Detailing a 04 Cady tomorrow and have a couple questions.

**ShineTimeDetail** · 12-08-2010, 06:48 PM

I have someone with a 04 cady that has heavy swirls and small scratches everywhere. First question is how hard is the clear coat on it?

Second question is on the rear wheels in the center it kinda looks like brake dust but I tried scratching it with my finger nail but nothing comes off. He. Had a caliper go bad and it wore the pad down to metal so it was metal to metal for a few days or maybe even weeks. Could it just be fromt he metal flakes?

Also he has suede seats and its my chance to play with them to see if I can clean them up safely. If I can't he's just going to get them recovered. It has ink from blue jeans along with ink pen stains..

Thanks for any advise in advanced!

**LuxuryMobile** · 12-08-2010, 07:02 PM

Typically Cadillac's have fairly hard clear coats but still workable.

Its possible that there are metal flakes baked on to the wheels. May come off with a good apc and wheel brush.

Sheds is tricky, don't have any real suggestions there.

**Flash Gordon** · 12-08-2010, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by tomrzk

I have someone with a 04 cady that has heavy swirls and small scratches everywhere. First question is how hard is the clear coat on it?

Doesn't really matter at this point. Just get it done

Second question is on the rear wheels in the center it kinda looks like brake dust but I tried scratching it with my finder nail but nothing comes off. He. Had a caliper go bad and it wore the pad down to metal so it was metal to metal for a few days or maybe even weeks. Could it just be fromt he metal flakes?

Sounds like a wheel bearing leaking. That stuff can be very difficult to remove. Try straight APC, clay, adhesive remover, Krud Kutter and prayers. Bottom line is you have your work cut out for you. This car sounds like its in horrible condition. Just do the very best you can under the circumstances

Also he has suede seats and its my change to play with them to see if I can clean them up safely. If I can't he's just going to get them recovered. It has ink from blue jeans along with ink pen stains..

Thanks for any advise in advanced!

Don't even waste your time trying to clean ink off of suede. Get that stuff wet and it smells like horse @ss

Good luck and post up some pics when your done

**rwright** · 12-08-2010, 09:16 PM

You may want to try a wheel acid to break up the grime, just be careful. Shop around, there are many.

**ShineTimeDetail** · 12-08-2010, 09:20 PM

I'm a little afraid of acid wheel cleaner...to hazardous it seems

**rwright** · 12-08-2010, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by tomrzk

I'm a little afraid of acid wheel cleaner...to hazardous it seems

It can be. Don't spray it on and let it dwell for an excessive amount of time. Each situation will be different. If you're in a pinch and don't have time to degrease, clay, polish, just wash it, hit it with a little acid in the trouble area then wash it again. When you're pressed for time a product like this can be very handy.

**rwright** · 12-08-2010, 09:30 PM

And let me add, don't use it on bare aluminum wheels or powder coated wheels. Most stock wheels will be ok, just use sparingly.

**Flash Gordon** · 12-08-2010, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by tomrzk

I'm a little afraid of acid wheel cleaner...to hazardous it seems

Your very smart to be afraid

Originally Posted by rwright

It can be. Don't spray it on and let it dwell for an excessive amount of time. Each situation will be different. If you're in a pinch and don't have time to degrease, clay, polish, just wash it, hit it with a little acid in the trouble area then wash it again. When you're pressed for time a product like this can be very handy.

Richard, I'm not trying to be a butthole, you know that I love you and allBUT, its not so much damaging a hucap that concerns me as much as the acid doing serious and irreversable damage to your lungs. That stuff should only be used wearing a respirator IMO...FWIW...OMG...YMMV

**rwright** · 12-08-2010, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by Flash Gordon

Your very smart to be afraid

Richard, I'm not trying to be a butthole, you know that I love you and allBUT, its not so much damaging a hucap that concerns me as much as the acid doing serious and irreversable damage to your lungs. That stuff should only be used wearing a respirator IMO...FWIW...OMG...YMMV

but it's very effective...

**ShineTimeDetail** · 12-08-2010, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by Flash Gordon

Your very smart to be afraid

Richard, I'm not trying to be a butthole, you know that I love you and allBUT, its not so much damaging a hucap that concerns me as much as the acid doing serious and irreversable damage to your lungs. That stuff should only be used wearing a respirator IMO...FWIW...OMG...YMMV

Where do I buy a respirator and how much do they run?