1968 Mercedes 280se - 1st time advise

[D&W]

Hello L)

I've always done Meguires over the counter hand detailing with clay / polish etc and it's been fine HOWEVER

Car was sitting in CA for about 3 months outside (its usually garaged)... its overdue for a detail. I want to use a machine and legit products.

Paint needs clay again... there is some slight spider webby things/swirls when artificial light hits it...looks pretty nice in sun still even up close. There is marks from bird crap and nature in general... lots of spots that use to never be there.

Couple pics attached. Car has not been detailed in over 2 years

the car has had a repaint. base + clear... its a nice paint job, I would say the clear is on the softer side vs. hard side

I'm leaning towards Griots machine with Meguires 105 and 205...but feel this is the easy/simple option and there is something more tailored I should consider. I've done a lot of reading but really need some advise now. I've heard Menzerna is good, but is it designed for harder clear coats?

Whats a good set/order of products/pads to use?
What will really make it glow and shine?

I am open to getting both a 3" and 5.5" polisher to make life easy.

I'm prepared to spend $250-$400 including machine(s), fluids, pads etc. I want this stuff to set me up pretty well.. but I won't be making a business out of it

Thanks!
Edward

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/96mirage/IMG_5006_zps2ec46e5e.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/96mirage/media/IMG_5006_zps2ec46e5e.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/96mirage/3275.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/96mirage/media/3275.jpg.html)

Close up in garage

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/96mirage/IMG_6231_zps0cd80e02.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/96mirage/media/IMG_6231_zps0cd80e02.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/96mirage/IMG_6226_zpsd4d5c2ea.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/96mirage/media/IMG_6226_zpsd4d5c2ea.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/96mirage/IMG_6230_zpseb40be72.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/96mirage/media/IMG_6230_zpseb40be72.jpg.html)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v145/96mirage/IMG_6228_zpsb3d3c832.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/96mirage/media/IMG_6228_zpsb3d3c832.jpg.html)

I REALLY appreciate any advise, feedback!

[jamesboyy]

Welcome to autogeek...Nice classic Benz's you have there your
Plan of getting a groits 6in polisher with Meguiars m105 and M205 is a great choice thought I would do a one step to save
"skin" clear coat by using menzerna po203 thought be sure to get at least two of each polishing pads that way you can do a test spot with as for protection I would use something like klasse high gloss sealant since winter is coming lastly you dont necessarily need another polisher if you get the groits garage 6in all you need is the 3in and 5.5 in backing plates with corresponding pads

[Klasse Act]

Welcome aboard! Love that first pic,iconic!

I've been using my GG6" for about 3 yrs now w/o an issue, its performed great for my needs and is a great machine without a doubt. I've used the GG orange pads with various polishes, including theirs with great results. I can't speak about M105/205 but they seem to be a combo that's popular around here, so I say go for it. Maybe try a test spot with 205 "just to see". I personally use M101 because it gets down to business w/o alot of dust and finishes LSP ready. It is more aggressive but its the same formula they use in Europe as they apparently don't use wool, just foam and I can honestly say that its a great product. I used it on my brand new Fiat 500 Abarth to make it look great from the get go and was VERY happy with the results. The key here when using the M101 w/ the GG6" RO is this, test spot and lower speed, I used 4-4.5 and if your paint is indeed on the softer side, well, this would be a good speed to start with.

As far as LSP's go, well, there's hundreds to chose from, seriously, but on a dark colored car like your Benz I wouldn't think twice about using Collinite #915, no doubt about it:xyxthumbs:

I'm subscribing to this thread as I wanna see how this car turns out, love how it sits too!

[D&W]

Thanks for the info guys.

Here is my understanding

Sounds like you both agree a 1 step process to correct blemishes and prepare directly for final polishing/wax is the way to go (eg. M101 or Menzerna p023

So...

STEP 1
Tape all trim and chrome off.....Pinnace Ultra Poly Clay Entire Car

STEP 2
Option 1 - 1 step process
Menzera p023
*I want to try a new brand over Meguires

Option 2 - 2 Step process
Meguires 105
+
Meguires 205 *Test to see if it is required or go straight to next step

For this I will use Griots 6" (and 3" backing plate with Griots 3" wax pads for smaller areas - or should I use Texture Lake County spot polish pads?)
I will use the 6" included CCS Lake County pads that come with this kit
Griot’s Garage & Meguiar’s Paint Perfection Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-paint-perfection-kit.html)

I will use Wolfgang Pad Werks Cleaner and Conditioner sprays as required on the pads

Question: What is the disadvantage of pads with texture/dips in it... Should I order pads separately and get smooth foam pads?

I will wipe down between sections with Cobra Plush Microfiber towels

STEP 3
Menzerna Top Inspection spray to prepare the car for next step

STEP 4
QUESTION: Should I use a polymer sealant or anything else PRIOR to applying the wax? or does the wax go straight after the correction/top inspection?

STEP 5
Wax with Collinite 915
2nd Coat the next day
Apply with Griots 6" with lambswool pad and microfiber bonnet
Remove with a secondary microfiber bonnet? Or by hand with plush microfiber?
Final hand buff with Super Plush microfiber

STEP 6
Autofinesse Glass Cleaner and Tire Shine

So that's the basic plan... would love feedback on this!

Thanks!
Edward

[Klasse Act]

Apply #915 by hand, its in a can and almost impossible to get out anyways as one big clump. There's NO real advantage to using a machine to apply the LSP anyways IMO. Your going to love the look of #915, trust me:cool:

Sent from my SPH-M930 using Tapatalk 2

[D&W]

Apply #915 by hand, its in a can and almost impossible to get out anyways as one big clump. There's NO real advantage to using a machine to apply the LSP anyways IMO. Your going to love the look of #915, trust me:cool:

Sent from my SPH-M930 using Tapatalk 2

I have no problem using the trusty hand application for the wax.. always nice to spend quality time with the curves of the car.

I am leaning toward the 1 step process vs. the 105 and 205 also.. I just think it may be a good way to start out.

Thanks!
Edward

[Mike Phillips]

Regardless of which brand of dual action polisher you purchase, the below all applies.


Video: Mark your backing plate to make it easy to see pad rotation (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/49489-video-mark-your-backing-plate-make-easy-see-pad-rotation.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1423/MarkYourBackingPlate01.jpg

Here's a quick video that show how and why to mark your backing plate to see and monitor pad rotation while doing any correction or polishing steps.





How To Check Pad Rotation on a DA Polisher -...




5" Backing Plate
Lake Country 5" DA Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html) <-- Get this one as the Velcro will match Lake Country Pads


The 5" Lake Country Backing Plates fits all popular dual action polishers including Porter Cable, Griot's Garage and Meguiar's.




Lake Country

5.5" Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)

In order from the most to the least aggressive

Yellow = Cutting pad (most aggressive)
Orange = Light Cutting Pad
White = Polishing Pad
Black = Finishing Pad
Blue = Waxing Pad (softest)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads01.jpg


The outer edge of the face of these pads is tapered so they are actually a little under 5" in diameter
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads02.jpg

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads03.jpg


Approximately 7/8" thick
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/811/5_5FlatPads04.jpg






Still working by hand?
If you need a dual action polisher, the Porter Cable 7424XP is a quality tool from Porter Cable and the tool that started the DA Polisher craze.


Here's the link to get your own Porter Cable 7424XP

Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-7424xp.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/watermark.php?file=81487






If you have not read this and you're new to machine polishing... read it!

DA Polisher Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)






DON'T LOOSE THE COMPRESSION WASHER!

The Compression Washer (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/hot-topics-frequently-asked-questions/48913-compression-washer.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1423/5inchbackingpatesonDAPs013.jpg




Get a copy of my how-to book, comes in three options....


Detailing How-To Book and Detailing How-To E-book by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/64360-detailing-how-book-detailing-how-e-book.html)


Here are the links to get the paperback and e-book versions of the second edition of my detailing how-to book.

Mike Phillips’ The Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine Paperback Book (http://www.autogeek.net/how-to-create-a-show-car-shine-book.html)


For those that want the e-book verson...

Mike Phillips’ The Complete Guide to a Show Car Shine E-book Download (http://www.autogeek.net/complete-guide-to-shine-e-book.html)


http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1313/Detailing_How_To_Book_ebook.jpg





You're going to need to learn this....

How to clean your foam pad on the fly (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/20135-how-clean-your-foam-pad-fly.html)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/994/EODodgeNeon011.jpg



Get head knowledge first and then go out into your garage...


How to Properly Use the Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher Updated! (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-dvd.html)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/1313/PorterCableDVD.jpg




:xyxthumbs:

[Mike Phillips]

If you want to go with Menzerna, get the FG 400 compound and the SF 4000 polish, which is fine cut polish and in most cases will clean up the results from the FG 400.


If you want a medium cut polish to round out your Menzerna collection then get a bottle of the SI 1500.


When the new Menzerna products come out I'd recommend the new PP Ultra. It will be a nice maintenance product after you've done the grunt work.


Jewelling Wax (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/85290-jewelling-wax.html)



:)