GS4-LT1

Well it was a whopping 35 degrees here in Wisconsin yesterday and the sun was out for once. I had got a little extra money for Christmas and thought I would go shopping. As I have posted here before, I have not been 100% happy with the gloss or depth of the paint on my 94. There where also some imperfections in the paint from when it was resprayed a few years ago, that of course has been keeping me awake at night.
I went to the local paint and body supply store and got some goodies. 10 sheets of 2000 grit wet sand paper, a new wet sand block, meguires #2, #9, NXT 2.0, Quick Detailer spray, a dozen microfiber towels and a new foam and wool pad.
The "worst" spot on the vette was the left rear quarter, lots of little dust nibs, some orange peel and waveyness.
I started by just cleaning that section off with the spray detailer and a MF towel, then started wet sanding. This time instead of using just water out of a spray bottle or mixed with dish soap I used the SD, and it worked awesome! It cut better and the paper did not load up nearly as much. Then with the wool pad I hit it good with the #2, then with the foam pad I used #9 and finished it off with a hand applied coat of NXT 2.0. All I can say is WOW!!! It looks stunning. I brought my wife out to look at it and even she said wow, it still looks like it's wet. YES!!!, that is the response I was looking for.
That one little section took me over an hour to get just right. It looks like a mirror, the definition of reflected objects made me want to cry.
Man, I can't wait for spring!!!

gmblack3

Good job!

My only tip would be to inspect the area very close to make sure you get all of the sanding marks out.

Are you going to wetsand the entire car?

steve8

Sounds like time well spent.

GS4-LT1

Oh yes, I inspected it very close with my shop light from close to far and from different angles. I saw some fine marks in it when I pulled the light farther back and at an angle. It took a couple of passes with both the #2 and #6 to get it flawless in that light, so I know it's going to look even better outside in the sun.
I am going to wet sand the whole thing, top to bottom. I love detailing cars especially my vette. I would have to say that I love that almost as much as driving it...call me crazy.

GS4-LT1

A couple pics in crappy garage lighting, plus I don't think my camera likes red to much. Wish I could get it outside.

ZaneO

Looks great so far. I might suggest claying before wet sanding.

GS4-LT1

Thank you, what would be the advantage to that? I have never clayed before.

gasboy

that shine is beyond belief! how about some more pics?

GS4-LT1

Here are a couple more with different settings and the garage door open, looks much better.

GaryZ06

What the hell is on that car behind your Vette

C4boy

That looks smooth as glass.

It's "Snow", man. Snow!!

GaryZ06

It's 84 and sunny over here...I guess that's why I didn't know what it was

GS4-LT1

A.K.A., Corvette Kryptonite

ZaneO

Claying will help remove many forms of embedded contamination including sap, rail/brake dust, overspray, etc.

C4boy

Sure, rub it in

I'd disagree on claying before wet sanding. Seems pointless. Wet sanding is going to go deeper into your clear than anything a claybar can remove.

ZaneO

Just a peace of mind thing for me. I would hate for the paper to grab something and cause scratches that are going to be more difficult to get out. The cleaner/smoother, the better, IMO.

GS4-LT1

Maybe I'll pick up a clay bar and try a spot to see if it makes any difference. I thank you for the advice , but i'am telling you that rear quarter is like a mirror.

Marcs c5

WOW...i'm impressed. when your done you cancome do mine

IAIA

Looks great! Congratulations.

On what machine did you use the foam and wool pads with the #2 and #9? I would guess a rotary if you were able to shine up wet sanding work.

GS4-LT1

Thanks and Yes, a rotory was used with both pads. I have never tried a RA buffer to get out wet sanding marks, I'am guessing it would not be as effective.