Cal Club Autocross Forums

I was wondering if people had a recommendation for a detail job on a red car.

This car was left out in the sun and the red paint looks faded. I'm hoping a detail job can bring some sparkle back to the red and also get rid of some hideous water spots on the car.

I did think about buying my own Porter-Cable polisher and chemicals, but I don't see myself detailing often enough to warrant that purchase.

Give me your detailing suggestions.

Use one of these, then spray on some clear coat, get some DeLorean badges and a flux capacitor...

I've got a guy in Long Beach that details for a used car lot during the week and uses their stall for doing his own thing on Saturday. He does a great job, includes the engine bay, and is pretty cheap. Let me know. I still have that clutch for you. I'll bring it again Sunday.

Will--

I just went out and bought one of those grinders.
I'm not sure if I'm doing it right...

it seems like the paint is getting worse and worse the more I use this thing.

MICHAEL Palero wrote:Will--
it seems like the paint is getting worse and worse the more I use this thing.

Sure, you have to sweep the paint up off the driveway when your're done!

I know a really high-end guy who comes to your location. He does Audi R8s and Lambos in prep for press junkets and stuff. Here are two of their recent jobs. Their phone is 626-964-0808, Superior Shine. Talk to Jose "Joe" Fernandez.

For $150 you can get a decent detail + wax job most places.

For $250, you can get a pro detail + wax.

For $299 you can get a Maaco/Earl Scheib respray if you don't mind doing a little bit of prep work (some wax removal, remove trim, careful masking) that will last longer than a wax......just something to think about.

I was wondering if people had a recommendation for a detail job on a red car.

I have been using Classy Cars in Huntington Beach for years. Ask for Jeff. 714-891-3733.
I've been very happy with his work on my red car.

You may want to consider going to one of Meguair's Detail Days/Nights (meguairsonline.com) - Both are free, the weekend one, they basically show you how to use their products, then let you loose - you're not suppose to be doing your whole car, but if you're lucky, they may choose your car to show everyone how to use the stuff -> i.e. free detail, haha.

The guys who run it are extremely helpful too - for the most part, they don't try to sell you anything.

They give you a lil bag 'o goodies and decent price discount on anything you'd want to buy as well.

I went to one a few years back; only waxed cars like 3 times since then, but it comes in handy.

*EDIT: if you do end up doing this yourself, a porter-cable is worth the price even if you just use it once. I borrowed my friend's, cut time down by a good couple hours & ended up with a nicer overall job than doing it by hand.

You don't need a buffer, but it would sure help (orbital is best).
Step 1: Wash with Dawn dish detergent (removes old wax buildup)
Step 2: Clay bar the car (removed imbedded contaiminates)
Step 3: Apply rubbing compound (removes oxidation and water spots) or Zaino PC Fusion http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mer ... ct_Count=6 and you could cut out step 4 maybe step 5.
Step 4: Apply swirl remover (removes swirls left by rubbing compound)
Step 5: (optional) Apply Polish (removes even finer swirls)
Step 6: Apply wax - Zaino Z-CS http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/mer ... ct_Count=1 is the best and easiest product IMO (this is the sealing coat that will protect the paint, the stuff in the other steps offers no protection)