yellowGS

I recently purchased my 2003. It’s in very good overall condition, but the paint is definitely showing it’s 19 years. Lots of lights scratches, swirls from washing, etc.

I brought it to a local professional detailer who I have used many times with good results. I wanted a full refurbish of the finish, with compounding, buff, glaze, etc.. I was advised not to compound the car, as the fibreglass panels make it difficult. The reason I was given was that they can’t get it heated up enough to work properly; metal sheet panels get hotter.

their advice was to do the buff and wax. Long story short, it’s no better than before. Still all of the swirls and light scratches. Anyone have advice or thoughts on compounding your C5?

Thanks

SilverC54me

Find another detail-er, this one does not know what he is doing. With the right set of pads and compounds all light scratches and swirls can be removed.

My buddy and I have used Menzerna 400 on wool pads to get the finish cleaned up of the scratches and swirls. Then using Rupes DA yellow pads along with the Rupes polish that goes along with the pads to bring up the shine.
Finishing off with Blackfire Paint Sealant and topped with Blackfire Midnight Sun wax. This combo works well on a darker color car to put depth into the finish.
Rupes and Flex polishers were used to apply the compounds.

Gary

oktx

I did my own and it came out great. I bought a Harbor Freight DA polisher, I used a product called 3D ONE, it’s a one step cut and polish. It is not very aggressive and you shouldn’t get in trouble. I used a pad called Buff and Shine Uro 50/50 pad. The pad and compound can be found on Amazon. I learned how to do it on YouTube on a channel called Apex Detail. Just search his channel for the compound and that pad. He will show the steps to do it. You can’t screw it up if you follow his steps. Good luck!

sonicss33

I too have used the 3D products. It is easy to use for rookies and safe because it won’t let you get in trouble like some of the aggressive professional products.

heggsc5

Sounds like he doesn't know what he's doing or just didn't want to take the job because our clear coat is HARD. Having never attempted the task before, I've done just fine with a Harbor Freight DA polisher and Meguair's 105 and 205, as well as ultimate compound and ultimate polish.

After remembering which was which, definitely don't use 105....the dust is annoyingly excessive and a pain to clean from every crevice after. Definitely go with 100. Very similar, but WAY less dust.

Bandit 00C5

I am the buddy referenced above. Yes, the factory Corvette clear is hard as diamonds. However, with the right tools, products, and know how and extremely fantastic finish can be achieved. We took a neglected C5 from abused to better than showroom finish. Like others said, find yourself a detailer who knows Vettes and or exotics. Knowledge is king.

FYRARMS

Your "professional" detailer needs to take some basic detailing lessons. Besides, not many Corvette body panels actually are fiberglass...

Here is some of my non-professional work, using non-professional tools and liquids. One trashed 2004 Corvette. Every panel looked like Wolverine was wrestling Freddy Krueger on it. Feel free to send these pics to your "professional".

Tools used: Porter Cable 7424XP and Griot's Garage G9 with 5.5" pads.
Liquids used: Meguiar's M100 compound and Meguiar's Ultimate Polish, literally bought at Walmart.

frodo84

Good job, I'm surprised you could get those deeper scratches out without wet sanding....

Kubs

I have used Adams polishes with great success. When I first got my car it only had 34K miles and lots of scratches from being washed with regular cotton. I spent about 30 hours doing the whole car in 3 stages. Coarse pad with rubbing compound, foam pad with rubbing compound, and softer foam with polish. Whole car looked like glass. Zero issues with the fiberglass.


Before any work you can see all the swirls in the light.


No more lines.

MWWarlord

Yeah, your detailer doesn't know what he's talking about. Find someone who does, or do it yourself.

Vette-kid

Holy smokes! You guys got some fantastic results! Makes feel there is hope for mine, the front end is especially rough.