Noob from Charlotte NC looking for some help....

[JETNC]

Hey all,

I'm in the process of recovering from a motorcycle accident and was out of work for a while. While laying around I started studying the information on this forum in preparation for cleaning up the paint on my cars. I've got a white Celica that could use alot of work, and I just picked up a black car that I'm afraid to touch! The Celica has to be outside, so it's taken some abuse this winter. My black car is fairly clean but has some areas that definitely need attention, like where the clear bra was removed on the nose there are some lines, and of course every little detail shows up on a black car!

So I was looking for someone that knows what they're doing in the Charlotte area. I've got a DA, CC pads, and different bottles of Megs but I don't want to mess my cars up. Ultimately I'd like to make the next class in FL, but I'm not quite sure I can wait that long before doing some kind of work on my cars. So if there's anybody in the area that would be willing to spend a little time showing me some technique I'd really appreciate it!

JET

[CM8 6MT]

Jet,

Theres plenty of Videos here on AG by Mike Phillips that show you step by step the basics of machine polishing.

Even if someone spent the time with you to show you, you will only learn by doing it yourself. Practise makes perfect.

The thing about detailing is that your always learning, no one knows "everything" there is to know about detailing.

Put it this way, you cant learn how to draw by watching someone do it, you have to do it yourself (but you can get a good idea how to and go from there). Practise practise practise!

[Meghan]

Welcome to the forum!

[Pats300zx]

Welcome to AGO

[dad07]

Welcome to AGO Jet!


I'm also in the Charlotte area......I would be glad to help you.

[WAXOFF]

Welcome. Sorry to hear about your accident. There is plenty of reading and watching on here to get you through your recovery.

[BobbyG]

:welcome:

Motorcycles are a lot of fun. It's still listed on my drivers license but hung mine up years ago after running into the back of a stopped truck....not paying attention...

Anyway.....White or black they're both just colors and are most likely clear coated. Even if they're not it's paint and while black certainly does show more than white it still needs to be taken care of...

Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax


Here's some great information by Mike Phillips that will help you.


Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (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)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)
How to prime a foam pad when using a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/35292-how-prime-foam-pad-when-using-da-polisher.html)
DA Polisher Articles - Help for Newbies to Machine Polishing (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/questions-about-porter-cable-7424xp-7424-7336-griot-s-meguiar-s-dual-action-polishers/38399-da-polisher-articles-help-newbies-machine-polishing.html)
How to MAXIMIZE your DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27166-how-maximize-your-da-polisher.html)

[Chris@AutoCleanse]

Welcome to the GEEK.

[rwright]

Here are 3 great choices off the top of my head:

Mike Napoli
Dave Eller - Detail Dave
Tim - dad07

[vet]

Welcome! I recommend Mike's book or video for a reference and good reading.

[JETNC]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! It's much appreciated...... and I think its always great to see Senior members, in any forum, be kind to the noobs!

So I am a noob, but I've been around a while. My mc license test was 4 left turns around the block in Providence RI back in 80. If you made it back you passed! I was a Marine and ended staying in NC after I got out, eventually I settled in Charlotte.

My mc accident hastened my midlife crisis plan of buying an exotic when I turn 50 in 2 years. So now I am the proud owner of a 05 Maserati GranSport (the black car). The white car is a 91 300ZX TT. I don't want to mess either of them up obviously, but they need a little love. And, I really don't feel comfortable "practicing" without a little supervision. This forum and Mike's information definitely are an awesome resource, but there is alot to digest, and I know it's not just something you learn over night....

[dad07]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! It's much appreciated...... and I think its always great to see Senior members, in any forum, be kind to the noobs!

So I am a noob, but I've been around a while. My mc license test was 4 left turns around the block in Providence RI back in 80. If you made it back you passed! I was a Marine and ended staying in NC after I got out, eventually I settled in Charlotte.

My mc accident hastened my midlife crisis plan of buying an exotic when I turn 50 in 2 years. So now I am the proud owner of a 05 Maserati GranSport (the black car). The white car is a 91 300ZX TT. I don't want to mess either of them up obviously, but they need a little love. And, I really don't feel comfortable "practicing" without a little supervision. This forum and Mike's information definitely are an awesome resource, but there is alot to digest, and I know it's not just something you learn over night....

Yes you can learn overnight...LOL! Its really is that simple.

you and I are the same age...so if I can do it so can you.

Jet if you want to get together and learn a few things and try a few things I'm just a PM away..... I've got plenty of vehicals you can pratice on......Depending on your Charlotte area location it could be arranged...easy.

Also Thank you for your service! :dblthumb2: from one vet to another!

[JETNC]

PM coming your way Tim...

[Johny B]

Welcome! I recommend Mike's book or video for a reference and good reading.

:iagree:

[JETNC]

:iagree:

For sure!

I would also like to go to FL for the class in May. I am going to do my best and see if I can make it.