[Gig103]

I still enjoy cleaning my car and all that, but I bought a PC 7424xp, M105, and M205 a year ago and still haven't polished my wife's Infiniti, which was abused by a previous owner (lots of swirls).

I figured that buying the equipment made sense so I could do my car too, but because I always wash two-bucket, there isn't much in the need of polishing needed (even after almost 4 years, I'm very proud of myself).

At this point, I'm wondering if I should sell the gear and use the cash to just have my wife's car polished. Maybe asking opinions on here is a mistake, but I'm going to anyway!

[Royal Flush]

Why wouldn't you do it yourself since you have the tools and products? If you sell the PC and M105/205, you'll get what, maybe $200ish? I doubt you'll be able to get the type of prepping and polishing you want/need for that amount of money. There's also the possibility that if you take it to a "stop-n-go" type of "detailing shop", that they'll cause more defects than they actually fix. I have no doubt that you've been washing your car very carefully with the 2BM, but no polishing needed after 4 years with BSM? Have you looked at it under different types of light?

[lopealle]

Diy

[BMWWW]

DIY this, and for many years to come.

I agree that it's work (especially if you're using a PC and not a rotary), but look at the weather forecast, pencil in a day with good garage-weather, go get a nice 24 of beer, and get working.

You know that friend that always asks you for favors? Call his ass over and get him to help out with the more mundane work. (Taping, wipedowns, claying, ect).

[tibra1]

I get mine polished once a year..for me its just easier to spend $175 and get it professionally done..

[mr_milo]

Originally Posted by tibra1

I get mine polished once a year..for me its just easier to spend $175 and get it professionally done..

Damn! I gotta move to NYC. I can barely get more than a hand wash for $175 here in California.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by mr_milo

Damn! I gotta move to NYC. I can barely get more than a hand wash for $175 here in California.

Hand wash for $175..damn!..

That I do myself..

Clay polish wax s/n be more than $200 IMO.

[bimmertt]

I bought a set just like you. Polished my car once and decided it wasn't for me. Such a PITA, i'd rather leave it to a professional who will spend less time and do better work.

[Envious Eric]

Originally Posted by Gig103

I still enjoy cleaning my car and all that, but I bought a PC 7424xp, M105, and M205 a year ago and still haven't polished my wife's Infiniti, which was abused by a previous owner (lots of swirls).

I figured that buying the equipment made sense so I could do my car too, but because I always wash two-bucket, there isn't much in the need of polishing needed (even after almost 4 years, I'm very proud of myself).

At this point, I'm wondering if I should sell the gear and use the cash to just have my wife's car polished. Maybe asking opinions on here is a mistake, but I'm going to anyway!

even after 4 years of swirl free washing, you will be astonished at what a single round of polishing will do for the color of the car! Take a crack at it, if you dont like it, then sell and hire it out. It should take about 6 hours to do a full one step correction - wash, clay, prep, polish, clean, sealant, wheels, tires, windows, jambs, light interior

[2011328xi]

Originally Posted by Royal Flush

Why wouldn't you do it yourself since you have the tools and products? If you sell the PC and M105/205, you'll get what, maybe $200ish? I doubt you'll be able to get the type of prepping and polishing you want/need for that amount of money. There's also the possibility that if you take it to a "stop-n-go" type of "detailing shop", that they'll cause more defects than they actually fix. I have no doubt that you've been washing your car very carefully with the 2BM, but no polishing needed after 4 years with BSM? Have you looked at it under different types of light?

My guess is no. I have had people tell me their paint is perfect, no swirls and they take it through the carwash.

I agree with Royal, you already have the tools and product. Give it a shot, especially if you take pride in keeping your car looking good.

Pull it in the garage and put some halogens on it. Then you may decide to keep the PC and do it yourself. Once you see the results you will be happy you invested in the PC.

[Gig103]

You guys talked me into it! I will post photos tomorrow, I am BEAT. I clayed on Saturday, then today I started taping around 2:30 and finished after 8:30. I did take breaks in the middle, because (lesson learned) the PC is rough on the shoulders and arms. I only did one stage - M105 with an orange pad on a black Infiniti G35S (my wife's). I see spots where it would benefit for sure from the M205 finishing glaze, but I was too tired and the weekend was over, and the car is needed for commuting.

[Envious Eric]

dude, you HAVE to follow that up with AT LEAST 205 and a white pad (ideally then a black pad and 106 or 85rd) if you want it to look good. Right now your car looks hazy and has a TON of micromarring from the 105/orange pad.

[Gig103]

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

dude, you HAVE to follow that up with AT LEAST 205 and a white pad (ideally then a black pad and 106 or 85rd) if you want it to look good. Right now your car looks hazy and has a TON of micromarring from the 105/orange pad.

Well, you certainly were right about that - I saw it in the light this morning and was like "damn". It looked like some of those hack jobs that dealers have done to members on the boards!!

Lucky (??) for me, I was feeling like crap today so I called in sick. Around noon I was feeling better enough to decide to do the 205/white polish and I'm about halfway done with that now.