Buffing/polishing body and Cleaning engine bay

[403SKYLINEGTT]

My car is looking pretty dull and I believe it could use detailing and also the engine bay could use a little cleaning. Any particular advice? Looking at some videos in youtube on buffing and polishing, the word "Sand Paper" scares me, I want to do this as DIY and not go to a detailing shop

[NismoS-tune]

Check out you tube videos. You drive a car, which is similar to a truck, minivan or honda paint. It's not an R35 with fancy paint.

[403SKYLINEGTT]

:P not saying that I dont mind following whats on video, I am asking if anyone has advise that they can add.

[louis110]

A good diy detailing takes about 7 hours inside and out. I usually do a good detail once a month during the summer months. Wash the car with warm water and dish soap, clay bar, polish with an orbiter using a good polish (I use meguires or mother's), rubbing compound if you want to go the extra step, and finish off with a good wax (I tend to stay away from the liquid stuff and use carnuaba). For the engine bay, cover all your exposed electrics with a plastic bag (alternator, battery posts), spray everything down with a general purpose degreaser, and spray it down with a hose (don't be afraid to do it). Let it air dry or blast it with an air hose, then wipe down all the rubber components with tire shine.

[bobbo]

Never ever use dish soap on a car. It will damage the paint and strip any wax off.
Castrol Super Clean works magic under the hood.

[403SKYLINEGTT]

I dont have a orbiter tool, but can drill with a extention and adaptor works?

[louis110]

Never ever use dish soap on a car. It will damage the paint and strip any wax off.
Castrol Super Clean works magic under the hood.

I've never had any problems with dish soap but that's good to know.

[louis110]

I dont have a orbiter tool, but can drill with a extention and adaptor works?

For small areas sure, but for large surfaces I see that being a real pain the the butt and strain on your wrist.

[403SKYLINEGTT]

I saw a polisher at princess auto for $20 on sale :P ill get that.. thanks you guys

[cobrAA]

As an expert, i always find it slightly offensive when people think they can get with a detailing and a electric drill pad adapter...

TBH, to have a ''complete-decent'' kit your looking at 1000$. + 2 weeks of detailing forums and youtube video + the risk of burning your 25 yr old paint, damaging dried trims, engine hose, etc.

or... you can go see a pro who will do it for about 300-400$. detailing is like engine.. if you don't know whatyour doing, better get it done.

[403SKYLINEGTT]

As an expert, i always find it slightly offensive when people think they can get with a detailing and a electric drill pad adapter...

TBH, to have a ''complete-decent'' kit your looking at 1000$. + 2 weeks of detailing forums and youtube video + the risk of burning your 25 yr old paint, damaging dried trims, engine hose, etc.

or... you can go see a pro who will do it for about 300-400$. detailing is like engine.. if you don't know whatyour doing, better get it done.

Thats is why I search around and I found a polisher at princess auto and bought it. that was just an idea of using a drill, but of course I do not to use the god damn drill. I am no professional, hence I am here asking for advise, I also rather do it so I would know how to and share it with others, I would only go to a shop if the job requires it.

[cobrAA]

well, i will tell you one thing, if this polisher is anything like the simoniz at canadian tire, its totally useless and I wouldn't even bother trying to correct something with it. Not enought torque to work the machine. Only good for waxing and waxing with a rotary its the stupidiest thing in detailing lol

Anyways, good luck with your detailing !

[403SKYLINEGTT]

well, i will tell you one thing, if this polisher is anything like the simoniz at canadian tire, its totally useless and I wouldn't even bother trying to correct something with it. Not enought torque to work the machine. Only good for waxing and waxing with a rotary its the stupidiest thing in detailing lol

Anyways, good luck with your detailing !

Why are you so negative? Your a professional by trade and I am DIY person, maybe by you giving advise it would take away the purpose of your trade. If you could do a half decent job using a NON PROFESSIONAL TOOL then its good enough for me, and if youre saying that this polisher wont do a good job, then ill do it by hand it just mean it would double the time to finish the job.

[louis110]

Why are you so negative? Your a professional by trade and I am DIY person, maybe by you giving advise it would take away the purpose of your trade. If you could do a half decent job using a NON PROFESSIONAL TOOL then its good enough for me, and if youre saying that this polisher wont do a good job, then ill do it by hand it just mean it would double the time to finish the job.

Don't take it personally, he's french lol.

[403SKYLINEGTT]

Don't take it personally, he's french lol.

I am not hahahaha