Best polish/wax for a black 15 year old truck?

[BlackThundah]

Hey guys, I need some serious help with my truck. So i'll start by saying Hi, I drive a Black 1998 f150 4x4 that I bought recently and I need some serious detailing help! Basically as stated it's 15 years old, black and hasn't been kept up (wax/polish wise) like it should have. It has scratches all over it (a lot of light, and some deep) and has some stains from who knows what. I got a very very light coat of wax put on it by a ford dealer about a month ago that's already gone and so I'm ready to do a better job. I'm 18 and pretty much new to the whole detail (as in waxing and polishing paint) job. I always used cheap wash and wax mixes from walmart on my first truck, but I'm ready to step it up a notch on this one. I would like to stay from electric buffers if possible, just not sure if I feel comfortable using one on my truck. I don't know if they make a kit for all this or not? Also the cheaper the better. I really appreciate any help and suggestions. :buffing:

[capnp72]

Welcome to the forum! If you want to get rid of some of the scratches, you'll need to use a polisher to get significant results. I would assume that since the truck is 15 yrs and somewhat neglected that is some oxidation which will also be helped with polisher. It sounds like you are on a tight budget so I would recommend that you pick up a polisher from harbor freight. For wax and polish, I would recommend meguiar's ultimate compound and ultimate polish.

[Evan.J]

Welcome to the geek first off!

Now onto your issues let start off on the right foot and inspect that paint and determine what condition its in.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/off-topic/38689-what-condition-paint-your-vehicles.html

Are you afraid to use a polisher? Don't be! DA polishers are great for anyone. Very user friendly and easy to learn so fear not!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/55512-s-not-hard.html

More than like you will need to Clay the paint to get it back to a smooth finish but just to be sure you will want to do the baggie test. This test helps aid you in feeling for above surface contamination.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/27967-baggie-test-how-inspect-above-surface-bonded-contaminants.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/27969-3-primary-benefits-using-detailing-clay-clay-paint.html

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfxAesk4Po4&feature=player_embedded]Part 1 - How to use detailing clay - YouTube[/video]
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opfK408uIxM&feature=player_embedded]Part 2 - How to use detailing clay - YouTube[/video]
That will get you started.

[psynx]

Nu finish by far

Sent from my SCH-I605 using AG Online

[jvs1991]

nu finish by far

sent from my sch-i605 using ag online

+100

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Great advice Evan

[GenesisCoupe]

I am not 100% on this, but after swirl removal (compound, polish) a Cleaner Wax can be used with a soft pad as it will enhance the paint. After a cleaner wax you can apply a final "finishing wax" coat. Cleaner wax is supposed to help with restoring the paint after failure to do so for some time.

[BlackThundah]

Wow, thanks for all the advise guys! I know for sure that I will need to clay bar now and my budget is tight. I was looking into this Meguiars Brilliant Solutions Paint Restoration Kit, meguiars G3300, paint polishing kit, restore auto paint (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-paint-restoration-kit.html)

What do you think? Or am I missing the mark? As far as my paint I would say its around a 4.

[Evan.J]

Wow, thanks for all the advise guys! I know for sure that I will need to clay bar now and my budget is tight. I was looking into this Meguiars Brilliant Solutions Paint Restoration Kit, meguiars G3300, paint polishing kit, restore auto paint (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-paint-restoration-kit.html)

What do you think? Or am I missing the mark? As far as my paint I would say its around a 4.

Your budget is the main factor and that is key. :props:

Thats a great kit gives you everything you will need. The only thing you might want to pick up is Ultimate polish to be applied after Ultimate Compound. :xyxthumbs:

[GenesisCoupe]

The Meguiars should be a good start, however when your budget for detailing increases, give other products a try and you will fall in love.

[BlackThundah]

Your budget is the main factor and that is key. :props:

Thats a great kit gives you everything you will need. The only thing you might want to pick up is Ultimate polish to be applied after Ultimate Compound. :xyxthumbs:

Oh okay. I'll add that to the list as well. Thanks again to everybody for all the help! :awesome:


The Meguiars should be a good start, however when your budget for detailing increases, give other products a try and you will fall in love.


Ya, will do. Oh one more thing, will I need to tap off areas? Such as the window trim and stuff like that? Either way I will make sure to read the package and see what it says to do.