All the planets finally lined up (weather, family, work, products, etc.) so that I could get out the new PC and practice on an older car. The guinea pig is a 1990 Eagle Talon AWD Turbo.

This was my first car and for many years, it was my daily driver when I lived in Houston. For a long time, I did not have a garage but I kept it as clean as I could through simple techniques of store brand shampoo, wax, cheap towels, and some times dish detergent. I am so embarassed... (I did not know better at that time). And since the finish had never been polished, the paint had become dull with cobwebs, halos, and alot cloudiness/haze on the hood. The predominantly white color was forgiving but up close, in flourescent lights, the defects were very apparent. A perfect subject for practicing I thought.



The following products were used:

Car Wash - Zaino
Clay - Zaino
Polish - Menzerna Intensive Polish with Green Edge 2000 pad (only on hood/roof)
Polish - Klasse AIO with Orange Edge 2000 pad (2 coats)
Polish - Klasse AIO with Blue Edge 2000 pad (1 coat, probably not necessary)
Sealant - Menzerna Full Metal Jacket (2 coats)
Band Aid - I got a blister from the PC!

All product removal was done by hand with Cobra MF towels.



Here are the results:












I am very pleased with both the results. All the products I used were fantastic. I was most impressed by the AIO and FMJ. The AIO removed the hazed after a couple of passes with the green pad. There are a few defects remaining and I may revisit them later with another product and maybe the yellow pad. But this was a great start and safe way to approach the problem. I mistakenly hit the some of the black, plastic molding with AIO and then I noticed how great the spot looked. I then polished all the moulding and mirrors with AIO and they were the most improved areas of the car... they look better than they did new.

FMJ was also a pleasure because it applied quick, smooth, and easy. Buffing out was simple too. Very important since I was wearing down at the end of the day.

I have a couple PC related questions to follow up with before I hit the wife's car. Then it's time for the S.

Many thanks to all those who contribute with their advice, hints, coupon alerts and all the folks who asked the same questions I had.

 

looks great!

 

Nice job for your first time!

 

very nice job!!

especially on that black car-
badge earned!
pm me if you would like it hooked up for ya

 

looks great! is the green pad more aggressive than the yellow? I love the menzerna IP!

 

the black pic is nice

 

nice i need to learn how to do this

 

pics

 

For the Edge 2000, the yellow pad is the most aggressive, then the green, then the orange, etc. (according to the AutoGeek site). I did not use the yellow pad this time out. Perhaps next time I might try it on the hood to see if I can get more clarity in the finish.

Also, all pics are of the same car. The car top has black paint- this was the style of all Talon's.

I forgot to mention that the FMJ was applied with the Edge White pad.

I think it looks great for a 17 year old car that had lots paint issues before the buffer was applied. It had been stored outside for many years.

After the buffing last weekend, I've driven it work several days this week. It is funny how many people try to race or mess with me in this car... much more than in the S.

 

[QUOTE=yyyiiikes,Feb 21 2007, 01:49 PM]For the Edge 2000, the yellow pad is the most aggressive, then the green, then the orange, etc. (according to the AutoGeek site).