montyP Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Just got a black 350z, it's got quite bad clear coat scratches all over it, especially down both wings/doors. Looks like the previous owner was a car wash fan! I know the vast majority of these could be fixed with a good polish. Really don't fancy paying a pro, looked at prices, ridiculous! Am I foolish to be considering getting a rotary polisher and having a (careful) go at fixing them myself? I went at a few of the worst ones by hand at the weekend with good success, but there's just far too many all over the car to continue that malarkey! Any tips/advice/experiences appreciated. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pallett Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 My advice is to buy a DA over a rotary, you would have to really mess up with a DA to leave any lasting damage whereas a rotary can take away a lot of material very quickly and without a PDG to give you an idea of your paint thickness could lead to panel resprays if it goes badly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy78 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 If you're worried about a rotary, have you considered a DA (Dual Action) Polisher? These I believe are better for beginers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brayster Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 (edited) I had the same dilemma with my old car - by the time you buy all the kit you need it might not be that much cheaper! I went on a course through detailing world forum which gave me the confidence to use different rotary machines and polishes and be taught what to use when etc. However it is a long long process to do a whole car... Sometimes I wish I had paid someone! One word of advice I would suggest though is get decent machine and defo get a paint gauge. Hope that helps! Edited February 10, 2014 by Brayster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montyP Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share Posted February 10, 2014 Thanks for the tips, I have looked at DAs but they are quite a bit more expensive. As someone pointed out if having to get a DA and all the other bits maybe it is worth paying a pro . . . Will do some more investigating costs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricey Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Thanks for the tips, I have looked at DAs but they are quite a bit more expensive. As someone pointed out if having to get a DA and all the other bits maybe it is worth paying a pro . . . Will do some more investigating costs Not trying to be a dick mate but seriously is £150 for all the equipment to have a beautiful well sorted paintwork really that expensive? If you owned a 2k car I could understand but you dont so get your wallet out you tight git! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricey Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Thanks for the tips, I have looked at DAs but they are quite a bit more expensive. As someone pointed out if having to get a DA and all the other bits maybe it is worth paying a pro . . . Will do some more investigating costs Not trying to be a dick mate but seriously is £150 for all the equipment to have a beautiful well sorted paintwork really that expensive? If you owned a 2k car I could understand but you dont so get your wallet out you tight git! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montyP Posted February 10, 2014 Author Share Posted February 10, 2014 You make a fair point! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delz0r Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Doing it yourself requires patience. Once you get the hang of it you've acquired a proper a skill though and can do all your other cars for years to come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montyP Posted February 18, 2014 Author Share Posted February 18, 2014 Well I ended up having a go by hand, used g3 prep shampoo, meguiars quick clay, then 3 applications of g3 scratch remover followed by 2 applications of g3 paint restorer. Did this over the whole car (except the front bumper) in ine day. Results are good! There's a few stubborn areas that need another few applications but overall around 80% of the scratches are invisible at 3 feet now oh, and I need an arm transplant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.