Hey all, I'm going to be detailing my sister's car in a couple weeks and I'm just wondering what I should be looking out for or expecting when doing this. The condition is pretty poor (and that is being kind). I'm pretty sure the car hasn't had wax on it for the majority of its life, and the front end of the hood has quite a bit of rock chips that has started rusting. How should I go about taking care of those flaking and rusting areas, and should I try a one step polish on the car? She doesn't need it looking flawless, but I would atleast like to make the black shine again. I plan on using D300 on it, maybe Menz super finish if i feel it is necessary, then applying menz powerlock and collinite 845. All this after a REALLY good cleaning. Suggestions, comments? thanks.
If it helps any bit, it is a 2006 Honda Civic, black. Not sure how much clear coat is left on it, and the wax thing is a speculation, but probably true as she rarely washes her car, and lives/drives in the city (where there is plenty of flying rocks and acid rain).
I would try Menz super finish with a uber green pad first. If you don't like the result, go with the uber yellow pad. Then use a uber black with Menz powerlock.
If you don't mind me asking, can I ask why you chose this combo? Not because I'm doubting you or anything, I just want to learn more.
Sorry, I mean Menz Power Finish. A lot of people here use Menz Power Finish with Uber green or yellow as a 1-stepper. But if you only have D300, use it with a uber yellow or MF cutting pad to knock out most of the swirl marks, then seal it with coll845.
Proceed with caution. Removing any amount of remaining clear coat could be detrimental to the finish. Have a paint thickness gauge on hand. Rust is like malignant cancer. Get rid of it on the surface and it will still come back.
I wouldn't touch a neglected finish without knowing the paint thickness, especially knowing that Hondas tend to have super-soft and thin paint.
