My truck has sat for 3 years

[1dslram]

I am 72 years young and my Previously show truck has sat outside, for three years, due to poor health. It still shines under the dirt. Because I can no longer rub I plan on purchasing a DA polisher. I keep reading and am getting more confused, what would be the proper procedures and products to clean, polish, seal and ect. that I need to get it back to smooth and shiny as it was before.
Thanks
1dslram

[Setec Astronomy]

Where are you located? This sounds like a chance for some local forum members to help out a new member!

[ehannigan]

Where are you located? This sounds like a chance for some local forum members to help out a new member!

I could not agree more - if your in SoCal, I would happily, as new as I am to the forums, organize a crew to bring your truck back to life...

Where are you?

[ProDetail]

I could not agree more - if your in SoCal, I would happily, as new as I am to the forums, organize a crew to bring your truck back to life...

Where are you?

I agree, I'm on the east coast I can help you out if your in the area
,

[Pureshine]

If your by me I help you for sure.

[ehannigan]

Doing a little bit of Googling leads me to believe he may not be far from me...:)

[david11g35]

I'm also in socal. Willing to give a helping hand

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

[Espyone]

Welcome Sir! I am also in So Cal. and willing to help you out if its local enough.

[mwoolfso]

The rough approach is as follows:

1- Wash & Strip (using Dawn or a strong wash like CG Citrus Wash)
2- Decontamination (IronX or similar)
3- Clay Bar/Cloth/Sponge
4a- Heavy swirling/oxidation you use a heavy compound or advanced swirl remover with at least (2-3) cutting pads and then move to step (c). Several products from AGO permit you to skip step (b) altogether.
4b- Medium swirling/oxidation you use a medium polish/swirl remover with polishing pads
4c- Light swirling you use a finishing polish with polishing/finishing pads (i.e
5- After step #4, you would evaluate if you need to remove any hazing with a finishing pad. Depending on the products used in step #4 a you may need to remove the polishing oils to ensure you are looking at pure paint. Either an IPA, CarPro Eraser or Car Wash would accomplish that.

(NOTE: Steps 4 and 5 may be combined by using an AIO if the paint is in good condition. If the car has been sitting so long it is likely that an AIO won't be good enough for the "perfection" many people seek).

6- Seal car (1-2 layers)
7- Depending on the color, if you are looking for more depth you would use a Carnauba wax on this step

(NOTE: Steps 6 and 7 can potentially be combined by using a sealant/wax product. There are many but Collinite 476 and 845 come to mind as one example where 2 layers of either one will replace 6 & 7 and give you at least 6 months of paint protection).

The steps can be formidable looking; and it could be. Many folks tend to break the steps across one or more days.

[BillE]

First off, WELCOME to Auto Geek! Glad to see someone here that is older than I (LOL).

If you are anywhere near Southern Minnesota, give me a shout out. I'd be more than glad to try and help you out.

Bill

[vet]

Welcome!

You'll get the right advice here.

[jhodges]

Welcome Sir! I am also in So Cal. and willing to help you out if its local enough.
:whs:
Ditto, but with me, it will be more of a strong back; weak mind.

[1dslram]

I am located in Downey So Cal. My problem is I tire fast and can only work outside for 1-1 1/2 hours at a time. I plan to complete one panel at a time.Will a DA cutting pad work instead of using clay? Is there any brand of pads that work or last longer? I have very limited funds so the lower cost the better. This forum is a big help.

Thanks
Bruce

[Shane731]

Buy this book:

Mike Phillips' The Art of Detailing Paperback Book (http://www.autogeek.net/art-of-detailing-paperback-book.html)

And then you will be better prepared to figure out where you need to go from there. :dblthumb2:

[david11g35]

I am located in Downey So Cal. My problem is I tire fast and can only work outside for 1-1 1/2 hours at a time. I plan to complete one panel at a time.Will a DA cutting pad work instead of using clay? Is there any brand of pads that work or last longer? I have very limited funds so the lower cost the better. This forum is a big help.

Thanks
Bruce

Welcome!!! Downey? your 15 mins away from me. Im off the 105 and 110 freeways. Its recommended you clay before you polish to remove all the contaminents from the paint. Especially if the car was been seating outside for 3 years.

Im willing to give a helping hand and use my own supplies if you like. Im no pro but im pretty good with he DA. you can check some of my work if you like.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/52447-98-black-honda-accord-worst-swirls-holograms-ever.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/52611-black-chevy-trailblazer-lots-pictures.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/57091-2009-acura-tl-intetior-60-pictures.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/53150-2007-toyota-corolla-interior-clay-wax.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/52848-subaru-wrx-interior.html