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Alright detailing gurus (insert PB here :D).. I need a plan of attack for this (see pics below). I am getting ready to make a MASSIVE purchase of detailing products (from either: Griots, Autotopia, or Adams - or a little of all of the aforementioned) and I am trying to figure out what will be needed to attack these marks on the hood of my Fiances car. Oddly enough the rest of her cars paint looks fairly decent with only light-to-medium swirl marks and some baked on bird crap/road grime in a few spots.

I know the basic plan of attack: wash, clay, polish (using random orbital), wax..but I really need some advice on what grade polish / pads I should use to try to cut some of those marks.

[Question 1] I know it is best to start out with a mild polish and then work my way to a more heavy duty polish if the mild polish doesnt work.but how heavy duty of a polish do you think Ill need?

[Question 2] Will I need a more heavy duty polish pad to use with the more aggressive polish?

[Question 3] What speed should I run the random orbital at when using more aggressive polishes?

I know there are a million brands of polish and pads out there.but I was really hoping someone on here with some experience at tackling marks such as these could give me some advice on what products will yield the most positive results for me.

[Question 4] Whats the best way to get really baked on gunk (bird droppings and road grime) off of paint? I notice that her car has a few places with serious baked on mystery gunk that I am going to need to get off as well. Any recommendations on products that can help me remove the gunk without killing my arm will be appreciated.

Luckily my Tacoma only has light swirl/towel marks...but I am determined to revive the paint on her car from several years of neglect/abuse.

Thanks

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/trailhopper/PDR_0811.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/trailhopper/PDR_0808.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/trailhopper/PDR_0813.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/trailhopper/PDR_0812.jpg




What's the age of the paint, and what brand and model of random-orbital do you have?
What's the age of the paint, and what brand and model of random-orbital do you have?

Her car is a 2001 and it has 72,000 miles on it. She has taken really good care of the inside, but I have no clue how those marks got on her hood...I checked over the rest of her car and there are no other marks like those anywhere- they are just on her hood. My guess is she went through a really bad "swirl-o-matic" carwash at one time. :confused:

I will be using either a PC 7424 random-orbital or the model branded by Griots Garage (http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/10925.do)....I haven't decided which one to purchase yet but I'm leaning towards the PC.
Looks like a good wash, clay, and medium polish should do the job.

I'd PM Justin or Adam and see what they can do for you on:

PC buffer
Sample bottle of Swirl & Haze remover
16oz bottle of Fine Machine Polish
Black/white pad & Adapter

And if you've got the money, get some Adam's SuperWax, clay, and detail spray.

On the PC I use high speed almost all of the time. But you probably want to stay around medium speed until you get some practice.
Looks like a good wash, clay, and medium polish should do the job.

I'd PM Justin or Adam and see what they can do for you on:

PC buffer
Sample bottle of Swirl & Haze remover
16oz bottle of Fine Machine Polish
Black/white pad & Adapter

And if you've got the money, get some Adam's SuperWax, clay, and detail spray.

On the PC I use high speed almost all of the time. But you probably want to stay around medium speed until you get some practice.

Thanks Pb... I checked out Adam's site and his stuff really looks top notch :thumbup: I think he may be getting a nice order from me soon.

Any suggestions/recommendations on products that will help me get the baked on "gunk" (bird droppings and road grime) off her paint? It's only in a few places, but that stuff is really baked on there good and just simple soap and water is not enough to get it off.
bro, those look like ass marks on the hood. :D jjk
Thanks Pb... I checked out Adam's site and his stuff really looks top notch :thumbup: I think he may be getting a nice order from me soon.

Any suggestions/recommendations on products that will help me get the baked on "gunk" (bird droppings and road grime) off her paint? It's only in a few places, but that stuff is really baked on there good and just simple soap and water is not enough to get it off.

The clay and polish that I recommended will get that stuff off. You'd be surprised what polish can do. Think of it like a very fine liquid sand paper. It cleans and smooths the surface. Watch some of the Adam's How-to Videos.
Hey 2 tacomas,

We have a sweet Machine Starter Kit that comes with everything you need minus the PC. Check recent addition to our Website under Detail Kits!

We also have a couple of Detail Kits that are full of great Products!

Plus all Toyota Nation Members receive 10% off all orders all the time with "TN" Coupon Code Online!

Let me know what you think!

Thanks,