1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover

[Mike Phillips]

1986 Ford Bronco II - Extreme Makeover (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88)



As luck would have it, I was in need of a good before and after vehicle to demonstrate Meguiar

[Mike Phillips]

Here are a few more,

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2broncobefore7.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2broncobefore6.jpg

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2broncobefore3.jpg

[ebpcivicsi]

What do we have to do to see the afters?:D

[gb387]

looks like you have some work ahead of you

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by ebpcivicsi
What do we have to do to see the afters?:D

Simply come back after I have finished uploading the before & after photos and take a peek.

That's all! :D

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by gb387
looks like you have some work ahead of you
Finished.

First things first. Laid out tools for the job.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2001BroncoProductsused.jpg


Washed with NXT Tech Wax using a fuzzy wash mitt, soft bristle nylon wheel brush and Grit Guard.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2002Broncowashtools.jpg

Here she is after a thorough washing.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2003BroncoAfterWash.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Next, I clayed all of the horizontal surfaces and upper verticle surfaces using Meguiar's new Quik Clay System.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2004BroncoQuikClay.jpg

Before claying the panels, be sure to spray some Quik Detailer onto both the clay and the panel to be worked.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2005BroncoWetClay.jpg

Then simply work the clay back and forth over one section at a time, kind of like you would rub a bar of soap over your skin.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2006BroncoClaying.jpg

You can usually feel when the surface goes smooth as glass.

[Mike Phillips]

Here's what the clay bar looked like after claying only the hood.

It's Not very pretty, but the dirt and contaminants that the clay bar has safely removed will go a long way to insuring a high gloss, smooth as glass finish.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2006BroncoContaminantsonClay.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Next,

Here's what the finish looks like after claying and wiping off, and before using ColorX.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2006Broncohoodbefore1.jpg

First I did a test spot using a Meguiar's W-0004 foam wax applicator pad and achieved very good results.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2007BroncoFoampad.jpg

Then, to give me a little more cleaning power, I tried another test spot in a different area using a small piece of 100% cotton terry cloth. Before applying the ColorX, I laid a piece of tape across the finish to more dramatically show the before and after results.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2008TestSpotwithtape1.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Here's another shot zoomed out just a little.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2009TestSpotwithTape2.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

After seeing that the combination of ColorX, a piece of cotton terry cloth towel, and some elbow grease would produce the results I was after, I proceeded to apply ColorX to the entire hood.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2010BroncoAfterEntireHood1.jpg

Here's a close up of the results, all achieved by hand.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2011BroncoAfterEntireHood2.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

After finishing the hood, I began to go around the rest of the car. Here's a before and after shot. The before is below the pinstripe, and the after is above the pinstripe.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2012aboveandbelowpinstripe.jpg

Here I placed some tape down the center of the passenger door to better show before and after.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2013BroncoLineondoor.jpg

Here's a close-up of the same area.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2014BroncoLineondoor.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

After applying ColorX to the entire car I then treated the tires with Hot Shine Tire Spray.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2015BroncoFinished.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Here's another shot from a different angle.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2016BroncoFinished.jpg

And from directly straight off from the side.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2017BroncoFinished.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

As you can see from the picture the sun is starting to set. The car takes on a nice glow with the little light that is still available.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2018BroncoAtDusk.jpg

As fast as I can, here's a reflection shot off the hood,

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2019BroncoFinishedhood.jpg

It's all over. The sun has set. I snapped one more shot of the ColorX bottle reflecting off the hood.

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/2020BroncoColorXonhoodindark.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Meguiar's new ColorX did an impressive job by itself on this 1986 Ford Bronco II. This truck has it's original paint, all it needed to look like new was the right products and a little passion for the task at hand.

Hopefully this coming Wednesday, I'll be able to take some fresh pictures around noon under better lighting conditions.

Mike

[Teak]

Looks great.

Can Color X be applied by PC?

Eric

[Larry A]

Color X looks like a winner. Is it the consumer version of # 66 ? Will NXT bond over it ? Would it be a good prep for NXT ? I can see that if the finish is a little neglected Color X is the way to go.

[fordboards]

very nice! I did the same thing to an 80's Volvo, it was pretty impressive what you can do with Meguiars :)

[Sportline93]

WOW!!!:eek: That looks great Mike!!!

[Inzane]

Fantastic job Mike!

Will ColorX work equally well with both clearcoat and single-stage paints, or is it more suited to one over the other?

[ebpcivicsi]

I have used it on BC/CC and it worked really well, I topped it with NXT. I will try and post a pic later.

Mike, that is a drastic change. Thanks for sharing!

[Mosca]

LOL, Mike, are those new neigbors? I'll bet you made friends quickly!

Tom

[Patrick]

Beautiful job Mike, interesting product....Do you find ColorX more of an abrasive or chemical cleaner ?

[gb387]

that is impresive... I have never waxes a sigle stage paint so I have a question. On a single stage paint is it posslibe to wax it to much and take more color out of it than you should and damage the paint?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Inzane
Fantastic job Mike!

Will ColorX work equally well with both clearcoat and single-stage paints, or is it more suited to one over the other?

It will work equally well. I have a before and after coming up on a car with a bc/cc paint system where the clear coat is horrible.

I'll post pics and write-up when I 'm finished.

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Mosca
LOL, Mike, are those new neighbors? I'll bet you made friends quickly!

Tom

Yes.

Technically, we’re their new neighbors. We couldn't ask for better people, they have welcomed us to the neighborhood and already let me buff out their car.

Next is the neighbor with the 1963 Impala. :D

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Patrick
Beautiful job Mike, interesting product....Do you find ColorX more of an abrasive or chemical cleaner ?

As far as I know, it's chemical cleaner. It feels like a hand lotion to the touch.

It sure works well, smells good too.

Mike

[Patrick]

Carnauba based ? I would expect minimal protection if thats the case ? Not knocking, just making an observation....:)
Release date ? Im interested !

[mopar]

wal mart in waterown has colour x so like if yuo wer going to prep the paint and then polish and then top with nxt would yuo prep it with colourx or justa regualr apint cleaner,what would yeild the best results

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Patrick
Carnauba based ? I would expect minimal protection if thats the case ? Not knocking, just making an observation....:)
Release date ? Im interested !


The protection component of ColorX is both a blend of synthetic polymer and Carnauba waxes.

ColorX is out now, search your local auto parts stores, or stores like Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc.

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by mopar
Wal-Mart in Watertown has ColorX so like if you were going to prep the paint and then polish and then top with NXT, would you prep it with ColorX or just a regular paint cleaner, what would yield the best results?

In most cases, using dedicated products for dedicated procedures will result in the best results. This is the logic behind Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle,

Step-1 Washing
Step-2 Paint Cleaning and Surface Prep
Step-3 Polishing
Step-4 Protecting
Step-5 Maintaining


So following the 5-Step Paint Care Cycle, if you have a finish that has been neglected, your best results will come from separately cleaning, polishing and then applying a pure was.

That said, from my experience with ColorX, it is an excellent one-step product with excellent cleaning ability. You can easily restore dirty, oxidized paint with this one product and produce a clear, high gloss finish.

If you want to take it to a higher lever, then applying a coat of NXT Tech Wax, by hand or with the PC should increase the clearness and gloss even more.

I have a feeling that the ColorX/NXT Tech Wax combo will be a winner.

Give it a try and post your results with a pictures or two.

Mike

[mopar]

oh ok so colour x is 2 steps in 1 cleaner/polish,.ok mike what would you do then my paint is in like new condition i have the deep crystal system and am very happy with it ,but maybe to save some time would you skip step 2 and just use colour x and then nxt?or just do all 3 steps ?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by mopar
oh ok so colour x is 2 steps in 1 cleaner/polish,.ok mike what would you do then my paint is in like new condition i have the deep crystal system and am very happy with it ,but maybe to save some time would you skip step 2 and just use colour x and then nxt?or just do all 3 steps ?

ColorX is 3 steps in one

Paint Cleaner
Paint Polish
Polymer Protectant

It is an aggressive one-step cleaner wax.

Because ColorX offers such good cleaning ability, I can easily see this being used as a pre-NXT Tech Wax paint cleaner. By using ColorX first, and then following with NXT Tech Wax, you would in essence be skipping step 2 Polish, and hopefully getting equal or better results.

Mike

[Mosca]

Mike,

Reading between the lines, I gather that this is a more specialized product than A1216 and #6, the other popular cleaner waxes, and #20, GC, and MPPP, three other Meg's products that combine mild cleaning action and final coat? I see the A1216 as a cleaner wax acceptable for regular use. I don't know enough about #6 to say anything about it, and I see #20, GC, and MPPP as not really "cleaner waxes", but as products that have been engineered with some cleaning action to ensure optimal results to a wide range of users.

The strength of ColorX has been mentioned several times. Is it as strong as MPCC? Is it as strong as #9? Is it safe for regular use, perhaps monthly, or is it a wax that you keep on the shelf and break out as needed? Is it safe to use weekly?

As an aside, it was at my local Advance on the bottom shelf, next to the TW products that purport to fill swirls with color.


Tom

[mopar]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
ColorX is 3 steps in one

Paint Cleaner
Paint Polish
Polymer Protectant

It is an aggressive one-step cleaner wax.

Because ColorX offers such good cleaning ability, I can easily see this being used as a pre-NXT Tech Wax paint cleaner. By using ColorX first, and then following with NXT Tech Wax, you would in essence be skipping step 2 Polish, and hopefully getting equal or better results.

Mike
cool thanks for information mike im gonna give it a try hopefully post some pics

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Mosca
Mike,

Reading between the lines, I gather that this is a more specialized product than A1216 and #6, the other popular cleaner waxes, and #20, GC, and MPPP, three other Meg's products that combine mild cleaning action and final coat?
Yes.

It's a common sense, intelligent replacement for those gimmick products on the market that try to fool people by tricking them into applying a colored wax onto their cars finish. The problem with this is most cars build in the last 10-20 years have a clear coat, so it's absolutely ridiculous to think you can improve the appearance of a clear coat by adding a temporary pigmented wax, of which most of it will be wiped off.

To restore the color to a clear coat, you need to restore clarity, or clearness to the clear coat so that your eyes can see the base coat, (also called the color coat beneath the clear coat.

It's just that simple, it’s just common sense.

Meguiar’s Cleaner/Wax, (A-1216), is not an aggressive paint cleaner, it’s only intended for light oxidation, contamination, dirt in pores, etc. There are a lot of people that for whatever reason, find themselves wanting to do their best to restore their car’s finish, but… they don’t want to do a multiple-step process, or they don’t have time to do a multiple-step process, or they have a difficult time finding all of the products they need to do a multiple-step process. For people working on cars in this condition, a powerful cleaner/wax is the answer.

I see the A-1216 as a cleaner wax acceptable for regular use. I don't know enough about #6 to say anything about it,
M-0616 Cleaner/Wax is a fairly strong cleaner wax. It’s versatile in that it can be used by hand, PC, Orbital Polisher and even Rotary buffer. It’s available in half gallons also. It’s a great product that cleans, polishes and protects in one easy step. A high school kid could start a detailing business on weekends and after school with just this one product, a car wash, and a product like M-4016 because of it’s versatility.

M-0616 Good product, been around a long time, very popular.

I see #20, GC, and MPPP as not really "cleaner waxes", but as products that have been engineered with some cleaning action to ensure optimal results to a wide range of users.
#20 Polymer Sealant has a light amount of chemical cleaners in it to insure a clean surface for proper bonding of the polymers as well as a nice looking finish, (you don’t want to seal, or trap dirt and other contaminants into the finish by using a pure wax on finishes in less then excellent condition).

Gold Class and Medallion are both Polish waxes, meaning they include some rich polishing oils to create deep, dark beautiful reflections while adding polymer protection.

All three of these waxes should only be used on finishes that are in very good to excellent condition, or have been pre-cleaned with a paint cleaner, or a cleaner/polish.

The strength of ColorX has been mentioned several times. Is it as strong as MPCC?
I don’t know about this. I’ll have to research.

Is it as strong as #9?

I would think it is as strong, or stronger in it’s chemical cleaning ability. Remember, M-0916 is a cleaner/polish that contains a diminishing abrasive that reacts quite differently when used by machine. I don’t know that ColorX utilizes a diminishing abrasive, so this probably isn’t a case of comparing apples to apples.

Is it safe for regular use, perhaps monthly, or is it a wax that you keep on the shelf and break out as needed? Is it safe to use weekly?
Tom these are very good questions. I noticed when I detailed the old Bronco that it really worked well to remove the dead, oxidized paint. This being true, it might not be a wax that you would want to use often, like weekly. It would probably be a better idea to switch to a polish/wax, or a pure wax after initially using ColorX to restore the finish. I’ll check into this.

One thing about the questions you pose above. When I detailed the Bronco, I used a piece of terry cloth towel because it actually gives the ColorX a little more bite than a soft, foam applicator pad. I also used a lot of elbow grease, working the finish aggressively. (It was pretty bad).

For future applications to this now restored finish, if I were to continue to use ColorX, I wouldn’t need to be aggressive at all, and could also switch to a much softer application material, the foam applicator. This really changes the cleaning ability of the product.

As an aside, I was at my local Advance on the bottom shelf, next to the TW products that purport to fill swirls with color.

Tom


(Did you forget some words in the above? I was going to guess at what they were and fill them in, but I didn’t want to overstep my rights)

Mike

[Patrick]

Mike, I took your word for it ! I went to a local WM tonight, and found the Meg's ColorX in the Auto isle...Excellent deal at $6.58, if I can duplicate your efforts this Friday on a 95 Ram SLT. I bought it especially for this job, so a true test is in the works. Mike truthfully, I havent been a big Megs supporter in the past, but you really made me think with the intro of this new product, and your pictures on the Bronco were really quite impressive. Im not new to detailing, but using Megs products will be like starting all over, hopefully i can determine the characteristics of the product and be impressively succesful. Im curious as to ColorX's ability to support a layer of polymer, cleanly......Im not quite sold on the Nxt product yet, im still using some of the other Polymers available on the web through various vendors. Ill be sure to share my thoughts here and in other forums I participate in, if its favorable. And if Im not quite as succesful with your new product, I will be sure to PM you for some technical product advice......

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Patrick
Mike, I took your word for it ! I went to a local WM tonight, and found the Meg's ColorX in the Auto isle...Excellent deal at $6.58, if I can duplicate your efforts this Friday on a 95 Ram SLT. I bought it especially for this job, so a true test is in the works. Mike truthfully, I havent been a big Megs supporter in the past, but you really made me think with the intro of this new product, and your pictures on the Bronco were really quite impressive. Im not new to detailing, but using Megs products will be like starting all over, hopefully i can determine the characteristics of the product and be impressively succesful. Im curious as to ColorX's ability to support a layer of polymer, cleanly......Im not quite sold on the Nxt product yet, im still using some of the other Polymers available on the web through various vendors. Ill be sure to share my thoughts here and in other forums I participate in, if its favorable. And if Im not quite as succesful with your new product, I will be sure to PM you for some technical product advice......

Hi Patrick,

Thank your for giving ColorX a try, here are some techniques that I used when I restored the finish on the Bronco.

When working on extremely neglected finishes, I then to use ample products. Don't over do it, but don't be stingy either. You want the benefit of the liquid chemical cleaners to penetrate into and loosen built-up dirt in the pores and microscopic surface imperfections. Using to little product will not take advantage of the ability of these liquid cleaners to penetrate into the paint sufficiently.

If the finish on this car is a clear coat, (I’ll assume that it is, then do a test spot with both a foam applicator pad, and right next to it with a piece of soft, 100% terry cloth. I usually cut a piece form a towel I keep hand just for this. You can also find high quality terry cloth covered wax applicators at auto parts stores, I like either the Viking brand, or the Detailers Choice brand. The nap of the terry cloth, (the little cotton loops), act like a mild form of an abrasive giving your product a little more bite, and a little more strength. But you want to do a test spot first to insure good results. Clear coats are scratch sensitive and you want to insure that the terry cloth isn’t too much bite, or too aggressive for this particular paint.

Work section by section, overlapping each section. When working on extremely neglected finishes like this Bronco, it was important that I worked each section equally, otherwise the results would look blotchy. A blotch look comes from uneven cleaning and polishing.

Give your self plenty of time. Unlike a machine, your fingers, hands and arms will get tired. This is what I experienced about half way around the truck. Unlike Scottwax, I do most of my work by machine, because of that, my finger/hands/arm muscles are not conditioned for continuous work.

Don’t get me wrong, ColorX will do a lot of the work for you, but you still must work it into the paint. Cleaner/waxes are not, wipe-on, wipe-off waxes. They require the human elements of a little work, and a little passion.

Good luck and post back here your experience and before and after pictures of your results.

Thanks Patrick for giving Meguiar’s a try!

Mike

[Mosca]

Did you forget some words in the above? I was going to guess at what they were and fill them in, but I didn’t want to overstep my rights

No, but in your quote you changed the word "it" to "I".... The ColorX was on the bottom shelf next to Turtle Wax's colored waxes. I was unsure that it might have been name confusion, but your explanation of the product clears it up; it should be next to those products.

Tom

[Patrick]

Mike, thanks for the tips. Im going to give it a quick demo by hand, my old method, lol, i detailed by hand for many yrs, and still enjoy it. ( I did a inspection today of the vehicle, it doesnt look too bad) Im going assume, that the cutting scale of this new Meg's product, is similiar to Klasse AIO, and I can resume with a PC, and yellow polishing pad, these are my hopes at least. Im really looking forward to trying it out, rest assured, I will take pics. I was real impressed with the pic you displayed using the tape. The color of the Ram 2500 is two tone, dark/light green, kind of unusual, not sure Ive seen this scheme before. The client is going to be selling this vehicle when he returns to Oregon on Saturday, do you believe ColorX will provide at least 8 weeks of protection ?, or would you recommend a Poly topper (my usual method)

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Mosca
No, but in your quote you changed the word "it" to "I".... The ColorX was on the bottom shelf next to Turtle Wax's colored waxes. I was unsure that it might have been name confusion, but your explanation of the product clears it up; it should be next to those products.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Good catch, and yes, ColorX is targeted at not only competing against those types of products, but completely out performing them. More than that though, ColorX is a one-step answer for people looking for a product that will do the job right the first time.

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Patrick
Mike, thanks for the tips. I’m going to give it a quick demo by hand, my old method, lol, i detailed by hand for many yrs, and still enjoy it. ( I did a inspection today of the vehicle, it doesn’t look too bad) I’m going assume, that the cutting scale of this new Meg's product, is similar to Klasse AIO, and I can resume with a PC, and yellow polishing pad, these are my hopes at least.

Hi Patrick,

I have used the Klasse AIO and ColorX is a more powerful cleaner/wax. I would compare the cleaning power of Klasse AIO more towards the cleaning power of #20 Polymer Sealant, or Meguiar’s Cleaner/Wax, (A-1216).

Im really looking forward to trying it out, rest assured, I will take pics. I was real impressed with the pic you displayed using the tape. The color of the Ram 2500 is two tone, dark/light green, kind of unusual, not sure Ive seen this scheme before. The client is going to be selling this vehicle when he returns to Oregon on Saturday, do you believe ColorX will provide at least 8 weeks of protection ?, or would you recommend a Poly topper (my usual method)

I would think ColorX will easily provide 8 weeks of protection assuming the finish receives at least normal care, i.e. washing with a premium car wash soap formulated for cars. For an extra layer of protection however, it couldn’t hurt to add a second coating of wax. I would be interested to see the results your produce by applying a coat of NXT Tech Wax after using the ColorX over the entire car.

I’m going to do this to the Bronco in this thread next week, just to see how much it improves the overall quality of the finish now that I have restored it to a respectable level.

Mike

[Dom]

Mike,

If I were going to use NXT as a Last Step Product, would I be better off with ColorX as a first step, or DACP (#83)? I guess what I'm asking is, if I am already going to be using DACP prior to NXT, would ColorX provide any additional benefit?

BTW, this is on my 1975 Ferrari 308 GT4 (single stage paint, oxidized) which you saw at the Mercedes NXT event last weekend.

Dom

[Patrick]

Mike, I got to try the ColorX today ! Nice product! I didnt top it with any Poly or Carnauba topper, i really want to know how this holds up.

What I like about it:
No oily residue !
No powdery residue.
Wipes off like a dream..
User friendly to plastic and rubber, even thought the label says keep away from..
Nice mid-level cleaner, if the Polymer holds up, you have one hell of a product.......
Nice color presentation, really brought the color out, even thought the P/U was in deteriorated condition, (Chips, scratches, clearcoat failure in areas) it really brightened to paint. Im impressed, its probably beautiful on reds and blues, blacks.....

What I disliked: It appeared to me, that the product is rather "dry", in other words, it seemed like I used quite a bit of product, im guessing about 2.5 to 3 oz to do the following P/U, even with premisting the applicator (PC). Im not saying its not worth it, just surprised i used so much. A little did not go a long way. I couldnt do a panel without adding product, but once the foam pad was conditioned with X, it became less of an issue. I really didnt want to get a closeup of the paint, due to its condition, and less than favorable lighting. This P/U is a ranch vehicle. The owner did say it looked better than new, with the exception of the scratches,and clear coat beginning to fail/blister.

In summary, ColorX gets a thumbs up, does bring out the color of metalflakes, rich and dark. Very easy to use, with the exception of using more than what i was used to, this may be normal amts to some, i just wasnt use to it. Wipes off with eXtreme ease ! No oily residue remained at all, that is a major bonus, I just hope the Poly holds up for a couple months.

Mike, good stuff !
First pic is a before shot....

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/295_3-4_ton_b4.jpg

[Patrick]

After shot.....

http://archive.meguiarsonline.com/gallery/data/500/295_3-4_ton_after.jpg

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Patrick,

Nice before and after pictures, do you care if I upload them to the Gallery and imbed them in your post?

Interesting comments about the dryness, I'll pay attention next time I use it for that aspect.

Glad you liked it, (not a bad product for a one-step at the price point it sells for), and most of all, I'm glad your customer liked it!

Mike

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Dom
Mike,

If I were going to use NXT as a Last Step Product, would I be better off with ColorX as a first step, or DACP (#83)? I guess what I'm asking is, if I am already going to be using DACP prior to NXT, would ColorX provide any additional benefit?

BTW, this is on my 1975 Ferrari 308 GT4 (single stage paint, oxidized) which you saw at the Mercedes NXT event last weekend.

Dom

You know Dom, I don't know if I can answer that questions. ColorX is primarily formulated for use by hand, while #83 DACP is primarily formulated for use by machine.

I would think you would get best results using #83 DACP followed by NXT Tech Wax if your using a PC.

If your using nothing but your hands, then you might get better results using ColorX first as your paint cleaner, followed by NXT Tech Wax as your LSP.

It would be interesting to do some Test Spots.

Mike

[Patrick]

Mike feel free to upload, sorry i didnt get better pics, i ended up spending about 3 hrs on the interior of that truck, thats about twice what i anticipated.......I wanted to get out of there ! That was 6 hrs of work......:o

[Patrick]

Dom, i bet you would have a wicked combo with DACP, and X. I would think the X would clean up anything the DACP left behind !! I bet it would be stunning.....! The X really does a great job cleaning.....

[Mike Phillips]

Ouch! on the interiors...

I'll upload and insert tomorrow... time to take a break from the computer, I just made a mistake in another thread. That's a sign to push away from the keyboard

Good job Patrick and I'm glad you gave Meguiar's a chance.

Mike

[Teak]

Nice work Patrick.

As to Color X being dry, could this be the pad becoming clogged with dirt and contaminates? The last time I used the the maroon bottle Cleaner wax, I think the instructions said to keep the applicator damp or wet. What pad did you use on the PC?

Eric

[Patrick]

Eric, I did premoisten the pad, I used the Meg's yellow...Im not saying its an unbearable "dry", i just wasnt used to it. Im more use to the oilier products like Platinum and Blackfire....Blackfire being real oily, but going a long way qty wise, Platinum a little less oily, and then EX, being the least, but IMO suffers durability. Unfortunately, i find out that the owner of this P/U left for Oregon today, so I will never know what X's durability is/was......
X is definetly a keeper in my bag, i will continue to use it, my next test will be side x side AIO, to see how they compare. Its definetly its closest competitor. However, I will have to wait for a vehicle meeting the needs of both products, and I really hate doing those kinds of vehicles !!!:mad:

[Rusty Bumper]

Hi Mike,
Not trying to get off the subject, but, I noticed that the clay bar you used was rather dirty after working on the Bronco...Would that bar of clay be OK to use on another car?...I'm new to claying, so it would be hard for me to pass my judgement on it's condition.


Great thread on Color-X...It looks like I'll be buying some this year.

[FlaresideLariat]

Mike Phillips, you did that yourself?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by FlaresideLariat
Mike Phillips, you did that yourself?

Yeah, it was really no big deal... wait till you see the 1947 Plymouth Coupe I'm working on.

Mike

[Scottwax]

Wow! How did I miss this thread?

I got some ColorX at the Autopia/Meguiars meet but haven't tried it yet. I don't do many one steps exterior details but if I get something pretty rough, I definitely have to try ColorX and see how it works out. Probably will top it with Tech Wax or #16 though.

BTW, just a tip for those who use it by hand on oxidized paint using a terry cloth towel...make sure you refold the towel for each section or dried product and removed oxidation will build up and mar the finish. Use as many towels as it takes.

[n1976jmk]

Mike when will we see the pics of th 46 plymouth??

i am really waitng to see them, that post u made was from March 16!!!

[Rusty Bumper]

Originally posted by n1976jmk
Mike when will we see the pics of th 46 plymouth??

i am really waitng to see them, that post u made was from March 16!!!
I found it on this thread: http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=425&highlight=colorx

Scroll down to find it.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Nakoma
Mike when will we see the pics of th 46 plymouth??

i am really waiting to see them, that post u made was from March 16!!!

I'll try to upload and create the write-up this week. Lately I've been kind of busy and it takes a while to go through about 300 plus pictures and pick out the ones that tell the best story.

Mike

[Tim Lingor]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
I'll try to upload and create the write-up this week. Lately I've been kind of busy and it takes a while to go through about 300 plus pictures and pick out the ones that tell the best story.

Mike

I am sure it will be worth the wait!


Tim

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Scottwax
Wow! How did I miss this thread?

BTW, just a tip for those who use it by hand on oxidized paint using a terry cloth towel...make sure you refold the towel for each section or dried product and removed oxidation will build up and mar the finish. Use as many towels as it takes.

Scottwax makes a good point.

When working on older, neglected paint, you need to change your application material often because of how much oxidized paint and other gunk it will accumulate into itself.

What I like to do is to find a quality old towel and then cut it up into small pieces about 7" by 2.5" square and then fold it over to make an applicator pad about 3.5" by 2.5". This gives me plenty of material to work with and an applicator pad I can fold over to get 4 working sides.

Mike

[99GrandTouring]

Why did some of the coloring come off onto the applicator? or is green teh color of colorX??

Is that finish not a clear coated one? just single stage?
Thanks!

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by 99GrandTouring
Why did some of the coloring come off onto the applicator? or is green teh color of colorX??

Is that finish not a clear coated one? just single stage?
Thanks!

The answer is both.

ColorX is blue in color and this particular paint is a single stage.

I used the terry cloth over foam to give the ColorX a little more bite.

Mike

[Andrew]

I have a 2002 chey impala with white paint, I have not waxed the car yet, I am currently using NXT car wash and quick clay sys. I just picked up a bottle of #1 deep crystal paint cleaner but after reading the thread I wonder if I need to use Colorx instead? can you tell me which is best? I wash and clay the car weekly I am very anal about keeping my car very clean but have not waxed yet due to not wanting to do it incorrectly, also after I clay the car do I need to use anything else before moving to step #1 paint cleaner or colorx?(to remove the quick detailer from clay sys.)
-
another question I have is about Plastix- can I use on the tail lights? clear red tinted plastic?
any suggestions would help.
thanks,

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Andrew,

Seeing this is your first post, Welcome to Meguiar's Online! :wavey


Originally posted by Andrew
I have a 2002 Chevy impala with white paint, I have not waxed the car yet, I am currently using NXT car wash and quick clay sys. I just picked up a bottle of #1 deep crystal paint cleaner but after reading the thread I wonder if I need to use ColorX instead? can you tell me which is best? I wash and clay the car weekly I am very anal about keeping my car very clean but have not waxed yet due to not wanting to do it incorrectly, also after I clay the car do I need to use anything else before moving to step #1 paint cleaner or ColorX?(to remove the quick detailer from clay sys.)

Deep Crystal Paint Cleaner is a very gentle and mild paint cleaner, it's perfect for cleaning paint in excellent condition to start out with a fresh base, or to remove previous coats of wax, or very light cleaning.

You say your wash and clay the car often, when you look at the finish in bright light, how does it look? Swirls, dull and hazy?

If not then Deep Crystal should be fine for a paint cleaner, if your car's finish doesn't have the same high gloss, clear looking finish it did when new then you should probably use either a more aggressive paint cleaner like ScratchX or a strong cleaner/wax like ColorX. Both will do a great job of cleaning the paint, the ScratchX is more effective at removing swirls and scratches by hand. If you use the ScratchX, you'll have to apply a wax afterwards as ScratchX is not a wax or paint protectant but a paint cleaner. If you use the ColorX you can stop after this step or top with a wax like NXT Tech Wax.

Another question I have is about Plastix- can I use on the tail lights? clear red tinted plastic?
any suggestions would help.
thanks,

PlastX is safe on all plastic surfaces but just to be sure, you should alway test this product when working on an unknown surface in a small, inconspicuous area.

Check out these two threads...


http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7122

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5185

[Andrew]

thank you for the welcome and the fast reply, I bought the car used and to me it seems dull or hazy, no swirl marks, I can see my reflection but not clearly so am going to try step #1 first, also what about the residue left from quick clay? do you apply paint clearner immediately after or do I need to wash the car again? Or do I need another product before using #1?

[Mike Phillips]

Whoops! I forgot to answer that last question...

Here's what you do, keep a microfiber or soft cotton towel nearby and wipe of the Quik Detailer spray and any clay residue as you move around the car, don't let the Quik Detailer or any clay residue dry. If you miss a little here or there it's okay as the paint cleaner will loosen and remove this.

Best of luck with your car detailing project...

[Jbirk]

Question ScratchX is a cleaner right?

So I could

Wash, Clay, ScratchX, then Wax?

Would that work well? Is ScratchX as strong as ColorX?

Also, is ScratchX a polish? I am still a bit confused here.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Jbirk
Question ScratchX is a cleaner right?

So I could,

Wash, Clay, ScratchX, then Wax?
Would that work well?
Yes.

Is ScratchX as strong as ColorX?
Yes. ScratchX is a dedicated paint cleaner and more effective at removing defects than ColorX a strong Cleaner/Wax. They are both very good at removing oxidation, but when it come to actually removing scratches out of the finish, ScratchX is more effective.

Also, is ScratchX a polish? I am still a bit confused here.
No, not like our pure polishes. Read this,

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle (http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2409)

[Jbirk]

I am confused as to what I am missing now.

Wash
Clay

Then ScratchX and Wax?


So, I am missing a polish? What other product do I need to be complete?


Thanks.

[Detalnewb]

WOW what a great thread! I have a friend with almost this exact vehicle he's interested in me helping him with. I'd prefer to do this by PC, but since ColorX is formulated for hand application, would I switch to something like #83 for a heavily swirled surface and #80 for a lighter swirled surface?

Thanks and GREAT job Mike!

[Rusty Bumper]

Originally posted by Detalnewb
I'd prefer to do this by PC, but since ColorX is formulated for hand application, would I switch to something like #83 for a heavily swirled surface and #80 for a lighter swirled surface?
#83 would work better for a heavily swirled surface, but you can use ColorX with the PC too for lighter jobs.

[fei]

Hey Mike, firstly sorry to reopen this thread but i was really curious as i read in one of the post that the yellow applicator pad should be damp or misted before applying ColorX on it, what would i use to damp or mist the pads? Can i apply colorX on a dry foam applicator? Thanks for your advice!:D

[sneek]

Originally posted by fei
Hey Mike, firstly sorry to reopen this thread but i was really curious as i read in one of the post that the yellow applicator pad should be damp or misted before applying ColorX on it, what would i use to damp or mist the pads? Can i apply colorX on a dry foam applicator? Thanks for your advice!:D
I wouldn't mist the pads as ColourX is a cleaner wax, which means that it contains a wax. I don't think there are any advatages to misting a applicator pad if you are applying something by hand

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by fei
Hey Mike, firstly sorry to reopen this thread but i was really curious as i read in one of the post that the yellow applicator pad should be damp or misted before applying ColorX on it, what would i use to damp or mist the pads? Can i apply colorX on a dry foam applicator? Thanks for your advice!:D

There is no need to dampen your applicator pad with water before applying a wax.