Lee- I'm sorry to ask what might seem like stupid questions, but I'm going to ask them anyway. I've been doing fairly well on the local Concours circuit using my old knowledge and skills. I've managed two seconds, and a third in the three events that I have entered,it would have been three seconds but for a problem at one of the events(re. Paint smell). I've gone your route with the Meguires products and have noticed an impressive improvement, but I still have questions.
(1) How much pressure should be applied when using #7? Do I use it like polishing compound, or apply it like wax?
(2) Does #7 get linear application and removal in the same direction, or 90deg. removal?
I've got more questions but I don't want to hog more space then I already have.

Bruce,

I hope Lee doesn't mind my two cents (again!)

Since your showing your car at concours events, I was wondering if you used Meguairs Gold Class Wax. I think you would be very happy with the results. Gold Class gives the paint that real "wet look". The Gold Class Swirl reducer/prep is like a mixture of #7 & #9.

Lee, I just started using that Slick Stuff product from The WaxShop and your right it does leave a nice gloss. I like it better than #34. Although I'm not sure if it's better that Meguiars Quick Detailer product.
What do you think of that product?, other than you can't paint over it....

Best of Luck Bruce!

Keep up the great work Lee!

Mike

------------------
1986 300E 138k
MBCA Concours Judge
Board Member -
Western Reserve Section

Bruce,
Congratulations on your Concours placings. I'd be happy to help with any questions, if you learn something they are not stupid questions. I'm glad we have been of help.

When applying #7 to a finish that is in good shape. (I assume yours is given your concours placings) Use light pressure and linear strokes. Work one body panel at a time. Apply with linear strokes, remove in sort of a "quick once over" linearly, then flip the rag and get it 100% using linear strokes. By focusing on one panel at a time you can take your time and get things right without having to worry about things on the rest of the finish. If there are spots that give a bit more friction, then those are your potential trouble spots. Use more pressure, but no more than absolutly necessary. Use more pressure and bear down if you have to, but keep EVEN pressure. When your done removing, the rag should have a fairly even spread of gunk on it, if the gunk is on less than 10% of the rag you need to work on your technique.

I have used an orbital with #7 and I can't say that it does any better than smart linear manual strokes. If your using #9 then a buffer is a help...but I can get as good a results as what #7 is designed to deal with by hand. By "linear" I mean: as straight as possible, parallel to the direction air travels over the car while in motion.

Hope this helps, if we can help with anything else just ask...Lee

Thanks Mike!

"I like it better than #34. Although I'm not sure if it's better that Meguiars Quick Detailer product.".....Actually #34 and "Quick Detailer" are the same stuff. Once instance where the Meguiar's Pro and Mainstream lines intersect. The sprayer on the "Quick Detailer" is much improved over the #34 but the liquid is the same. (or so I'm told, it sure looks/acts/smells the same)

Whatever works best for you...Lee

ytown - Yes I used the Meguires Gold Wax prior to this last concours, and there is a noticeable difference. The car is an SLK, with 15K on the dial, and is in pretty good shape considering I drive it every day it isn't raining, and I autocross it.
Lee - Thanks, I have been doing things as you indicated, with the proper results. It's really great to have people available who know what they are doing, and are willing to share their knowledge. Now comes the fun part,trying to find "Slick Stuff" in the Washington, D.C. area, although it sounds like "Quick Detailer" is about as good. My car is Silver and I guess that's why I don't see the swirls everybody is complaining about.
Thanks guys.