Just purchased used car - please help
Hey Everyone-
I've been detailing my own cars for a long time but now looking to improve my skills and learn how to match products better with the needs of the paint. I just purchased a used red Acura TSX. The car has less than 12k on the odometer. The car was originally sold in the Fall of 2011. The paint doesn't have any obvious damage to me but touching the paint you can tell that there is very little protection on it. So, I want to start fresh with the car and get a strong foundation on the paint. I have a PC 7424 that I've used for several years and still works great. I was planning on starting with a claybar, and end with Dodo juice Orange Crush for the red paint. But I need help on the the steps in between.
Here's some of the other waxes/polishes I have in the garage
Zaino Z-2
Zaino Z-All in One
Menzerna Super Intensive Polish
Menzerna Super Finish
4 inch pads
Lake Country Waffle - Green (light polishing)
Lake Country Waffle - Orange (light cutting)
Can someone give me some tips? Can I use the Zaino or Menzerna with the PC followed by the Dodo juice?
Thanks!
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
Welcome to AGO.
You may want to pick up some 5.5 pads for the PC as doing a correction polishing session with 4 inch pads will take to long.
Use the Menzerna products for the defect removal and then you can wax with Orange Crush.
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
I am not too familiar with the current gen TSX's, but my dad had a previous gen in the Milano Red. Assuming 2011 is still using the Milano Red, you should know that it is a tinted clear coat (so you will see some red on your pads when buffing, don't freak out). Also, the paint was SUPER soft.
From your list of polishes available to you, I would recommend the Super Finish, but without seeing the car it is hard to say for sure. Do your due diligence and do a proper series of test spots before settling on a polishing procedure. I would also recommend picking up some softer pads, like a LC black finishing pad.
For reference, here is my thread when I recently polished my Dad's TSX.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...acura-tsx.html
Hope that helps.
-Zach
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
Quote:
Originally Posted by
68ChevelleSS
Can someone give me some tips? Can I use the Zaino or Menzerna with the PC followed by the Dodo juice.
Thanks!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
68ChevelleSS
Here's some of the other waxes/polishes I have in the garage
Menzerna Super Intensive Polish
Menzerna Super Finish
Use the above after washing and claying the paint, (if needed), and then apply the Orange Crush.
If you want to use the Zaino Z2 you will have to chemically strip the paint after using the last Menzerna product.
Click the link below and read the text and look at the pictures. You want to get a 5" backing plate and some 5.5" foam pads to use with the Menzerna polishers.
5 inch Backing Plates on Meguiar's, Griot's and Porter Cable DA Polishers
Also read through this, it walks you your everything you want and need to do...
How To Detail Your Brand New Car by Mike Phillips
Lots and LOTS of info in the above thread with videos too...
And welcome to the AGO forum...
:)
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
Awesome! Thanks everyone for the input. Mike, looks like I need to get a few more materials before I start.
I haven't had a chance to take any pictures of the car yet but here are the ones from the dealership where I bought it. And yes the red is Milano Red on the TSX.
http://i.imgur.com/zImk2HA.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/VBmFCvI.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/rNKYq0A.jpg
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
Re: Just purchased used car - please help
So I gave the car a good wash last night and started to see some paint issues - primarily light scuffs and swirls/spiderwebs in paint. I also spotted a black smudge near the exhaust that doesn't appear to be body damage and is smooth to the touch. Pictures aren't great I know but hopefully it shows what I'm saying. Given everyone's help I've ordered some new supplies including Iron-X and a new backing plate with pads. I also ordered some polish eraser. My current plan will be using the Menzerna polishes after I claybar then wax with the Dodo juice. So I have 2 last questions. I'm still confused as to what color pads I should use for:
Menzerna Super Intensive polish -
Menzerna - Super finish
Also, any suggestions on removing the black smudge mark?
http://i.imgur.com/asi4bc1.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/DoNJyxa.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/SmOTiM8.jpg