Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Paint restoration$$

I recently used what many detailers call a wax spreader, the orbital buffers with bonnets, on my Toyota. It looks ok, but I really wanted to make it pop. I also will hopefully be getting very close to start my facelift to the Bonnie.
so in prep, and that fact that I dont want to pay someone else to do it, I have been researching the basics for what I need to get a good start up kit. This is not including the new compressor or paint/temp paint booth. I have watched just about 20 or so different YT vids to show me ideas and some new things I didnt know.
Here is my list:

Garry Dean's Infinite Use Detail Juice, 8Oz makes 3.5 gallons.
3M Perfect-It III Cleaner Clay - 38070
3M Rubbing Compound 05973
3M Perfect-It 3000 Machine Polish 32 oz.
3M Perfect-It 3000 Ultrafine Machine Polish 16 oz. - 39062
3M Perfect-It Show Car Liquid Wax 16 oz. - 39026
6" Chicago Electric Platinum
Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher
Chemical Guys BUFLC_BP_DA_5 - Dual-Action Hook & Loop Molded Urethane Flexible Backing Plate (5 Inch)
Chemical Guys HEX_3KIT_5 - Hex-Logic 5.5" Buffing Pad Sampler Kit (4 Items) (x2)
Wall mart Microtex Platinum XL Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, 15pk (x2)
Microtex Platinum XL Wash Pad
Foam Pad Conditioning Brush
Snappy Clean Pad Cleaning Powder (3 Pack) (x3)
2 5 galon buckets
My grand total +/- is $330.00

Im thinking not too bad. If I went cheep on the buffing wheels I could save 10 bucks, but Ill stick to some good stuff there. Im going cheep on the Micro Fiber cloth. After doing some more research I didnt see much differance. I do want to find a few waffle weave M/F towels though.

Im figuring 300 on a new compressor
120 for temp paint booth
and 150 for paint and related stuff I still need.
80 for powdercoating my pipes
and my list for hard parts for the bike:
chain / sprockets
New bars and green grips from bella course
seat gell and foam. have it put in.
have valves checked and carb ballanced
wheel bearings (wheels will be off so why not, its 10 yrs old)

Now I just hope our contract gets radified so I can actually make all this happen!
( if this needs moved to a diff topic box I understand LOLOL)

Sounds like a good plan. Still gonna use green with gold flake?
BTW may want to add new tires to that list, I'm sure those Shinko's are almost toasted. LOL.

Thats the plan. Im not actually sure what color the flake will be. its what ever is in the can, though I did think of a layer of clear with it on top and then coats of plain. but I want to use that prism coat, so maybe ill stick to not overdoing it. I am going to use the retro heavy silver flake on the silver part of the tank. Hey you leave my Tires out of this! LOLOL btw they are doing really good.

Thats one hell of a plan for a face lift there bro. The only advice I can give is; be patient take it slow. Rushing steps wil ruin one faster than anything else.

Yep Chad, dont I know it. I actually do pretty good with paint and stuff. It will feel really great though to add my project to the Customs section after 9 years. But of course its really going to hinge on If we strike or not. This is all bonus $$ to make it happen. HERE IS THE BEST PART, IM GOING TO GIVE MOMMA 2500 SO SHE CAN GET THE BATHROOM REDONE. So If momma is happy, then I can do my stuff w/ out any hassel

If you're going for the best finish then you should consider the new polymer sealant technologies. My research on detailing freaks forums resulted with this best-of recommendation:
Optimum Opti-Seal
It lasts about 6 months compared to about 6 weeks for wax based polishes. Used in conjunction with carnuba wax (still the best wax finish) it gives the best looks and longevity. Super easy to apply and can be applied under or on top of the wax because it will migrate to below the wax.

thats cool. im still on the fence at that point of the show. imactually looking at Lava. http://www.chemicalguys.com/Lava_Luminous_Glow_Infusion_Epic_Shine_Formula_p/wac_310.htm
but its pricy and i still am not sure if I need to seal it or wax it. (a actually kinda like waxing and polishing my bike so frequency is not a real issue.

OH Chad, I forgot to mention its also for my Toyota Camery, Honda Fit, and the 73 Bug. The bug will be getting painted eventually, The other two just need some age buffed out. In the long run its cheeper than paying a detail shop who will more than likely use a AIO (all in one) product with out clay bar and still charge at least 100 bucks. The last place I went was using OTC stuff from Wall mart for wax and polish. I was a bit mystified. At least now I know why his prices were low. the other place in town is only a bit more inpressive and cost more. Its more of a hang out for all his buddies to grill and drink after hours. Yep I want that bbq smoke on my paint when he is only 1/2 done with a job LOLOLO.
I think I can get the results I want with the right tools.(and it builds upthe garage and potential for side work)

I was intrigued and I liked what Lava had to say about their product, but the reviews don't agree.

Just found this review at autogeek forum on Lava Luminous Glow.

Unfortunately its a pretty bad revue.

After buffing use some talcum powder with the buffer and you will get a mirror finish.( I think you can also use corn starch but not sure, I know there is something else that does the same)

We use talcum powder for the final hand polish on our polished stainless steel exhausts at the factory where I work. Didn't know I could be used on paint but it makes sense.

Well it seem I wont be getting that initial bonus $$$ Its all in the news. but we rejected a POS contract but not to strike. So at least Im working, not walking. The Detroit guns are coming in now.
I hope we still eventually get a deacent bonus.
I did buy an E-Book from Auto Geek. The art of detailing by Mike Phillips. Learning a whole lot of stuff now.

I bought a Gloss Haus kit a few years back. I've been pleased with the results. It seemed a little pricey at the time but it seems to have come with enough supplies to seemingly last forever, so it works out.