Paint Work in Atlanta (wet sanding)

[Hatari]

Anyone had any (good) experience with having paint wet-sanded in the Atlanta area? I am looking to avoid another paint job. The car has plenty of clear on the top (painted with Diamont urethane base coat/clear coat). I'm actually considering tackling it myself... The worst that can happen is another paint job.

Photo of the car is below.
Jack

[JMatta]

Get yourself a porter-cable orbital; a fine polish will solve your problems and leave a brilliant shine to your paint. I watched the DVD on how to use the machine and it made me a believer. Plus, my 986S is black. The results are spectacular.

[ken_xman]

Just go chat with a couple body shops around you. Its easy for them, hard for a DIY. Its easy to sand and make new scratches too deep with comtaminants getting in between your paper and the clearcoat. A 911 has some tricky curves and tight corners. You need to know where the buffer will - and will not fit. Tight buffing corners can easily burn through paint. A good body guy should not take you to the cleaners on cost. I have done a decent amount of painting, and would hesitate to do the whole car. I did my 911 when adding the RUF parts and it was a pita.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally posted by JMatta
Get yourself a porter-cable orbital; a fine polish will solve your problems and leave a brilliant shine to your paint. I watched the DVD on how to use the machine and it made me a believer. Plus, my 986S is black. The results are spectacular.

Where can I see this DVD? I just bought the polishing heads for my Porter Cable and I want to get rid of some swirls from my black Dodge Ram Quadcab. Was planning on using 3M Machine Polish. Had also considered using Hand Glaze but obviously its for your HAND!... so I thought it would be too aggressive used with the machine.\

P.S. Ken, Very nice looking Targa. More pix?

[Hatari]

Thanks all...probably good advice on both counts (Porter Cable and bodyshop help).

I'll keep you posted on progress.

Jack

[mthomas58]

Major +1 on the porter cable random orbital. Have had great results with mine. Bought mine reconditioned for $69....my source is out on another post....under random orbital polishers.

Here's the source, but they've raised thier price to $109.

http://www.toolking.com/productinfo.aspx?productid=20801

[ken_xman]

The glazes typically have no abrasive. Machine glaze is designed to break down with heat from buffing. check this out for all you ever wanted to know.
http://www.autopia.org/

[rattlsnak]

We do all the time at the shop. It will run around 500-850ish depending on the condition. That will be wet sanding and buffing. The sanding part is critical. Too much and youre hosed. Youll be amazed on how it brings cars back to shine though.

No reason you couldnt try it yourself though.

[Elombard]

Hey Jack whats the specs on that car. Your cars are always amazing!

[Hatari]

Erik,
It's the 3.2 (PMOs, GE60 cams, etc.) from the white car you saw. I sold all my P-car inventory including that rolling chassis. All I have left is this silver car. It has all new suspension, interior, front oil cooler from Elephant racing. I have been upset with the paint and the car has not been out of the garage in months. Once the paint is straightened out, it's a driver.

Oh yeah, the seats are Recaro Sport Seat replicas from Italy...

Jack

[randywebb]

first use a cleaner/clay & wax -- if that does not work

- strip the wax wit dishwashing detergent & repeat using a filler chemical (e.g. Meguiars' ScratchX) then wax -- if that does not work...

- then & only then consider wet sanding -- be sure an expert does it

[TroyGT]

I actually have 1500 grit wet sanded my car with soaked paper and dishwashing soap with great results. I did this ever so lightly and then followed with some light compound by hand and then some 3m clearcoat polish for the final, also by hand. After that a good random orbital waxing with Black Magic... my results were very pleasing on my red paint. Granted... my finish wasn't concours when I started, but it sure looked 100 times better afterwards. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck with it.

-Troy

[ken_xman]

FYI There are compounds for buffing that can achieve 1500- 2000 grit, so you avoid the wet sanding step. try wheeling it out first.

[JMatta]

Go to this website...the DVD really taught me how to use the machine properly.

http://showcargarage.com/pc/