Tried a new sealant...

[pektel]

Lookin' good as always. I wish my paint was in that good of condition... Guess that's what I get for buying mine with 100k on it already. (and from an owner who didn't upkeep on the paint)

My front bumper is a mess of pits. It is like sandpaper. But I am getting an LSE bumper when funds permit. What should I do to protect it? I have toyed with the idea of getting that clear plastic film for it... but afraid of it looking cheesey

Mine had 97K when I bought it. It did take quite a bit to bring it to it's current state. I probably have 30-40 hours into the paint correction.

As far as protection, one of the big reasons the bumper gets pitted is from bugs decomposing and that process eating away at the paint. Your safest and easiest bet is to always keep a couple layers of paint sealant on there, as a sacrificial protective barrier. A sealant is like a wax, except synthetic, so it lasts longer. If you have a carquest nearby, just head over there and pick up Duragloss 501 and 105. 501 says Marine Polish, but don't let that fool you. it's an excellent paint cleaner, and is perfect for putting under 105. Duragloss 105 is called Total Performance Polish. Don't know why they call it a polish, as it is actually a sealant. Each of these bottles are under 10 bucks each.

Also, make it a daily ritual to clean the bugs off. After you have a good layer of sealant on there, they should come off fairly easily with a quick detailer spray and a microfiber towel.

Looks real nice man. you picture whore!

Thanks! And I think I'm more of a picture slut. I don't get paid. I do it strictly for the pleasure.

Ok so does this buffer you use the polish your car spin fast enough the burn the paint? Or is it at just the right rpm? Because your car does shine and I would love to see it in person, but you are on the whole other side of the United States from me. You car is a 2000 model, right?

Yessir, it's a 2000.

I have 2 polishing machines. The first one I purchased is a Porter Cable 7424 random orbital polisher. It is very novice-friendly, as since it oscillates, you do not have to worry about it building up heat on the surface. However, this machine did not have the power I would like to acheive results I wanted in a reasonable amount of time. So I stepped up to a Makita 9227 rotary polisher. Now this machine can burn paint if in unskilled hands. But basic knowledge and proper technique can yield better results , and quite a bit faster, by using a rotary. In fact, a lot of polishes respond nicely to a little panel heat. I don't think I've ever set it above 1500rpms, and the machine is capable of 3000.

There is no universal "perfect" rpm setting. It would all depend on the polish, and what you are trying to acheive. For example, I use the double zenith method when using a medium polish like Menzerna Super Intensive Polish (PO85RD3.02), I will spread the polish at 600 rpms with no pressure, then 1000 rpms at light pressure, then 1500 rpms at medium pressure until the polish turns clear, then down to 900 rpms with light to no pressure to finish.

What color is your car?

Ivory Pearl I believe is the color name.

Its beige, but he'll get all anal about it... I think its Champagne...

Yeah, I'm thinking he's asking because he has the same color as me.

 

[PetesSweets86]

i'm gonna kidnap you and make you detail my car...then set you free 1mile outside your hometown

 

[01lssport]

Yes, Ivory Parchment Pearlcoat. Looks good.

 

[jk52781]

Hey Pete, looks great. Maybe see you this weekend at the meet. I see you did decide to remove the rear badges. That actually looks pretty good with your theme back there. I am not sure if it would look good with mine.