bought a Daytona Blue 350Z in March and I do nothing but baby it. I have some minor swirls that I would like to get rid of and I am completely confused on what products to buy.

I used to own a Honda Accord and I frequently visited hondasociety.com. Scottwax used to rave about S100 so the last time I waxed the Z I followed this process:
Wash with Dawn
Apply S100 Paint Cleanser
3M Perfect-It Swirl Mark Remover
Apply S100 Carnauba Wax

I was happy with the results as far as the wax goes but the 3M didn't remove the swirl marks. I would like to keep the S100 products so I don't have to dish out more mulah and probably get a different compound or polish (whatever it is called).

I recently got a PC which I haven't used yet but I will be ordering the pads from the Autopia store. Can you recommend what products I need to accomplish my task?

Thanks!

 

I had some 55+ applications of "Zaino" Z2/Z5, but recently changed to "Autoglym" Body Shampoo, Resin Polish and Extra Gloss Protection. I find it easier to apply and remove. Plus, the shine is better and does not pick up as much road dust.

Autopia has it, but in smaller bottles than my supplier at approximately the same cost.

I will continue to use "Zaino" products for my leather and tires. As for drying towels: "Big Blue" at www.pakshak.com For applying and removing resin: www.dftowel.com

 

megs #80- 83(depending on how major your swirls are)...megs also sells a backing plate and pads kit for 30 bucks...maybe some clay..and your good to go...'cept save the dawn for the dishes...

car wash of our choice
clay
s100 paintwork cleanser
megs 80 series polishes (lowest # least agressive highest # more aggresive)
s100 wax

 

Also before the s100 wax you might want to add some Sealer/Glaze/Polish, there are verity of choices depending on what look you want, highly reflective or deep and wet. I've tried Megs #7 Polish and Mothers Sealer and Glaze, I prefer the mothers since it's a lot easier to use, it's also very wet and it lasts longer, #7 lasts only 2-3 days. Works well for me on silver. You might want to visit http://autopia.org to find the exact one you want. Just be warned that it's down quiet often.

 

I'm surprised by that. I messed up a spot on my Z and used the SMR on it and the fine scratches totally disappeared. Perhaps you didn't work it enough. Then again, I can't imagine doing the whole car by hand. I'd bet that was your problem.

 

DavesZ - Yeah the 3M stuff probabley didn't work very well because I did it by hand.

mrZeee - So I should start with #80 and if it doesn't help move to #83?

I'm problabley going to use these pads: http://autopia-carcare.com/tps-padkit-da.html

I'm assuming that:
White: S100 Cleanser
Orange: Megs #80/#83
Grey: S100 Wax

 

You should first try the least abbresive method, if that doesn't work step up to some thing more aggresive. So first try the polishes on the white pad, if that doesn't work, step up to orange pad. So first try #80 on white pad, if that doesn't work try #83 on white pad, if that doesn't work go to #83 on orange pad.

Also from what I've read the S100 Wax (I've never used it) is very easy on and off so there is no need to use it with PC and you can introduce swirls if some dirt gets in between the pad and the paint.

Also I've just double checked your process and you didn't include clay in there. It's good idea if you are going to use a PC, since it can brake dirt wich is stuck to the pain and introduce more unwanted swirls. So my process would be:

Car wash
Clay
Paint Cleaner
Polish
Sealer/Glaze - AIO (Something that will hide some swirls and imperfections)
S100 Wax

 

IMO,

wash
clay
83
80
81 (optional step for darker colored cars)
then 2 layers of NXT 12-24 hours apart

Hope this helps.