Ripples??

[gmitch23]

I've read a couple of post lately about DA's and Porter Cables safety and a few guys mentioned they can make so cars roof's "ripple." What exactly is that and is that a terrible thing? I ask because I am under the impression how safe these tools are for beginners but dont want to risk "rippling" my roof, whatever that is.

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Ripples??

I think what they are talking about is pushing down too hard on the roof with the PC and causing it to buckle or "ripple". Hey....what kinda comments are you getting about your ride now that you have the detailing "bug"?

[gto_don]

Re: Ripples??

I agree with SVT...generally speaking, the tops (roof) of cars is thin enough that if you apply too much down pressure with the DA (or even by hand), the metal can be pushed down causing an (temporary unless creased) indentation. I have even noticed "metal vibrations" while using the DA on some vehicles.

[rst08tierney]

Re: Ripples??

the trunk lid of my 67 mustang is a perfect example. I noticed it only happened when the paint was "warm" to the touch. This only happened when I used the Orange Lake Country Pad with M105. Nothing to worry about, I just needed to use less pressure in that area.

The DA was simply the best investment I ever made for my vehicles, you wont be disappointed. The only true thing to worry about is thin edges on custom paint jobs, just remember to tape.

[Bill Davidson]

Re: Ripples??

You're working the polisher with ~15 lbs of pressure. 15lbs of pressure can be enough to temporarily indent a panel. You'll notice this is easier to do on larger panels like hoods and roofs.

You want to avoid indenting panels to avoid potentially creasing them and if the are rippling, you may want to question your polishing technique or lighten up a bit in that area and just spend more time if needed. If it's a real cheap thin bodied vehicle, sometimes there is little you can do. 1955 Chevy's don't ripple :-) I'm surprised rst's 67 Mustang trunk does it.

[gmitch23]

Re: Ripples??

[QUOTE=SVT Lightning;428497] Hey....what kinda comments are you getting about your ride now that you have the detailing "bug"?[/QUOTE

My neighbors have noticed and been joking with me about doing theirs. I actually want to because they have dark colored cars and our cars are white and silver and dont give that "awe" when you see them because you cant really give those colors that "pop". I did my mother in laws black mazda 6 and she has told me that people have been asking her if she got a new car. I cant wait to order my pc so i can really start producing perfect work. thanks for asking.

[rst08tierney]

Re: Ripples??

You're working the polisher with ~15 lbs of pressure. 15lbs of pressure can be enough to temporarily indent a panel. You'll notice this is easier to do on larger panels like hoods and roofs.

You want to avoid indenting panels to avoid potentially creasing them and if the are rippling, you may want to question your polishing technique or lighten up a bit in that area and just spend more time if needed. If it's a real cheap thin bodied vehicle, sometimes there is little you can do. 1955 Chevy's don't ripple :-) I'm surprised rst's 67 Mustang trunk does it.

im staring to think my trunk lid is a re-pop