Just picked up a 2000 gt that's laser red and you can tell the paint was not looked after. It's so so and faded, I am hoping to bring it back. I have decided to get the Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System with a griots garage polisher. I do have a meguiars clay kit and wash. What I need some help on is 5" or 6" kit, sealant or wax with brand choice, interior/ leather cleaner, and trim dressing. Thanks in advance for any help.
5" v 6" wont make MUCH of a difference at all, the 5" will likely correct a little faster due to less surface area=easier for motor to more aggressively attack that spot, but I wouldn't say it makes enough difference to matter at all. sealant/wax- Give us a little more of what you are looking for. Do you have a budget, are you looking for amazing shine, and/or durability, something that will just protect for a long time so you don't have to wax often, etc. In general, I would recommend 1z Glanz/Collinite 845 for ease, durability/protection and price. They both look good, but others will look better on some cars. Interior/leather- If you are looking for ONE product to "do it all" I would recommend Optimum Power Clean, it is a very good APC that is completely safe for leather according to OPT. If you would want to look into other products, it really would depend on what you want. Most people will use Leatherique/Leather Master kit, 1z cockpit, 1z deep plastic cleaner, etc. There are many choices here again, tell us a little more about what you are looking for. trim- interior/exterior, and what are you looking for? Interior, I always use 303 aerospace protectant. Exterior I am still playing around finding what I like, but there is Prima Nero, Adams Super VRT, Meguiars Hyper Dressing just to name a few. Are you looking for something shiny, or more matte and non-greasy? Would you be concerned about longevity? Some do last much longer than others, also if you live in wet areas, some will basically wash away at the sight of water. Also, in general, pictures could help to show exactly how soiled and contaminated everything is, if you just need a light cleaner, there is no need to get something super strong, but also if you do NEED a strong chemical, I wouldn't want to recommend something that just plain will not work for you.
The car is pretty clean overall but the paint is for sure faded and will need a respray just trying to make it nice while I save up for a paint job. Outside- The paint is faded and has multiple chips in it. I am looking at the Dr colorchip to fix the chips short term and debating between a paint correction then it or it then a color correction, any thoughts? Being its laser red and was not kept up it needs work. It's my daily driver and not a show car so looking for something that has a compromise of a good shine with durability. If it would last 4-6 between waxes I would be happy. Or maybe a wax and at 3 months a spray quick Detailer to get it to 5-6 I am okay with that. Interior - Black leather interior and in really good shape. Does need some cleaning probably and 8 out of 10 clean/shape wise. Since its pretty clean looking more of an upkeep product to maintain the seats and trim. I was eyeballing the meguiars gold class leather kit so does not have to be a 1 bottle system. Trim - looking for a clean not over shine but not dull either. My exterior black has some fade but looking for more of a protectant to make it last on things like the mirrors and black panel under the wiper arms. I will take some pictures tonight when I get home.
Well, awaiting pics, I would recommend this: Fix your paint, fill in scratches/chips, then polish. LSP-Sealant! get Menzerna Power Lock, or if you want something that will last longer and is supposed to resist scratching, try Wolfs Hard Body. Research both and see what will work better for you, Hard Body supposedly lasts about 2 years and is scratch resistant. Menzerna Power Lock has the ability to be topped with just about any wax you want to enhance the shine and periodically top off your protection. Interior Cleaner- I would still recommend OPC to clean, or 1Z Cockpit. Leather Conditioner- Leather Master Vital, or you could try Sonax Leather Foam, it is a spray foam leather cleaner and conditioner in one. Trim, etc- I ALWAYS prefer 303 Aerospace Protectant! I apply it all over my entire cockpit and it just works so well, it can create a pretty good shine if you apply plenty, or spray it onto a towel and it will just make stuff look good and clean with a little shine, and conserves product! Exterior trim- Try something like Wolfs Trim Coat. It is a long lasting protectant that will ALSO fully restore dull, faded trim! Although I would only use this on certain parts, not tires for example, it is excellent for what it is meant for, the plastics you mentioned and rubber trim like weather stripping. For tires, you can use 303, or there is Prima Nero, Adams Super VRT, Meguiars Hyper Dressing, etc. After what I have mentioned, it is all up to you, decide how much time, effort and money you want to spend on this, then research each product, see the results people get from each and decide what you may want to try. If you want to get small samples, you can try the Trade section on this forum, see if anyone has some. Otherwise when you are ready to purchase, I am fairly certain everything I mentioned is available on DetailersDomain.com The owner Phil also owns these forums and is such a great guy and so very helpful, honest and fast about what he does!
Since you have the Megs system, why not use the 300 & 301 that is part of it. That's what I did on a paint that hadn't been looked after in 2 years & the results were remarkable. Afterward I topped it with Prima HydroSeal, & it was still beading water after a long winter & spring.
So far I'm thinking Meguiars DA Microfiber Correction System Interior - 1Z Cockpit & aerospace 303, not sure on leather kit but I know I want a quality one. exterior - still unsure on trim dressing but think Adams vrt sealant/wax - Menzerna Power Lock & maybe some cg Pete's 53 as that extra pop
Megs kit is a good choice, I somehow missed that you mentioned that. If you want QUALITY leather kit, usually the "best" will be leatherique twins, but more complete kits are available from Leather Master. Either will be a FANTASTIC choice! Exterior, I am sorry I can't be of TOO much help as I am still kind of sampling new products myself. It all depends on each individuals tastes and the material it is being applied to. Best advice I can give is research, there are plenty of posts on here documenting all the major dressings appearance. LSP sounds good! I have never used petes, but have heard good things. Looks like you are on your way! good luck!
