My first "detail" w/lots-o-pics... :MS6 Content:

[2K7MS6]

Hello AutoGeek! I lurk a lot and read a lot, but I don't post much. I finally mustered up the cash and got myself a proper detailing kit. It still has some stuff to be added, but it's a good start.



PC 7424XP, LC orange, white, gray and red pads, PBW SSR 2.5 & 1, Menzerna Power Lock, XMT pad cleaner and conditioner, Natty's Blue, Cobra Indigo MF's (which were cut wrong and replaced free of charge with two Cobra Miracle Towels) and some grit guards. HUGE thanks goes out to AG for the hook up with the free pads and the bundle set-ups along with the replacement of the MF towels!!

I'm not really new to car detailing when it comes to wash, clay, wax, etc... but this polishing stuff was new to me. I learned quick and read a lot here, so a lot of thanks goes out to everyone who posted great how-to's and reviews of products!

The car wasn't in terrible condition before. Some minor swirls, scratches, RIDS, etc.





More before pictures in my intro thread, if anyone cares

I tried to get 50/50 shots, but apparently I suck at photographing these things, as none of them turned out. So all I'm left with is the afters. Overall I am happy, however I think I underestimated the ability of SSR 2.5, as I still have some minor scratches and very light swirls. It could also be because it's my first experience with the polisher and I have some learning and technique to perfect.

On with the pics: all taped up with failed 50/50 tape on the hood...





Day of completion. It was cloudy, so the reflections didn't come out very well... and of course, it rained not 2 hours after...





This all happened last week, and I didn't get a chance to finish (wheels, tires, trim, etc). So here's the finished product with some progress on the wheels and such.

Wheels before (I know, I'm a dirty dirty person...)





Wheels after







And finally, the car.
Obligatory thumbs up shot:







Probably one of my best reflection shots...



Nevermind the dirty exhaust surrounds... I've yet to get to them as they're a huge pain in the ass...





And one of the wheels mounted...



Processes used:
Two bucket washed with dawn and Meguiar's gold class wash
Clayed with Meguiar's clay and quick detailer
Polished with PBW SSR 2.5 and Orange LC CCS pad
Polished with PBW SSR 1 and White LC CCS pad
Two bucket washed with dawn and Meguiar's gold class wash
Sealed with Menzerna Power Lock Sealant and a Red CCS Euro pad by hand
Waxed with PBW Natty's Paste Wax Blue and a Red LC flat pad by hand
Wheels:
Washed with Mother's wheel and tire cleaner and a MF mitt
Trouble spots clayed with Griot's clay and Meg's QD
Sealed with Menzerna Power Lock
Tires dressed with Black Magic gel dressing

Overall, I'm pretty happy with the results, considering it's my first real detail/correction. I would've liked some more of the swirls and scratches gone, but I can't be too upset as this is my daily and I don't expect it to be perfect. Again, I've got to give a huge thanks to the AutoGeek community here for the great write-ups and reviews. You all helped me muster the courage to tackle this project!

[DetailedByPrecision]

great job on it. I remember my first correction on my own car too haha. PC7424XP MEG UC W/Orange, and M205 W/White on my 2000 honda accord.

[john b]

nice job -looks like you pick this stuff up fast,love the wheels

[Bodezafa]

Awesome. Good work. I think I need to check out the Megs wheel cleaner!

[2K7MS6]

great job on it. I remember my first correction on my own car too haha. PC7424XP MEG UC W/Orange, and M205 W/White on my 2000 honda accord.

Thanks! I'm still learning, so hopefully my technique will improve along with my results.

nice job -looks like you pick this stuff up fast,love the wheels

Thanks! I love the wheels too. Only problem is they're very hard to keep clean... I really need a proper wheel brush like the Daytona one... and brakes that don't dust so much!

Awesome. Good work. I think I need to check out the Megs wheel cleaner!

Thanks!
Here's the stuff I used: Mother's All Wheel & Tire Cleaner

[LegacyGT]

Nice job, looks great. How did you like the SSR 2.5?

I love those thing 5'' LC red pads for wax / sealant application.

[bova80]

nice speed6, you definitely need to lower that thing, one of the best things I ever did to mine.

[2K7MS6]

Nice job, looks great. How did you like the SSR 2.5?

I love those thing 5'' LC red pads for wax / sealant application.

Thanks! The SSR 2.5 was nice, but I think either I overestimated its capabilities, or my technique isn't quite there yet, because it didn't remove as much of the swirls as I had hoped. And it dusted a LOT. Both the SSR 2.5 and 1 dusted a bunch. My car looked like it had snow on it when I was done with both stages. Definitely needed a wash after the 2nd polish.

nice speed6, you definitely need to lower that thing, one of the best things I ever did to mine.

Ha thanks man! It does need lowered... I just need to come up with the $$$ for a proper set of coilovers. I only want to do it once and I want to do it right. So for now, it's a monster truck!

BTW, are you the same bova80 on 6club.com?

[Ech0]

Wow, car looks great and as others have said the wheels are excellent. Pulling them off the car is going the extra yard in my book.

[bova80]

Thanks! The SSR 2.5 was nice, but I think either I overestimated its capabilities, or my technique isn't quite there yet, because it didn't remove as much of the swirls as I had hoped. And it dusted a LOT. Both the SSR 2.5 and 1 dusted a bunch. My car looked like it had snow on it when I was done with both stages. Definitely needed a wash after the 2nd polish.



Ha thanks man! It does need lowered... I just need to come up with the $$$ for a proper set of coilovers. I only want to do it once and I want to do it right. So for now, it's a monster truck!

BTW, are you the same bova80 on 6club.com?

yes i am.