You Have a Bad Scratch? I Have a Solution!

[Junkman2008]

...with the help of Adam's Polishes! :thumbsup:

Okay boys and girls, another one from the desk of The Junkman. A friend of mine showed up in her 2002 Black Corvette Coupe with what appeared to be the damage caused by a truck which had backed up onto her front bumper. The damage was deep and nasty. I washed the bumper and dried it off just so that I could get a clean look at how much damage was actually there. Here's what I was looking at:

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vondavette1.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vondavette2.jpg


Here's a short video of the same damage:


Initial Scratch


As you can see, this was not going to be a walk in the park. :willy: Armed with my Batman utility belt filled with various Adam's products, I confidently stepped up to the plate! :pc:


Step 1. The first thing I did was wash the bumper so that I could see what damage was actually done. The next thing I did was claybarred the bumper in order to remove any impurities in the paint. Remember, the prep is the key to the success that you will see when the work is done. This Vette is a daily driver and is not garaged so my final goal was not perfection, it was to make the bumper appear to have never been hit at all.

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vondavette3.jpg

Here's video of me hitting the bumper with Adam's Detail Clay Bar (http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-36-adams-detailing-clay-bar.aspx).


Claying The Bumper Video


A funny side note: After I dried the car off from the clay bar work, my friend gasped and then stated with concern in her voice that the scratch was still there. Since I hadn't done anything to remove the scratch up to that point, it was still supposed to be there. I said to her, "Ye of little faith need to remain in the boat." She being of strong religious conviction, immediately got my joke and laughed. Those of you who don't get it didn't pay attention in Sunday school! http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/smileys/lol.gif

Step 2. The next thing I did was hit the bumper with some Adam's Swirl and Haze Car Polish (SHR) (http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-97-adams-swirl-haze-remover-car-polish.aspx), a Adam's Orange Dual-Action Swirl Killer Pad (http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-334-adams-dual-action-swirl-killer-pad.aspx), and some Adam's Detail Spray (http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-45-adams-detail-spray.aspx).

In an earlier thread that I posted (http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1829&highlight=junkman), I talked about using detail spray on different pads along with SHR. The premise was that you could adjust the cutting action of a pad/polish combo by adding detail spray to the pads (thus thinning out the SHR). In this case I used a wet orange pad (pad sprayed down with detail spray), because I didn't feel that this situation warranted the need for the full cutting action of a dry orange pad.

I basically made two passes over the bumper with this combination. After wiping the bumper down, I took some pictures of the bumper up to that point:

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vondavette4.jpg


Step 3. I finished the job up with a coat of Adam's Fine Machine Car Polish (http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-140-adams-fine-machine-car-polish.aspx). Took a few more pictures too! Again, this is a daily driver which is not garage kept. Although that is the case, you can see that the job turned out pretty nice. The little imperfections that you see in the pictures below are actually things being reflected off my garage wall.

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vondavette5.jpg

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/vondavette6.jpg


The right products with a little know how goes a long way. :seeya:

The Junkman

[TERMINATOR101CA]

Oh great ......a :troll:

[Hypnotiq]

Wow... good job. Looks great! I have a small scuff like that on my rear bumper.. Gonna try that later this week. Ill let you know how it pans out.

[Junkman2008]

Oh great ......a :troll:

Now why would you say that? Isn't this the detailing section? Don't we all want our cars to be scratch free? Although you may not appreciate the advice, there are some here who may find it useful. Adam's offers the members here a discount on their products. I'd like to help those smart enough to take advantage of that.

Wow... good job. Looks great! I have a small scuff like that on my rear bumper.. Gonna try that later this week. Ill let you know how it pans out.


Good to hear! Let me know if I can help in any way.

[speepdaedeesi]

Oh great ......a :troll:

i actually thought that myself....i was leary after seeing in his intro thread post that he doesnt own a lh..

googled his sn to see if he had a habit of joining any other forums and promoting the same products... but it seems hes just a really helpful guy lol.

judging by his sig and his mustache he is retired military.. and judging by his posts in the vette, c5, and youtube areas... hes devoted to detailing... and eating good lol.

i think we have a legend on our hands here, judging by his product knowledge in his youtube vids, and other forum posts.

awesome if you ask me.

[Junkman2008]

i actually thought that myself....i was leary after seeing in his intro thread post that he doesnt own a lh..

googled his sn to see if he had a habit of joining any other forums and promoting the same products... but it seems hes just a really helpful guy lol.

judging by his sig and his mustache he is retired military.. and judging by his posts in the vette, c5, and youtube areas... hes devoted to detailing... and eating good lol.

i think we have a legend on our hands here, judging by his product knowledge in his youtube vids, and other forum posts.

awesome if you ask me.

Thanks mate, and thanks for doing the research! I love cars and although I can't own all the cars I like, I like to help those who have the cars I like. Ain't nothing like seeing a clean ride rolling in traffic. I spend a lot of time on various forums helping those out in the detailing section. Same screen name, same demeanor, same signature. I help where I can.

And you're right, I am former military. The Germans called us devil dogs, our title is Marine.

http://www.pc-surgeon.net/images/cforum/corvette_blues.jpg

[SErious300M]

Thanks for the help! I got a scratch this winter and this is just what I need to do to get rid of it! Cheers!

[Khrizz07]

Nice job on it, my car is white and the damage is not in white, :) but it's in brown and all other colors, it is great count with these kind of products.

[Junkman2008]

Nice job on it, my car is white and the damage is not in white, :) but it's in brown and all other colors, it is great count with these kind of products.

You'll be surprised at how easy it is to get rid of that rash. Do you have a picture of the damage? Maybe I can assist in getting rid of it.

[wb6vpm]

sweeet....

[OneSpecialM]

I need to try some of this Adam's Polishes stuff. I use Griot's now but I keep hearing good things about Adams.

[Junkman2008]

I need to try some of this Adam's Polishes stuff. I use Griot's now but I keep hearing good things about Adams.

Remember to use your forum discount. See the sticky at the top of the detailing section. :yes:

[IS300M]

The only product that I buy from Adam's is their Swirl and Haze Remover. It works for getting rid of, Paint Transfers, Scuff Marks, and Fine to Moderate Scratches. While the rest of their products work well, they do not last long enough in my book.

[W3ap0n-X]

Impressive work on that Corvette clear coat. I would swear that stuff is made out of some new space-age clear steel.

I don't promote Adam's products since a combination of products from different brands can be found that perform the same or better for more reasonable prices but Adam's does seem to have great customer support and a friendly staff.

IS300M mentioned product longevity. I too am curious about the length of time that will pass before the fillers in the Adam's polish are gone.

[Junkman2008]

Impressive work on that Corvette clear coat. I would swear that stuff is made out of some new space-age clear steel...

Only someone who has dealt with the Corvette clear knows that! You must have experience!

I have not seen any issues with the longevity of Adam's polishes. I have used Zaino and Meguiar's and among the three, they lasted just as long as the other. At the same time, my car does not see inclement weather so maybe my opinion isn't realistic.

[Gorm]

The only product that I buy from Adam's is their Swirl and Haze Remover. It works for getting rid of, Paint Transfers, Scuff Marks, and Fine to Moderate Scratches. While the rest of their products work well, they do not last long enough in my book.

Exactly...I do like their polishing materials. When coated with a nicer wax, they look awesome.

Products like their VRT though come off almost the next day.

[IntrepidBus IV]

nice work junkman!

[bld 25]

nice work! Like others have said, those may be some nice polishes, but there are a lot of other products that will do well also. when you get to the Zymol, Zaino, Adams, and even high end Meguire's level, it becomes personal preference in many ways. Good know how is more important.

[IntrepidBus IV]

I still have a bucket of adams products I didn't get a chance to crack open yet!

[Patel.748]

nice work! Like others have said, those may be some nice polishes, but there are a lot of other products that will do well also. when you get to the Zymol, Zaino, Adams, and even high end Meguire's level, it becomes personal preference in many ways. Good know how is more important.

From my personal experiece Zaino will smash any of the other products. It's just on another tier.....money wise as well.

[W3ap0n-X]

Only someone who has dealt with the Corvette clear knows that! You must have experience!

I have not seen any issues with the longevity of Adam's polishes. I have used Zaino and Meguiar's and among the three, they lasted just as long as the other. At the same time, my car does not see inclement weather so maybe my opinion isn't realistic.

I do have a bit of experience. It's funny that Mercedes came out with their Ceramiclear technology and I find the clear on Corvettes to be just as much a pain. I use Menzerna polishes (and Hi-Temp extreme cut leveler when there is just WAY too much orange peel or some other craziness going on). I tend to stay away from products with fillers in them.

I also worry about people not having hands-on experience when learning detailing. I definitely don't want people on this forum to start going to town on their cars with a sander that has a polishing pad glued to it. Start slow...work upward.

[Junkman2008]

I always tell novices to start with a PC-7424 on their wife or girlfriend's hooptie. Never learn on your pride and joy. My father did body work for 40 years. You would think that I would be an expert by now but nooooo...... I was too busy playing with the guard dogs. I had to teach myself what I know. :(

[Sneke_Eyez]

PC7424 FTW!
Just got one for Christmas, along with the Detailer's Paradise pad set for it!

[00R/T]

I need to get an Adam's pad adapter for my 7424. I bought a bunch of their old pads before they went to the new ones but they were out of the adapters and now I can't find one.

[IntrepidBus IV]

Oh yeah, and I have a few burn marks on the iBus (ventvisors/spoiler) from rushing it last time. Patience and plenty of free time on hand is key too. LOL

[Khrizz07]

You'll be surprised at how easy it is to get rid of that rash. Do you have a picture of the damage? Maybe I can assist in getting rid of it.

Let me take a picture today of all the damage is in car and I will upload it tomorrow.
Thanks,

[02Onyx]

Thanks for the info Junkman!

I have a pretty nasty scratch that goes through the paint on my front bumper. I think i'm going to try filling it with touch up paint and wetsanding it to be flush with the existing paint. If that doesn't work, bodyshop here I come.

[Junkman2008]

Thanks for the info Junkman!

I have a pretty nasty scratch that goes through the paint on my front bumper. I think i'm going to try filling it with touch up paint and wetsanding it to be flush with the existing paint. If that doesn't work, bodyshop here I come.

Before you do that, Look at Dr. ColorChip (http://www.drcolorchip.com/) and The Langka Systems (http://www.langka.com/chip-scratch-repair-c-21.html). I have experience with the Langka product and it works. The only drawback to it is that you have to follow the directions TO THE LETTER which may mean working on a chip for over a week. The reason is, you may have to build up a scratch or chip over a week before it is noticeably fixed (you have to wait 24 hours between applications). This can really stretch the repair out over time but the results are remarkable. This is for chips and scratches that are through the clear coat or through the clear coat and paint.

I have not used the Dr ColorChip but have seen rave reviews about it. It sounds like you can't loose with it and it is a lot quicker and easier to use from what I've heard. The method you saw me use in the video will work if the scratches are not too deep, or as in my subject's case, you are not looking for perfection.

I would never recommend wet sanding if you have never done it before. It takes a whole lot of practice to do it right without going through the clear and paint (or to be able to do it without a paint thickness gauge). These two systems that I have recommended are a lot safer and would be the route that I would suggest first. Wet sanding should be your last resort.

[Junkman2008]

I need to get an Adam's pad adapter for my 7424. I bought a bunch of their old pads before they went to the new ones but they were out of the adapters and now I can't find one.

You know... it just so happens that I not only have one, but I also have the key for changing the pad plate and a carrying case for the buffer. New and never used (someone stole my buffer after ordering these parts :(). PM me if interested.

[inthetundra]

Nice job

[dudley]

From my personal experiece Zaino will smash any of the other products. It's just on another tier.....money wise as well.

your not the only one I hear this from. I have yet to see it anywhere though.

[Trepping_RT]

I like the job you did thats pretty sweet !

[Patel.748]

your not the only one I hear this from. I have yet to see it anywhere though.

My neighbor down the cul-de-sac swears by this stuff. He put some on my hood and the sheeting action was amazing. Their other products are amazing as well.

[Patel.748]

Double Post! Oops!

[avene1984]

Wow that stuff is awsome !!!!! I need to see if I can get some and set to work on the Black LS of mine :)

[Junkman2008]

Wow that stuff is awsome !!!!! I need to see if I can get some and set to work on the Black LS of mine :)

Since I made this thread, they have come out with a new paste wax. This stuff is unreal. It called Americana Wax and I plan on doing a thread showing what it can do. I have used a lot of good products on the market but Adam's products along with their customer support is what sets them above any manufacturer I seen or dealt with.

[kimura]

Wow! That's very impressive. I wonder if it could help salvage my paint...

[Junkman2008]

Wow! That's very impressive. I wonder if it could help salvage my paint...

Be sure and take a look at this thread (http://www.lhforums.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11727). :sifone:

[kimura]

Quite impressive.

[300maximilien]

My neighbor down the cul-de-sac swears by this stuff. He put some on my hood and the sheeting action was amazing. Their other products are amazing as well.

I used to use Zaino back in the day. Many on the 300site swear by it. I must admit is does amazing work and once you get the coats on it last foreveh!


P.S
Nice work as usual AJ

[Junkman2008]

I used to use Zaino back in the day. Many on the 300site swear by it. I must admit is does amazing work and once you get the coats on it last foreveh!


P.S
Nice work as usual AJ

Thanks man! I like Zaino too but man, you have to do a lot more work to get to that shine. Adam's products can get you there in a fraction of the time.

[Patel.748]

Thanks man! I like Zaino too but man, you have to do a lot more work to get to that shine. Adam's products can get you there in a fraction of the time.

True, but with one layer of Zaino the sheeting action puts multiple layers of Adam's to shame.

[Junkman2008]

True, but with one layer of Zaino the sheeting action puts multiple layers of Adam's to shame.

I would have to strongly disagree. With all the use I put Zaino through, I don't see it being any better than Adam's or Meguiar's. As a matter of fact, the only difference between the three that I saw was how they were applied. Adam's is definitely ahead in that aspect.

[Patel.748]

I would have to strongly disagree. With all the use I put Zaino through, I don't see it being any better than Adam's or Meguiar's. As a matter of fact, the only difference between the three that I saw was how they were applied. Adam's is definitely ahead in that aspect.

I'll have to agree with you on the application process.

[kimura]

I have a question. In your guide you used Adam's Orange Dual-Action Swirl Killer Pad, will that attach to an orbital buffer? And if not can you recommend something that will?

[Junkman2008]

I have a question. In your guide you used Adam's Orange Dual-Action Swirl Killer Pad, will that attach to an orbital buffer? And if not can you recommend something that will?

The polisher I'm using in my videos IS a orbital buffer!

[kimura]

LOL oh. I haven't watched the video so I was just going by buffer pictured on Adam's site. My fault. :P

[Junkman2008]

LOL oh. I haven't watched the video so I was just going by buffer pictured on Adam's site. My fault. :P

That's the same one I'm using in the videos!

[Drew07]

wow that stuff really works