#80 or #83?

[Whelan]

Hello again guys, I am getting so psyched. My gf ordered the G100 from www.autodetalingsolutions.com for $149 with the backing plate, and 8006 foam pad. Now I need to decide a few things. I am getting a few microfibers (fresh and new) for the job but would you get a second 8006 pad?

The car is the following and I am trying to decide between 80 and 83.

2005 Toyota Matrix XR AWD
Black Sand Pearl

-Light to Moderate swirls on car. Rear tailgate is the worst part. Small chipping on hood which I may not be able to do much about.

My concern is that 83 will be to harsh, but I am also concerned that 80 will be to light. After using Scratch X, Paint Cleaner and Polish (Steps 1 & 2) by hand, car is clean but swirling remains. Using the G100 when I get it with the 8006 pad, but still unsure. I can take pictures if you like. Help!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: #80 or #83?

The general rule of thumb is to always start with the least aggressive approach to get the job done. Between 83 and 80, that would be 80. Even if you need a couple of passes to knock down the marring, I'd still start with 80 - just take your time, apply a decent amount of pressure and move the machine sloooowly over the paint.

You might want to put a few hash marks on the back of the pad or backing plate so you can see that the pad is still rotating. Apply enough pressure to stop the rotation, then back off until the pad starts spinning again and you should be good to go. I'll say again though, move the machine sloooowly over the paint. Let the machine do it's thing.

[bene vita]

Re: #80 or #83?

Hi Whelan

You should own both - be a "big spender" and go for it.

How many pads do you own? One?

Go for broke and order three more yellow polishing pads, two three packs of Meguiar's Microfiber towels and a small bottle of #21 and you'll be set for the rest of the YEAR!

Have a great Holiday

[Whelan]

Re: #80 or #83?

Thanks guys, I figured I would get the 80 to start with, and the polishing pads is a definite. Merry Christmas

[Whelan]

Re: #80 or #83?

32oz. or a Gallon, I think 32 will get the car done, its only a Matrix.

Tryin to keep it under or at $50, So far I have pads, microfibers, 32 of #80, 32 of #83

[Murr1525]

Re: #80 or #83?

For #80, it really comes down to how often you plan to detail. If you plan to detail every month, or some frineds cars, etc, then you might want a gallon and a seperate squeeze bottle, because it will probably work out chepaer.

The 32oz should certainly do the Matirix a couple times.

Dont forget wax and bonnets....

[TripleDES]

Re: #80 or #83?

You can even try the new ScratchX, which is even more mild than #80 to see if it's enough to do the job. HOwever, as others suggested, it's probably better to have both just in case.

[Whelan]

Re: #80 or #83?

Well thanks, I was thinkin the 32's would help me out. The other cars I do are in better shape than mine. I had an 02 civic that was mint! Now I have black and I can see where the work is needed. I have always been loyal to Meguiar's and currently have been using the following.

Scratch X
Plastic X or Plexus
Step 1 Cleaner
Step 2 Polish
Mirror Glaze wax
Interior Shine
Hot Shine Tire Spray
etc., etc., etc.

All the cars I have done never required more than the step 1 and 2 to bring back. This being my personal first car the swirls are so noticeable and I cannot wait to get this machine and really dive into this job. I already have my blue tape and just ordered the other products.

Do you guys/gals reccommend hand removal with the microfibers or by the machine. I figured hand with the new microfibers i am getting.

[Murr1525]

Re: #80 or #83?

Machine removal would give a higher gloss, but not the most critical factor to worry about.

Black can be interesting to work on, if it is super soft, you may even find #82/#9 to be helpfull, but you can wait and see for that.

[Whelan]

Re: #80 or #83?

This is from my cell phone, but if you look close you can see right around the light reflection all the lines. That is basically all over the car. From day 1 since I got it, it was a CPO car so I figured I could take care of it myself. Opinions. I will take better ones tonight with a good camera.