[RONIN]

DD,

I have a black 07' STi that was recently painted. I have asked the bodyshop about waxing it and was told I could do it anytime. My question is after I wash and dry it should I apply a polish before a wax? The paint is pretty flawless except for a few swirls on the trunklid (I replaced my wingless trunk the bodyshop painted with my original trunklid) Also what is the best way to rid myself of those swirls and fine scratches on the trunklid?

Thanks,

Joe

[DetailersDomain.com]

Joe,

Do you have a Porter Cable? I would probably wash, clay, polish and then wax your car.

[RONIN]

I do not have a porter cable...I have been thinking about buying one though. I usually do it by hand...stupid me. I will follow your instructions and let you know how it comes out.

Thanks,

Joe

[Peleg]

Originally Posted by DetailersDomain.com

I would highly suggest Waffle Weave Drying towels.
http://detailersdomain.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=55

Shmitt Wash Mitt.

These are great but I can warn you its either you love them or you hate them.
I used 1 for over 100 washes and its still going. The dirt is easily washed off, combine the Shmitt with a grit guard in the bucket and you will prevent more swirls and light scratches.
http://detailersdomain.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=12

Ok, I'm going to give your products a shot.

Does the grit guard sits at the top of the bucket?

[DetailersDomain.com]

grit guard sits at the bottom of the bucket. its basically lets you brush the mitt against it so that the dirt will sit at the bottom every time you go back for more soap and your rinse the mitt off.

[Peleg]

Ok, moving onto interior. I recently finished my RECARO seat upgrade. I heard there is a 303 spray that can protect the fabric, do you know which one is it?

[DetailersDomain.com]

sorry not to familiar with 303 products.

[DetailersDomain.com]

Joe,

With the PC you should get a backing plate, pads, and the counterweight.
http://detailersdomain.com/index.asp...WPROD&ProdID=3

I would suggest Menzerna SIP followed by Menzerna po85rd.

http://detailersdomain.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=102
http://detailersdomain.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=18

Then put your choice of wax or sealant on it.

[holycow]

Originally Posted by Peleg

Also looking for a good brand of drying towels. I recently bought some 100% cotton towels in Macys for the shower, but used one of them on the STi and it worked well.

Your thoughts?

Horrible idea. Nothing but a pure microfibre towel or glove should touch the paint suface of your car during any kind of washing/drying type activity. That includes your wash mit and your drying towels. Cotton towels tend to be a tad too abrasive.

[Peleg]

Originally Posted by holycow

Horrible idea. Nothing but a pure microfibre towel or glove should touch the paint suface of your car during any kind of washing/drying type activity. That includes your wash mit and your drying towels. Cotton towels tend to be a tad too abrasive.

Each to his own I guess .

[Peleg]

Can you give me examples of which Menzerna polishes you use for each applications?

I see they have 2 very strong polishes and few finishing ones. JUst want to get familiar with their system so I know what to buy.

Regards,

P.

[MadMan77]

Originally Posted by DetailersDomain.com

Joe,

With the PC you should get a backing plate, pads, and the counterweight.
http://detailersdomain.com/index.asp...WPROD&ProdID=3

Ok, I have a question. I have used my PC 7424 a couple of times and love it. What benefit does the counterweight offer?

[DetailersDomain.com]

the 6inch counterweight will reduce the amount of vibration when using a 6 inch pad or great.

[MadMan77]

Isn't the vibration one of the key features for the PC 7424 since it is a random orbit polisher?

[holycow]

Originally Posted by MadMan77

Ok, I have a question. I have used my PC 7424 a couple of times and love it. What benefit does the counterweight offer?

You only need to buy a counter weight if you change the size/weight of pad. My 7424 came with a counterweight for 6" pads. If you take the backing plate off, you will see a weight sitting on one side of the center shaft. That is the counter weight.

The counter weight works just like a harmonic balancer does on an engine. It is used to balance the cyntrifical force produced by the pad going in circles. If the balance is off, you get more vibrations into the handle, and increase wear and tear on the PC.

It doesn't affect the actual movement of the pad. The pad still runs the same "random orbit" it did before... but with the wrong balancer, it can shake itself to pieces, just like an unbalanced engine.