Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post - Junkman's "How to Completely Repair Your Paint Damage

kree · 04-18-2011, 12:37 AM

OK, I just finished exterior detailing my Z. It took me about 7.5 hours. But it came out awesome!

I was even able to get out the marks in the hood that were on it from when I bought it (it had been on the lot as a leftover 09 for a long time).

I am a complete detailing noob, but I have read a decent amount in the past months online and watched your vids, Junkman. (They are amazing btw).

I used a Dawn wash to get off the old sealant. Then I used Mother's clay bar, which didn't do much. I don't know if it is very good. Then I re-washed. Then I used painter's tape around the headlights, tail lights, the door handles, the Nissan and 370Z insignia's and near the sideview mirrors. Everything else that wasn't paint was easily avoidable as long as I was very careful. I then used the Maguire's DA Microfiber system with a Griot's Garage DA polisher. I used the Edge conditioning brush I found online b/c I couldn't find the Maguire's brush and I think it is the same thing from what I read. I used the brush to clean the microfiber pads about every 2x2 patch of car. I used Eurow shag microfiber to wipe off the product from the car.

Maguire's new system is great for a noob like me I think. There is no noticeable dust. I did have it sling some product a couple of times, but that was my fault. I used maybe an ounce of each tube (if that much...maybe a half ounce). You don't need much and it seemed to work better with less. With the amount I have left, I could probably do 15 more cars if I wanted.

In any case, most of what I had read prior to their coming out with the DA Microfiber system was to use the same brand in 105 and 205 compound with Lake Country Hydro pads. And of course like you said in the vids, you can't go wrong with Adam's products. I have no clue which would be better. In any case, the new system worked for me.

The hardest part was doing above the wheel wells where it curves a ton. I had to do multiple passes and on final inspection I think I should have done another pass above the left rear wheel well, but I had already finished with both stages of product and to put it frankly, I was done even if I wasn't done, lol.

The car looks better than when I bought it. I only have a Droid that I can take pics with and I took a couple. Most of the time pics on that thing look terrible online, so I doubt it is worth it to upload them. If they look clear, I'll upload some.

In any case, thanks so much for the vids, Junkman. Those vids plus my other research worked out pretty well. The only thing I was disappointed in was the Mother's clay bar b/c it didn't get as dirty as the ones I've seen pics of online. Although, maybe that isn't a bad thing. I dunno. lol.

04-18-2011, 12:37 AM	#75 (permalink)
kree Base Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NY Posts: 75 Drives: 09 Touring Sport Rep Power: 15	OK, I just finished exterior detailing my Z. It took me about 7.5 hours. But it came out awesome! I was even able to get out the marks in the hood that were on it from when I bought it (it had been on the lot as a leftover 09 for a long time). I am a complete detailing noob, but I have read a decent amount in the past months online and watched your vids, Junkman. (They are amazing btw). I used a Dawn wash to get off the old sealant. Then I used Mother's clay bar, which didn't do much. I don't know if it is very good. Then I re-washed. Then I used painter's tape around the headlights, tail lights, the door handles, the Nissan and 370Z insignia's and near the sideview mirrors. Everything else that wasn't paint was easily avoidable as long as I was very careful. I then used the Maguire's DA Microfiber system with a Griot's Garage DA polisher. I used the Edge conditioning brush I found online b/c I couldn't find the Maguire's brush and I think it is the same thing from what I read. I used the brush to clean the microfiber pads about every 2x2 patch of car. I used Eurow shag microfiber to wipe off the product from the car. Maguire's new system is great for a noob like me I think. There is no noticeable dust. I did have it sling some product a couple of times, but that was my fault. I used maybe an ounce of each tube (if that much...maybe a half ounce). You don't need much and it seemed to work better with less. With the amount I have left, I could probably do 15 more cars if I wanted. In any case, most of what I had read prior to their coming out with the DA Microfiber system was to use the same brand in 105 and 205 compound with Lake Country Hydro pads. And of course like you said in the vids, you can't go wrong with Adam's products. I have no clue which would be better. In any case, the new system worked for me. The hardest part was doing above the wheel wells where it curves a ton. I had to do multiple passes and on final inspection I think I should have done another pass above the left rear wheel well, but I had already finished with both stages of product and to put it frankly, I was done even if I wasn't done, lol. The car looks better than when I bought it. I only have a Droid that I can take pics with and I took a couple. Most of the time pics on that thing look terrible online, so I doubt it is worth it to upload them. If they look clear, I'll upload some. In any case, thanks so much for the vids, Junkman. Those vids plus my other research worked out pretty well. The only thing I was disappointed in was the Mother's clay bar b/c it didn't get as dirty as the ones I've seen pics of online. Although, maybe that isn't a bad thing. I dunno. lol.