mx5cartalk.com

Hi guys,

I'm looking for someone who is good at taking swirl scratches (from previous owner) and minor scratches caused by a car cover, in SA. I have a 1998 NB in good condition, but it looks as if the previous owner put it through mechanical car washes, unfortunately.

Looking after your paintwork is a learning process that I'm still getting my head around. I leave my car on the street some nights when I'm at my girlfriend's house (no off-street there). The cover I use appears to slowly be leaving marks, despite it being a half-cover. It seems wherever it touches the paintwork, even if it's a clean car, gradual damage is almost unavoidable.

So today I made the decision to lose the cover, and rely on keeping it spray waxed (Optimum Car Wax) monthly, and soft-top protected (303 Aerospace). Does anyone have any tips to keep the paint and soft top protected? It's a daily drive, so I'm quite concerned about protecting it.

Any pro tips? the paint seems to scratch so easily.

Hugh.

Hey Hugh

im guessing its a dark coloured car?

I daily drive my car also, i work at the airport, so its gets covered in Jet Fuel and all other shiet. I do a full detail on my car twice a year, Ive got a rotary polisher (Das6 Pro) and use Meguires paint correction kit. It removes all the swirls and adds polish to the car.
I wash the car once a week to keep all the dirt at bay.

Good choice to loose the cover, it may keep the car clean but with a slight breeze its constantly rubbing against the paint.

just keep the car clean and give it a polish twice a year and you'll be all good.

With the soft top, i treated mine with the 303 about 4 months ago now, the water still beads off the roof, so no need to do it all the time


I did some paint correction on my black hardtop the other day, you can clearly see what has been corrected and what hasn't

Untitled by reggiewalker84, on Flickr

almost any professional detailer knows how to do this work. Just do go and see a few and get some quotes etc. Cost is not going to be all that high for a small car like and MX5. Washing cars is easy. I keep my car covered in a garage as it keep she dust down. If a cover is used outside it probably needs to be a good fit or tied etc. Most covers either have a elastic perimeter or tie points.

Hi Hugh,

I can highly recommend 'Elite Finish Automotive Detailing' in Somerton Park. They recently did a stage 1 correction and opti-coat gloss coat on my 2012 Subaru Impreza and the results are incredible. Looks much better than when I bought it new.
Be wary of many supposed 'professional' detailers. They often do more damage than good.
Good luck.
Cheers,

Dave

Hey mate,

+1 For Hamish @ Elite Finish. He does great work.

In terms of car care, your wash method is the most important to avoid scratches. Use the two bucket method to wash your car and only use good quality equipment such as microfibre mitts, pH neutral soap, a grit guard and a microfibre drying towel.

I'm a professional detailer in VIC and I give all my clients this kit for maintenance:

- 2 Buckets
- 1 Grit Guard
- 1 Aquatouch Microfibre Wash Mitt
- 1 Aquatouch Plush Microfibre Drying Towel
- 1 500ml Concours Snow Shampoo

Your current regime is pretty good. Optimum Spray Wax contains plenty of UV inhibitors and 303 Aerospace is one of the best top protectants I know of. However, the more you apply something to paint, the more swirls you will inflict. Perhaps try a longer-term protectant such as HD Nitro Seal. The gloss is amazing and lasts approx. 12 months (even more if you top it with HD Poxy).

If you have any other questions let me know.

Cheers,
JJ