BACNBLK

Need some expert advice, getting ready to tackle the first major detail on my Black Coupe. Paint is very good condition less some moderate swirls.

Planning on 5 step process: Wash, Clay, Clean, Polish, Wax.

Got a mixed bag of products and need to know what might be the best to use. Currently in house in order of aggressiveness:

Ultra M105
Ultimate Compound
Heavy Cut Cleaner #4
Swirl Remover 2.0 #9
Swirl X
Deep Crystal Polish
NXT Tech Wax 2.0

My feeling is go UC, Swirl X, DCP, NXT

I only want to do this once and do it right, anyone see a better path or have better success or experience with these on our hard clear coats?
Any comments much appreciated!

wysiwyg

Are you going to be using a DA polisher?

I recently did my black C6, and I would highly recommend getting M205. I used M105 as well, but I only used it in the areas where M205 was not aggressive enough to remove the defects.

If you want to do it right the first time, use M105 (only where needed)/M205 with a DA and plenty of good pads.

c6vetteinhouston

Reading what your plan is; go UC, Swirl X, DCP, NXT


Ultimate Compound
Swirl X
Deep Crystal Polish
NXT Tech Wax 2.0

In reality, UC and Swril X is doing the same job, but the UC will be more aggressive. If you say the paint finish is in good condition, I would use only the Swril X, Polish, NXT.

BACNBLK

Thanks guys, yes using my trusty DA, just finished Clay and first pass with M105, looks pretty good, now onto some Swirl X, (really want to use up some of my on hand stuff before buying more) or would the # 9 be better (less abrasive) or should I skip the swirl step and go straight to DCP ?

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

Wash -- Clay --- 105 --- 205 --- NXT Protection

wysiwyg

If the M105 finished up nicely and there are not swirls or defects in the paint, I'd go straight to DCP, then NXT.

wysiwyg

Fixed it for you!

BACNBLK

So is 205 so superior that the others above are not close to being equal ?
Is the DCP not a finer polish than 205 ?

For future is best to just stay with 105/205 as it seems to be the hands down choice?

And is not necessary to hit with a DCP after 205 or is that still best to follow 205 with a fine polish prior to wax?

FWIW, I changed it up a bit, decided to hit 105 all around just to be sure I get everything real good, followed with the #9 Swirl just to smooth it out and pick up anything I may have missed, then followed with the DCP and now finally NXT, gotta say it is looking up sharp, got almost all defects and black is really popping.

0Killrwheels@Autogeek

105 finishes well on its own, and 205 adds some candy in reflection and gloss and pickups any small marring. That or Menzerna SIP and 085rd are the choices for Vette owners and have long been proven, dont add more steps and time than necessary.

BACNBLK

I definitely agree and second that, I just spent two days, probably 10 hours, looks great and glad I did it, but definitely wouldn't mind saving a few of those hours! Thanks for all the advice and tips guys, it will serve me very well next go around! I will post a pic or two when able.
Cheers to all of you!

BACNBLK

Finally got it all cleaned up, pretty happy with results but didn't quite get it all out. Appreciate all the comments and tips!

A couple of shots although not the best pics, those will have to wait for a nice sunny day as we are getting rain all weekend

A before shot with heavy water spots, RIDS and plenty of DASO



After shot of testing a section with the UC, it didn't quite get it all out so I opted to use M105 all over instead as the first pass



After many hours, she looks pretty good, ready for some sunshine and first cruise!










Now for some sunny weekends to go out cruising
Enjoy your weekends and thanks again for the tips!

KYbaldguysC4

OK you got me motivated now to get started on my black 87 vert from your first pictures that's about where mine is also I just hope to get close to the results you got. I have the M205 to start with also can't wait now

Thanks

CheckeredFlag

nice work

Mowork

I also have a black coup and am having a bit of a time getting rid of water spots on parts of my hood. Ultimate Compound has gotten some of them out but there are some that are really tough. Should the M105 be my next try?

Street Rat

Simply BEAUTIFUL! You did an awesome job .

BACNBLK

Yes, many folks including me swear by the M105, gets the best results and gives you a great foundation for polishing to a gloss. Of course you want to do a sample spot, chek results and only continue if the results are what you want. Follow that with M205 and a good wax of your choice and it should look great

BACNBLK

Thank you sir, much appreciated!

wysiwyg

Link to a good article for dealing with water spots.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...pots-hand.html

wysiwyg

Rich98

If bad, 105 on a rotary with purple wool pad, then 205 to remove buffer marks with the D/A & white polishing pad.