A clay bar system, PC DA buffer and the Meguires Micro Fiber DA Correction system. Use a two bucket wash method, with grit guards, to keep from returning to your current finish state.



I am using this setup to restore the finish on my 50th AE Vert.

 

Scratch X twice takes them all out

 

This wont happen

As several have already said Adams

 

Couple things. Don't get a flex unless you know what you're doing. They are for the professionals and many places like autogeek and Griots garage doesn't recommend them for the novice.

According to autogeek they actually prefer the Griots over the porter cable because they have a few more amps.


The most important aspect are the pads.

This is my recommendation ( 6" )
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...dom+orbital.do

For the basics you only need the yellow scrubbing pad, (that's for compounds and such) I would recommend starting with a compund if your paint is in bad shape.

A polishing pad (not the glass pad) and a wax pad.

I got a complete kit on sale here from a vendor who is just starting to sell the griots all for 132 shipped but that promo is over.

Mine also came with the instructional CD. I used it like they told me to and the results were great. I have some bad water spots from a PO I will never get out but it's 90% better than it was.

I used all Meguiars products. No need to use expensive waxes and polishes for now. Get them later as money permits.

My rule of thumb is, if I can swing it, buy now because things will never get cheaper. I did look and this is about the best deal I could find for you

 

Another vote for the Porter Cable and Adam's products. Very good info available on the Adam's web site.

Gene

 

All great advice, I for one can support the Meg's products as well ( M105 & M205 & NXT Tech 2.0) with a good DA ( Flex, PC or Meg)

 

 

After reading the entire thread, I just feel like I am not knowledgeable enough on this topic to jump into buying equipment that could potentially damage my clear coat or make the light swirls worse.

I am not opposed to waxing or buffing the whole car by and, I love labor intensive things that make the difference.

I have heard that Mothers has some good products. I am looking for something that I can go to my local O'Rilleys and pick up. I had some wax left over from my white Silverado an I waxed my roof. It looks quite a bit better than it did. There are still some scratches, but I think it will work for what I want. If I really want it done the right wy, I can find someone on these forums or where I live that I would trust to use the power tools.

 

Don't let some of the advice scare you away. If you buy a Porter Cable, or even the more powerful Flex, you won't damage your paint. They are both random orbital polishers that generate very little heat and won't burn your paint. In fact you can put the palm of your hand on it and not hurt yourself. Trying to correct a Corvette by hand is a process that I wouldn't wish on anybody. The clear on these cars is hard.

 

The most important thing is to realize that you simply cannot get every scratch out I use a Flex 3401, and orange, white, and black foam pads with the Meguiars 105/205 combo. Take your time, work on small sections at a time. Start with the least aggressive to most aggressive combination. Use proper washing techniques to keep swirls to a minimum. I've gone insane over the years keeping my black '98 relatively swirl free.

 

Using the PC or Griots buffer you will not damage your paint. You would have to be a complete moron for that to happen. I had never used one either until I got my griots and it was no different than using the small hand held waxer/buffers.

I have no swirls and it took out a lot of the imperfections. But as was said, you may never get them all out, I know I won't. But it looks amazing from what I started with.

If you are afraid of it just get one of those small ones and do the best you can. But to get those swirls out you will need to use a compound or at the very least a swirl remover.

 

Are they really better than the porter-cable ones ??

 

Go on autogeek's website. They have some video's that talk about all the different buffers and their uses. Some people swear by them, but others say stay away from them unless you really know what you're doing.

 

I had the same issue. I would suggest Meguiars products and at the same time do your research before you do any work. ...

 

Search for The Junkman on YouTube. He's a vette owner and shows you everything you need to know about detailing your vette.

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

This is really goof proof...

Using Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System

It is the system I started with...

 

Still doesn't tell what the difference is. it's still just a random orbital polisher as is the porter-cable unit.


Seen them... he uses a porter-cable unit.

 

The FLEX is direct drive, the PC DA is not direct drive.

 

I guess I'm going to have to break down and buy a PC.... All I have is Craftsman 10" buffer/polisher at the moment.