My Results

[Bull]

I had some time this weekend to play with the PC polisher, Optimum kit, detailing clay, and 4 Star Ultimate that I bought from Bob.

I am sure that a pro or good amateur would laugh at my results. And, there are some deeper scuffs and scratches that I can't get out. But, the paint did end up being smooth as glass to the touch, had a nice, deep shine, and in the sun you could tell a lot of the little scratches were gone. The process took me a while...I only got the quarters, bumper, hatch, and roof done so far.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/2ManyCars/DSCN2174.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/2ManyCars/DSCN2167.jpg

Any idea what the stuff below is? It's an area of the lower rear bumper. Even after the whole process, these marks were still present, as shown in the pic. Is it damage to the clear?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v708/2ManyCars/DSCN2172.jpg

At any rate, for a first-time detail experience, and on a daily driver car, I am very happy. Plus, I had a lot of fun...kept looking at the car from different angles when I was done lol. Can't wait to get the rest of it done, then move on to the next car. :D

Thanks for looking.

[Bob]

Keep up the good work Bull!

[BigLeegr]

Looks like stone chips to me.

Sounds like you got a good starter kit! :D

[Lone_Star]

I bet it is from stones getting kicked up by the tires! Nice work!!!!!!

[Bull]

Thanks, guys.

So, with stone chips and such, would my only recourse be to use a more aggressive method, like with a rotary polisher? I'm not going to do that because I don't feel qualified, but I'm wondering if that is what a pro would do if I brought my car to him?

[Lone_Star]

I bet the pro would probably do a touch up with paint, then polish it up and try to blend as much as possible. I am not a pro, just guessing.

[budman3]

Too many burnouts!!! Or it could be stone chips. Noting you can do about it without getting paint involved....

[Bull]

Ok, good to know. Like I said, this is just a driver, so the marks won't bother me. I was just wondering if there was more I could do, with the tools at hand and my beginner status.
The area doesn't feel rough, which is odd if they are chips in the clear.

[Grimm]

yeah, I'd say it's stone chips in the clear. You could try and wet sand it to see if you can get them out, but that can be dangerous removing too much clear. I have the same problem on my Bonneville in front of the rear wheels thanks to the flared design.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7339/p1000677oj1.jpg

[Pete]

Bull, what car is reflecting on the side of your Formula? Looks like a 70's Pontiac, Grand Prix or Grand Am?

[Bull]

Bull, what car is reflecting on the side of your Formula? Looks like a 70's Pontiac, Grand Prix or Grand Am?

Good eye, Pete.

Yes, that is (was) my '77 GP with a mildly built 455 from a '76. I just sold her after 12 years of ownership...first car I ever really worked on, but it was time to move on. :(

[Pete]

Last year for that body style

Those were sweet cars...sure don't see them on the roads any more.

My Dad bought my Mom a new one in 1975 for Mother's Day. It was a black LJ with red interior: 455 as well, bucket seats, console shifter, and factory sunroof, mag wheels.