2012 Dodge Challenger + Menzerna Color Lock Makeover

[Mike Phillips]

You guys used thick and thin microfiber pads , but aren't the thin ones for DA polishers and the thick ones are for rotary, is it alright to switch them up or stay with what they recommend?

I've been asked a lot since microfiber pads have been introduced which pads for which tools and here's what I know...

For tools with a free floating spindle bearing assembly, the thin, stiffer microfiber pads work well.

For any of the gear-driven tools, for example rotary buffers and the Flex 3401, then microfiber pads with a thicker foam core buff better while thin microfiber pads are grabby.

By the words buff better I mean they are not grabby like the thin pads and thus it's a LOT easier to guide and glide the buffer over the paint without fighting the grabbing effect.

This is why I had both Robert and Paul test out the different types of pads on the same tools with the same products on the same paint system, so all variable were reduced to just the thickness of the pad.

Then instead of me "telling" you what's what, I suggested that anyone interested in their opinions based upon real-world experience to post to this thread and ask the guys that joined me for this project..

I only see thin ones for the Da polisher on the website. Sorry for so many questions kind of new with machine polishing , that's why I signed up for your boot camp in January.

Great questions!

I know people have these types of questions... that's why I set up this experiment... to provide accurate answers verified but multiple sources.



Here's Robert testing out the thick LC Ultra MF Pads and Paul testing out the thin LC Ultra MF Pads

[Chris@AutoCleanse]

LC Microfiber for the 1500

LC Flat Foam Pads for the 4000 and the Color Lock.

Just a quick note on the Color Lock Wax this product went on very easy and wipe off with no effort at all. The green rolled edge microfiber towels literally slid across the finish as you started to break open the wax.

Did you prefer the thick or thin microfiber pad and with which polisher did you prefer it with?

[Sailfish]

Then instead of me "telling" you what's what, I suggested that anyone interested in their opinions based upon real-world experience to post to this thread and ask the guys that joined me for this project..

Thanks Mike,

I found that the thick pad from LC was much easier to work with while using the forced rotation of the Flex 3401. The LC pad was not grabby and contoured nicely with the body lines on the hood, front valance, plastic hood nose and wheel area.

Conversely the thin pad though nice was very grabby with any contour change in the body panel.

So if safe is the game I would opt for the thick pads, since I saw no real difference in the thick (LC) pads and the thin pads ability to cut into the clear coat.

[Mike Phillips]

Simple stunning results. Nice work guys!

I have a walk-around-video showing the results, I'll try to get it uploaded before leaving for the day...

[Chris@AutoCleanse]

Thanks Mike,

I found that the thick pad from LC was much easier to work with while using the forced rotation of the Flex 3401. The LC pad was not grabby and contoured nicely with the body lines on the hood, front valance, plastic hood nose and wheel area.

Conversely the thin pad though nice was very grabby with any contour change in the body panel.

So if safe is the game I would opt for the thick pads, since I saw no real difference in the thick (LC) pads and the thin pads ability to cut into the clear coat.

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

[Mike Phillips]

***Update***


The walk-around-video has been added to the first page of this thread...

[hoyt66]

Looked at the video. Unreal shine!! Looks awesome!! Great work guys

[Mike Phillips]

Looked at the video. Unreal shine!! Looks awesome!! Great work guys

Thanks....

We found the paint to be on the hard side but with a little work, good pads, products and technique we removed the majority of the defects and restored a finish better than rolled off the assembly line.

[wgilles]

Fantastic work as always!

[Mike Phillips]

Fantastic work as always!

On behalf of the team that did the work, thank you...


Cool cars, great people, quality products and tools and of course good technique equals show car results...