polishing question

[nitestar]

My 97 is showing some paint wear and fade.
I have a buffer and I bought some Polishing compound and rubbing compound.
The Polishing compound seems to work better but is a booger to get off if it drys.

The rubbing compound doesn't seem to get much done.

Has anyone got some suggestions to help me get my paint looking better and at least shiney again. ?
I am not going to get it painted.

I plan on waxing it after I 'm done. Gluton for punishment.

Thought I would use NU FINISH.
My standby is Mcguires liquid.

The roof is the toughest to do and the worst fade. Since I have a condo I need to get er done right.

[Jimbo]

I used McGuires on my BMW motorcycle, and have been very happy with the results. I didn't actually do the work myself, because I didn't have the right tools to do the job right. Instead, I paid about $150 to a professional detailer to do the work, and returned the next day. I'm not lazy, but I do know my limitations. When I can't get the right results myself, I find someone who can get them. All in all, I was thrilled at the results I got with McGuires.

[magicman]

I'll assume your paint has oxidized, like mine has. I bought all the compounds to do the job, so I'll tell you what the body shop told me.

First, after washing thoroughly, you use a fine cut rubbing compound on a section of the truck. If it doesn't cut the oxidation, like it sound yours didn't, you have to get a more abrasive compound. Don't fret wasting the fine cut, cuz you'll use it after the heavier cut.

Any way, after rubbing it all out, you use a polishing compound, which should really bring out the shine.

Finally, use a good wax, like Meguirs. I bought the stuff that's yellow. That's what the body shop said to use.

Last winter I did part of the truck in the shop, but didn't finish. I did it by hand, NOT recommended. It looked fairly decent. I WILL use the buffer on it this summer, when I get a chance.

Any way, good luck.

[nitestar]

Thanks Jimbo and MM,

It is tough work and very time consuming. I have 1/2 the roof done and I am pooped. Lots of oxidation.
The 1/2 I did looks a lot better. The lower front of the roof is the worst as it catches the worst of the wind and grime.

Now to decide wether or not to use the NU FINISH or Mcguires. I found that nu finish puts a good coating on but won't bring out a shine that isn't there. Mc guires does but I loose my shine every time I get the truck washed.

Again thanx

[Big_Dave]

Right hand.......counter clockwise.......wax on.

Left hand........clockwise.......wax off.

:yikes:

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :p

[nitestar]

Dave your funny.

Got an electrik polisher. sho do. but it is still tedious work.

Went to the auto parts store and I ended up not getting anytnhig. They all ( about 25 items) said they were the best and they all did that and lasted longer than the others.

I thinkI will stay with the Mcguires.

[Truckdobe]

I don't want to rain on the parade, but we had our hood buffed 2 years ago and it looked good again for a while ('96 truck). Starting at the end of last year it just let go and the clearcoat started flaking away. I don't regret the buffing, it saved painting for almost 2 years, but eventually you'll probably need paint. Wish I could blame it on a truckwash, but it's washed at home, by hand, and hand waxed 99% of the time.

[maxmiddle]

I also do not wish to dishearten you, but paint is not very thick and when that old and oxidized, there will be very little left after working it.

Like Truckdobe said, you will likely only be putting off a paint job for a year or so.

[nitestar]

I finally gave up and called it quits on the paint polishing. One go around on the roof was enough

I did learn that NU Finish is not good for bringing out the shine. It is a good top coat for a shine already there.
The truck does look better,

and BIG DAVE, I am now a black belt in wax -a -on and wax -a -off.

One more go around on the buffing and I will need to get it painted.
That paint is expensive. If I buy less than a gallon it is $142 bucks a quart.

Thanks for all the imput eveyone.
be safe

[buggz]

hey nitestar... i found a great polishing resin, not a wax but a resin. works great on marine, auto, truck and air applications. used it on my truck, and cars and that was three years ago and you can still comb your hair in the reflection.. it is called liquid glass. comes in a can that looks like a paint thinner can, has a pic of a red corvette on front. can is gold and black. bought it at pep boys. if you can find a better polish buy it. but i do not think you can. the cost is high but the results are worth it. my 92 dodge stealth still has the shine of newness. and it was resined 5 years ago. follow the instructions to a T. and it is also gauranteed the life of the car. about 22 bucks a can. well worth the cost. thx buggz.

[nitestar]

buggz

Thx
Will look into it.
Want my truck to look better than just good. but being a 97 with original paint is going to be a tough job .

[ARRCCOD]

Goto Griotgarage.com they have a system you can by to bring your paint back to life. It ain't cheap......but nothing good ever is.

ARRCCOD Pronounced R-COD

[nitestar]

Thanks everyone for all the help.
I found that McGuires has a new product called neXt generation. It is a past wax in a green can. It does a great job. My trucks now looks like it has been painted. ( Almost)This stuff brings out the metal flake .
$20 bucks for the can but it goes on easy and looks good. Not a lot of work. I did have the truck washed really good . Told the Blue beacon head guy what I wanted to do and it paid off.

I feel better now. It has been a long time and a lot of hard work getting it to this stage.