markiteight
03-11-2016, 07:58 PM
I know there are other threads addressing clear coated interior trim pieces but they seem to focus on the best methods for working on trim installed in the car. I just scored a set of factory "carbon fiber" trim pieces to replace the existing wood trim in my car. I'd like to take advantage of the fact that they're easily accessible and make them as pristine as possible before I install them. They're in pretty decent shape overall with what appears to be only light swirling:
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/dingchowping/IMG_7408_zpsbw6k14fg.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/dingchowping/media/IMG_7408_zpsbw6k14fg.jpg.html)
This level of damage is consistent across all eleven pieces, however there is one piece that has a small scuff in one corner:
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/dingchowping/IMG_7411_zps8eqvquky.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/dingchowping/media/IMG_7411_zps8eqvquky.jpg.html)
I have a pre-XP Porter Cable 7424, but everything else I will need to accomplish this project will have to be purchased, and I'm still quite the noob so I am interested in your collective experiences and suggestions.
I see that 3D HD Speed seems to get almost universal praise in these parts. Will something like that be adequate in my situation? If so what would be the right pad(s) to go with it? Based on the pictures would something more aggressive be necessary? I want to use the bare minimum needed to get satisfactory results. That's why something like HD Speed caught my eye; assuming the situation is within the realm of HD's capabilities the concept of doing everything in one step is appealing.
One thing to note: whatever Audi used as a protective coating over the CF is extremely thick. When looking at the scuff in the second picture while moving the trim piece around there is a clear parallax effect, which means the scratch on the surface is quite some distance from the CF material itself. This makes me wonder if it's even a clear coat at all. If it's something else like a think layer of polished clear plastic, will that affect the choice of products and method?
Thanks all in advance for your help.
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/dingchowping/IMG_7408_zpsbw6k14fg.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/dingchowping/media/IMG_7408_zpsbw6k14fg.jpg.html)
This level of damage is consistent across all eleven pieces, however there is one piece that has a small scuff in one corner:
http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/ac335/dingchowping/IMG_7411_zps8eqvquky.jpg (http://s913.photobucket.com/user/dingchowping/media/IMG_7411_zps8eqvquky.jpg.html)
I have a pre-XP Porter Cable 7424, but everything else I will need to accomplish this project will have to be purchased, and I'm still quite the noob so I am interested in your collective experiences and suggestions.
I see that 3D HD Speed seems to get almost universal praise in these parts. Will something like that be adequate in my situation? If so what would be the right pad(s) to go with it? Based on the pictures would something more aggressive be necessary? I want to use the bare minimum needed to get satisfactory results. That's why something like HD Speed caught my eye; assuming the situation is within the realm of HD's capabilities the concept of doing everything in one step is appealing.
One thing to note: whatever Audi used as a protective coating over the CF is extremely thick. When looking at the scuff in the second picture while moving the trim piece around there is a clear parallax effect, which means the scratch on the surface is quite some distance from the CF material itself. This makes me wonder if it's even a clear coat at all. If it's something else like a think layer of polished clear plastic, will that affect the choice of products and method?
Thanks all in advance for your help.