrificing a bit of your CC. If you mess up, now your taking away double of what you should have. That's why it's recommended to use the most abrasive polish/pad last.

Give XMT #3 or PB's 2.5 SSR a whirl. If its looking better after one pass, do it again; and maybe one more time.

You can buy XMT or PB's polishes in a set.




-Nick :cheers:

[nick19]

and there goes nick, with the good explanation...



Thanks. :D I try and share my experiences and knowledge the best I can.. :cheers:






-Nick

[4G63_DSM]

ok nick, You asked for some pictures to help you see what were working with? Well, I took some time and went out and snapped a few shots of what my car looks like pretty much every day. :mad:

These pics IMO are the worst Ive seen on this forum yet, so if anyone could give me tips or ideas on how to make my car like most of the "after" pics on here, please let me know. If I brought this car to you guys, people like highenddetail, nick19, or any other detailers on here what would you do to it?

Heres The Pics, so please give me Feed back please


http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1384/car1uk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/5166/car2ut2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5541/car4mw4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3106/car5xp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/6772/car6mq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3440/car7uo1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3440/car7uo1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ORC]

Is that dirt on your car or is it in the paint?

[alban61]

Is this what it looks like after a wash? If it is...WOW!! If it wasn't washed, then wash it so we can see what the paint really looks like, under the dirt/dust and those water spots. Especially by the doors and the side panels. Hood and trunk look really bad. But it can be done. I've seen some amazing turnarounds done by detailers on this Forum.