Detailed My Beater (pics Inside)

[din9lebrah]

Seeing that this sub-forum is dead, and I don't have a nice car to flaunt, figured I would post pics of my beater that I detailed over the weekend. Just did a quick 1 step on the DA to clean up the clearcoat on aging 14 year old toyota paint.

Goal was to clean up the oxidation, and remove as many swirls as I could with a 1 step. Originally I wanted to use D151 (megs reconditioning cream), but felt I could get away with using m205 and get more cut.


Wash: Meguiars Shampoo Plus
Clay: Claymagic (medium grit)
Polish: Meguiars M205
Polishing method: Griots Garage v3 6" w/5.5" backing plate
Pad: Uber 5.5 Orange cutting pad (KB method to determine)
LSP/Wax: Collinite 845 (IPA wipedown prior)

Did 1 pass on speed 2 (spread product), 3 passes on 4, 2 passes on 3 to burnish the finish. This was my first time polishing with the GG, as I got rid of my UDM, and man is this thing torquey compared to the UDM...I wouldn't get hardly any cut on the UDM at speed 6 (6000 OPM), this beast worked great on speed 5 as well but it wouldn't break down the polish enough so I opted to go more passes with 4.

The beauty of m205 is that its really pad dependent. It can cut yet finish decently on an orange, or be put on a black finishing pad and produce HIGH gloss..anyways enough talking here are some pics:













Didn't take any before shots because I don't have halogens, and it was cloudy outside.

Comments/criticism welcome. FYI, the swirls in the black plastic trim is not buffer swirls...its tiger striping from all the UV damage over the years. I plan to tackle that next lol.

[din9lebrah]

For those gurus on here (Dan/Rishi), how do you guys like Menzerna PO23 (PF2500) as a 1 step for the same results (remove oxidation, clean up the clear, little bit of cut while giving nice gloss)?

I like m205 because of its working time (I dont have a garage and am too cheap to buy a carport lol, so I polish when its cloudy), but I feel it has way too high a content of finishing oils...

[DanNY]

i've been using the FG400 - fast gloss..i skipped the PF2500 since the FG seems to be the new hawtness with merzerna. for me it's more or less 1 step. it does cut a little more...but generally i don't break out the buffer unless the paint needs something like the FG400..LOL i have the SF4500 if i want to make it really nice otherwise the FG400 finishes nicely. i use an orange pad or a microfiber pad for more cut with the FG400.

meg's stuff is nice...i believe their M205 and M105s doesn't break down. so you get consistent cut BUT you must use a different compound to finish it off. i've been shying away from their M205 and M105s due to the extra time needed to finish (switching products, towels, and pads). if you have time...that's good since you have much better control on cutting. for me the one step FG400 breaks down so you can finish with just that.

i tossed my clay (not really) and is using the nano skin set up. cuts clay time big time. set it on 1 on the GG and may sure you have a good lube and it'll take the specks off your paint within minutes. for the small crevices i do bring out the clay but the majority of the panel it clear.

a little steep in price but saved me so much time that IMO it's worth it.

IPA wipedown...wow is the meg's stuff that oily?? i use either top inspection or adam's detailer spray and it's good to go.

i like the Collinite 845...not sure how much build up i get from the wax...also maybe next season i'll start looking into nano coatings.

also forgot to mention....yeah i have the GG also. nice buffer IMO.
nice job on the truck...really makes the dings on the hood shine. LOL

[packetattack]

Nice job Mr. Din9le. How long did that take you?

Haven't seen a lot of oiliness from M105. I've done IPAs on jet black finishes without any filling qualities showing up from M105. I finish out using the 3M Perfect-IT 3000 system with blue pad.

Dan, I coated my new Sienna and Passat with 3D HD NitroSeal. It's one of the easiest to use nano-skin coatings out there. Passat has been beading for 3 months now. They claim 18 months of durability, we'll see how long that goes for in our East Coast winter seasons. However, since we're detailing fanatics, there isn't ever a month that goes by where my cars don't get a booster shot of Hydro Poly Spray wax or Optimum. So that definitely will help prolong the finish.

For wheels, I also used the NitroSeal product and brake dust washes off easily now. I just use soap and water.

[din9lebrah]

Originally Posted by DanNY

i've been using the FG400 - fast gloss..i skipped the PF2500 since the FG seems to be the new hawtness with merzerna. for me it's more or less 1 step. it does cut a little more...but generally i don't break out the buffer unless the paint needs something like the FG400..LOL i have the SF4500 if i want to make it really nice otherwise the FG400 finishes nicely. i use an orange pad or a microfiber pad for more cut with the FG400.

meg's stuff is nice...i believe their M205 and M105s doesn't break down. so you get consistent cut BUT you must use a different compound to finish it off. i've been shying away from their M205 and M105s due to the extra time needed to finish (switching products, towels, and pads). if you have time...that's good since you have much better control on cutting. for me the one step FG400 breaks down so you can finish with just that.

i tossed my clay (not really) and is using the nano skin set up. cuts clay time big time. set it on 1 on the GG and may sure you have a good lube and it'll take the specks off your paint within minutes. for the small crevices i do bring out the clay but the majority of the panel it clear.

a little steep in price but saved me so much time that IMO it's worth it.

IPA wipedown...wow is the meg's stuff that oily?? i use either top inspection or adam's detailer spray and it's good to go.

i like the Collinite 845...not sure how much build up i get from the wax...also maybe next season i'll start looking into nano coatings.

also forgot to mention....yeah i have the GG also. nice buffer IMO.
nice job on the truck...really makes the dings on the hood shine. LOL

Ok I'm going to pick your brain a little lol..

So the FG400 cut less put finishes nicer (compared to power finish), In terms of gloss?

As for nano skin, I've seen it, but I try my hardest (not a good thing) to stay away from using a buffer. I will tell you this though. My arms were royally sore after claying this pos. I dont think it was ever detailed lol.

And yeah, everyone on autopia/DI/DD recommends a wipedown so the LSP can stick better.

I'm a big fan of these new coatings like 22PLE and Opticoat, but I'll stick to sealants and waxes because I am le cheap, and my car is le cheaper. lol I'll really onlu consider those coatings once I get a new car, but at that point I would also clearbra the bumper, hood, part of the fenders...but I doubt Ill get something brand new anytime soon.. lol

Btw, not sure if you remember, but a few years back you're the first one to put me onto this...sadly I still havent had a use for it (I refuse to put it on a car I daily drive lol):



Ordered this, got sent the concours wax. Flipped out saying I have a customer requesting this for a car show that coming Sunday, and ended up getting this shipped overnight and got refunded so I paid $35 (approx cost of P21 Concours LOL).

I only use 845 because its cheap and easy to apply (once you put it in one of those "smart" containers that dispense).

And yeah, after all this I noticed how much hail this car has encountered LOL...not to mention all the rock chips scars :/

Originally Posted by packetattack

Nice job Mr. Din9le. How long did that take you?

Haven't seen a lot of oiliness from M105. I've done IPAs on jet black finishes without any filling qualities showing up from M105. I finish out using the 3M Perfect-IT 3000 system with blue pad.

Dan, I coated my new Sienna and Passat with 3D HD NitroSeal. It's one of the easiest to use nano-skin coatings out there. Passat has been beading for 3 months now. They claim 18 months of durability, we'll see how long that goes for in our East Coast winter seasons. However, since we're detailing fanatics, there isn't ever a month that goes by where my cars don't get a booster shot of Hydro Poly Spray wax or Optimum. So that definitely will help prolong the finish.

For wheels, I also used the NitroSeal product and brake dust washes off easily now. I just use soap and water.

It took about 5 hours, but honestly its because I took a few breaks. My forearms can only take so much lol...

I have yet to use M105..I use 3M advanced compound, and that seems to work great..I only stick to foam pads...and with a yellow pad, I get very minimal marring. I'm pretty sure the oils are all in the M205 though.

That 3M perfect-it is great stuff. I want it, but I have no real need for it..

What other QD's/spray waxes do you guys use?

I've tried a few, and I keep coming back to DG Aquawax 951, or DP Quick wax (aerosol).

Thanks for all the input guys.

[Xtinct]

Weird, I detailed my beater too.

[din9lebrah]

LMAO nick

[nismomaxgtr18]

Very nice Tammy. When do you want to detail my car? lol

[Xtinct]

Originally Posted by din9lebrah

LMAO nick

Haha I even cracked up. Looks great though, love the hunter green color. Our 95 Tahoe was the same color. Looks like you know your detailing now, I'm proud of you my boy.

[MAXecutive]

lmao at Nick. 4Runner looking good. Ricky's motor is ripped apart right now, we broke the tensioner when we were changing the water pump and timing belt, lol. We had to overnight parts from Japan.

[streetking]

How much was the products? Car looks new; i wanna do the same to my aging 01

[DanNY]

Originally Posted by din9lebrah

Ok I'm going to pick your brain a little lol..

So the FG400 cut less put finishes nicer (compared to power finish), In terms of gloss?

I never tried the PF2500...i read good reviews for the FG400 so i went with that. yeah it cuts..but then it breaks down more and more and then it'll finish up.

As for nano skin, I've seen it, but I try my hardest (not a good thing) to stay away from using a buffer. I will tell you this though. My arms were royally sore after claying this pos. I dont think it was ever detailed lol.

LOL yeah i use a buffer every chance i get. why work harder? you'll be buffing the finish out anyway might as well.

And yeah, everyone on autopia/DI/DD recommends a wipedown so the LSP can stick better.

that makes sense...i always just use a quick detailer and use that as the wipe down.

I'm a big fan of these new coatings like 22PLE and Opticoat, but I'll stick to sealants and waxes because I am le cheap, and my car is le cheaper. lol I'll really onlu consider those coatings once I get a new car, but at that point I would also clearbra the bumper, hood, part of the fenders...but I doubt Ill get something brand new anytime soon.. lol

yeah the coatings are pretty $...i like them but you have to apply it on perfectly or else it won't go on right...PITA IMO.

Btw, not sure if you remember, but a few years back you're the first one to put me onto this...sadly I still havent had a use for it (I refuse to put it on a car I daily drive lol):



Ordered this, got sent the concours wax. Flipped out saying I have a customer requesting this for a car show that coming Sunday, and ended up getting this shipped overnight and got refunded so I paid $35 (approx cost of P21 Concours LOL).

dude...you should totally try it out. you don't use a lot of it on each car...that jar will last you for a LONG time.

I only use 845 because its cheap and easy to apply (once you put it in one of those "smart" containers that dispense).

And yeah, after all this I noticed how much hail this car has encountered LOL...not to mention all the rock chips scars :/

LOL 845 is ok...cheap and provides "ok" shine...so i'm ok with it. the big selling point is that it's cheap.

[packetattack]

845 gets used on all my cars for the winter as a "topper" for durability. Although this year I am willing to forego it to see how long NitroSeal will hold up for.

[din9lebrah]

Originally Posted by MAXecutive

lmao at Nick. 4Runner looking good. Ricky's motor is ripped apart right now, we broke the tensioner when we were changing the water pump and timing belt, lol. We had to overnight parts from Japan.

Lmao, good shit. Post updates on your 300zx on here or iG. Been a while. That interior though..

Originally Posted by streetking

How much was the products? Car looks new; i wanna do the same to my aging 01

M205 is $25, 845 is $15, Claymagic is like $8, 3M painters tape is like $4, uber 5.5 pads are like $8 each, I needed 3 so $24, the Uber 5.5" backing plate is $12 and the GG is $140.

So $228, I didnt include the cost of microfiber towels, Isopropyl alcohol, a bottle, car wash soap, sponge/mitt, waffle weave drying towel, but you get the point.

It sounds like a lot but its an investment that will yield savings if you do it more than once.

I will say this though, once you start a collection you want to keep on adding products to expand lol.

Originally Posted by DanNY

I never tried the PF2500...i read good reviews for the FG400 so i went with that. yeah it cuts..but then it breaks down more and more and then it'll finish up.



LOL yeah i use a buffer every chance i get. why work harder? you'll be buffing the finish out anyway might as well.



that makes sense...i always just use a quick detailer and use that as the wipe down.


yeah the coatings are pretty $...i like them but you have to apply it on perfectly or else it won't go on right...PITA IMO.



dude...you should totally try it out. you don't use a lot of it on each car...that jar will last you for a LONG time.



LOL 845 is ok...cheap and provides "ok" shine...so i'm ok with it. the big selling point is that it's cheap.

Just read some reviews and I am convinced on the FG400 .

Actually ONR diluted as a QD works too for a wipedown, so I should have just done that lol.

I dont know why but I hate having to wash pads after im done lol. Thats one big reason why I refrain from using a buffer lol. Its the laziness in me lol.

I dont mind using the P21 on the 4runner, but the fact that its lifespan isn't as long as a synthetic wax means I'll have protect the paint again in a few weeks...and considering its a beater, I cant justify the effort LOL....if you haven't noticed, yeah Im lazy.

Originally Posted by packetattack

845 gets used on all my cars for the winter as a "topper" for durability. Although this year I am willing to forego it to see how long NitroSeal will hold up for.

I'm sure Nitroseal will hold up, that stuff is great!

[MAXecutive]

Originally Posted by din9lebrah

Lmao, good shit. Post updates on your 300zx on here or iG. Been a while. That interior though..

Yea your right, that car does deserve a build thread ...

[DanNY]

Originally Posted by din9lebrah

Just read some reviews and I am convinced on the FG400 .

Actually ONR diluted as a QD works too for a wipedown, so I should have just done that lol.

I dont know why but I hate having to wash pads after im done lol. Thats one big reason why I refrain from using a buffer lol. Its the laziness in me lol.

I dont mind using the P21 on the 4runner, but the fact that its lifespan isn't as long as a synthetic wax means I'll have protect the paint again in a few weeks...and considering its a beater, I cant justify the effort LOL....if you haven't noticed, yeah Im lazy.

if that's the case (you being lazy ass)...toss the clay...get the nano skin. you'll be like wtf was i doing before this thing!? it's not bad to clean the pad either. it's kinda rubbery pad that just rinses off. spin it on the rotary after rinse and you're half way to drying it out.

LOL...blah...i just use a QD like adams or the merzena as the wipe down and i'm bueno. i have to try the IPA...but seems like a PITA to do. once in a while if the splatter is really bad i just do a quick wash/rinse.

yeah the pad washing is a TOTAL PITA...on a job i usually end up using 3-4 pads.

the P21S...just try it...the shine is really nice. you wipe on and wipe off right away...it's nice stuff and the shine/reflection is pretty nice.