Compound

I am considering having the exterior of my Actic White 1991 350SD detailed. One option is to go to my local dealer (relatively expensive, but probably safest). The other is to go to a nearby hand car wash/detail shop. The latter wants to "compound" to car before waxing it. Is this advisable?

[JCE]

I guess that would depend on the condition of the paint. Compund, as I understand the use of the term, is usually for heavily oxidized, swirled, scratched paint, and is one step up from color sanding. Either way you are removing finish.

If you are into doing it yourself, buy a Porter Cable random orbital buffer for $130, 3 sets of pads at $10 each, and then follow the steps in Lee's Detailing FAQs under the DIY section. These gave me the best results consistent with removing the least finish. Start with the least abrasive product that does the job - you can always go more abrasive products.

Most of the Car wash detailers I have seen start with a quick-and-dirty abrasive that saves them surface prep time, then slap on a wax. Using the FAQs and Porter Cable, you can wash, clay, de-swirl, polish, and wax/zaino your car in 1/2 - 1 day, and it just gets better each time it is done.

Otherwise, go to the pros, and not necessarily the dealer. Even then, read the above FAQs so you can be informed when you ask them to describe each step of what he/she will do, what products they use, and for references. Have fun!

You have confirmed my suspicions (the car wash/detailer said he could be done with the compound/wax treatment in an hour, which I found suspect). I will look around NYC for professional detailers and/or go with the dealer.

Thanks for the advice.