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Junkman's, How To Restore Your Finish - The Videos


Junkman2008

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The title says it all folks. In this 10 video series (1 hour and 18 minutes), you will witness me using various Adam's products to restore half of the hood on my 1979 Chevy El Camino. This car has not been washed in over two years. I usually let the rain take care of the dirt and it shows. This car is my daily driver and usually sits outside year round in the elements (that's 4 seasons in the state of Kentucky).

 

I have used the hood of this car for everything including cleaning my Corvette floor mats, various bench projects and as a storage area for my bar-b-que cook outs. It works as a good ladder in the garage too! Basically, every kind of abuse that a car's finish can see has been seen by this hood. If I can bring the shine back from the dead using Adam's products on this finish, your cars should be a walk in the park.

 

One important thing to note. This is the way I do things and is not a set in stone template of what you have to do. This is more of a documentation for folks who have little to no experience in professional paint care, and are looking for a direction to go in order to get started. You should use this as a foundation to learn about the products used in the video, but feel free to deviate as you become more familiar with the Adam's line. As you become more experienced, you may want to add to or take away from my process to make it more that of your very own. You can also feel free to do just as I do, as you will witness from the videos is a very effective method in restoring a superb shine.

 

I will add some text before each video which will be very important for you to read before watching the video. This should clear up any confusion that may occur from watching a particular video.

 

With that said, get your 3D glasses on and sit back in your easy chair. A "Junkman in His Garage Production" is about to spill onto your screen.

 

Hide the women and children. lol.gif

 

paint_restore_pic.jpg

 

 

 

Here are the videos!

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWlpT_QMGCU&feature=plcp&context=C35c9b29UDOEgsToPDskLLpdymruzWtxA32mMwesCL]Part 1 - Adam's Polishes Intro - YouTube[/ame]

 

Just what is says!

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pq8IiDLAxY&feature=plcp&context=C331f4c9UDOEgsToPDskKOdWHXLHjnxeDJm1XU-2Es]Part 3 - Rinse & Paint Inspection - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I rinse off the big dirt and dust. This is the very first thing you should do when washing the car. As I inspect the paint, you will actually hear the grit in the paint as I rub my hands across it. Normally, you never want to do this to your finish as any kind of rubbing on the car with your hands will cause immediate scratches. Since the paint on this car was in such bad shape, I did it for demonstration purposes only. Once your paint has been corrected, never do this or allow folks to do this to your paint.

 

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHS9_6ycJuA&feature=plcp&context=C32ffa1aUDOEgsToPDskJONpytc8GSoHp7X7JfHfft]Part 4 - Clay Bar & Foam Gun Discussion - YouTube[/ame]

 

This video shows the technique used to determine if your finish needs to be clayed. A vehicle that resides in a garage is NOT going to have to be clayed as often as one that sits outside all year. Thus, claying is not a necessary step of paint correction unless it fails the clay bar test.

 

This video also discusses and demonstrates the use of the foam gun. As stressed in the video, the foam gun is not a high pressure device that blast dirt off the car. It is a device that soaks the car down with foam, which loosen the dirt and makes it safe to remove without scratching the finish.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc8InoK9zpE&feature=plcp&context=C3554376UDOEgsToPDskLGEQafCNmUcU5-M_8jZh8J]Part 5 - Two Bucket Wash & Claying - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I discuss the practice of using 2 buckets to wash your car, utilizing the Grit Guard system. I also demonstrate and talk about the proper way to clay your finish.

 

One thing that I forgot to show in this video is my drying technique. What I usually do after washing the car is disconnect the spray nozzle and turn the water down to a slow flow. I run that over the car which causes all of the water to pool and run off the car. Once most of the water has done this, I use a leaf blower to blow it dry. I then finish up with a microfiber towel if necessary.

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnPEYo6_3ZI&feature=plcp&context=C3b5c037UDOEgsToPDskIoMMfl02FSLV_eq2IZVTyV]Part 6 - Claying Inspection, PC & SHR Discussion - YouTube[/ame]

 

 

In this video, I inspect the results of my claying. I also assemble my PC and discuss the use of the PC and Adam's Swirl and Haze Remover (SHR) as compared to Adam's Fine Machine Polish (FMP).

 

Important Note: In my experience up to this point with using both the SHR and FMP, I have found that FMP did more to remove swirls and scratches than SHR. This is in direct conflict to what is stated in the Adam's website, and in the makeup of both products. In fact, the SHR is actually the more aggressive compound when you look at the molecule makeup. You should thus ALWAYS follow SHR with FMP. The reason I may have experienced different results could have been due to a multitude of factors including temperature, the condition or hardness of the clear coat that I was dealing with, or the amount of damage that I perceived was on the car.

 

With that said, you should follow the posted information on the website and assume that the SHR is more aggressive than the FMP. If in your comparisons you experience something similar to what I did, post your experiences here. Normal use according to the posted instructions will have you follow SHR with FMP, in order to lessen the damage done by SHR. You can try my technique, but you should follow Adam's instructions if you don't have the success that I did. Remember, Adam knows his products in a whole lot more detail than I do! The more I use them, the more I learn and thus my process will constantly evolve and improve.

 

Another thing that I did in this video which is not the norm is the amount of product that I used. Normally, I would have used half of the amount that you will see in the very last shot of the video. If I was in direct sunlight or if the surface of the car was hot, that amount of SHR would have created a stubborn mess. However, I was indoors on a cool night which are the conditions where I have had the most amount of success when correcting paint on a car. Because of those conditions, I was able to use more product and work the product longer which cut down on the amount of passes that I had to make. Do not use that much product unless the conditions are ideal for you to get away with it. Outside in your driveway on a hot summer day IS NOT the right condition.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMbZN6aaerg&feature=plcp&context=C32cd193UDOEgsToPDskKtN-woZvNUbDOwpCBt5Gq5]Part 7 - Applying Polish with The PC - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I address how to apply polish with respect to technique and pressure. Working with polishes using the PC should be done at no higher a setting than 5. If you go higher, you need to be experienced in knowing when the product has completely broken down, which it will do much faster. If not, you will end up doing more damage to the finish than correcting. Working at a speed higher than 5 also makes the PC vibrate quite noticeably.

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAZI8VeIGio&feature=plcp&context=C3ff34eaUDOEgsToPDskL_cpCa7d0Utey5BgpeDFUv]Part 8 - Polishing Inspection and Discussion - YouTube[/ame]

 

In this video, I inspect my polishing and discuss my results. I also recap my process thus far.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlXJQR5ge9s&feature=plcp&context=C3a9ce59UDOEgsToPDskI-mGyU7i84qtjHHHX8Ds1z]Part 9 - Laying the Machine Superwax - YouTube[/ame]

 

Just what it says. I apply the machine Superwax, let it dry and wipe it off. I then inspect it in detail. One thing to note, I used more product than normal because of the condition of the paint. You will probably not be restoring paint on a car in this condition and thus, should only use as much product as the instructions call for. This was a unique situation that called for a little bit of an unorthodox approach.

 

 

 

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-5gvQtXVL8&feature=plcp&context=C3a391a4UDOEgsToPDskKSydLUHnV1okelw-1ooSXQ]Part 10 - The Conclusion - YouTube[/ame]

 

I recap the entire process as I do it. Again, my way is NOT the only way, nor is it set in stone. As I improve and become more familiar with Adam's products, my technique will probably change. This however, should give you a foundation to start creating a process that works for you. Experience is the key. The more you use these products, the better your results will be.

 

 

 

 

Some photos from the experience:

 

 

meano_dirty_before.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before1.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before2.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before3.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before4.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before8.jpg

 

meano_dirty_before9.jpg

 

meano_compare.jpg

 

 

 

That's it boys and girls. Feel free to give me your input and question anything that you saw. All suggestions or questions are welcome so ask away!

 

The Junkman :thumbsup:

Edited by Junkman2008
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Hey Junkman, just started watching your video's and just wanted to say thanks. You saved my PC, totally did not see the washer and of course I just glanced at the instructions. The washer is on and the instructions are being read. I am ready for this weekend. Thanks again, going back to finish the videos.

 

Don't forget the part about the bigger gauge extension cord!

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I believe the PC has an 18 gauge cord, but I didn't have my glasses on when I read the cord and can't verify that online. You may want to add the cord size to the write-up since it is important to use a smaller number/higher gauge extension cord (as you mention). :pc:

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And now a question: if I'm working on removing a scratch, say 6 inches long, how much product (SHR only) should I put on the pad? In the video's you mentioned that you were using more product than usual and were doing an entire panel. I know it's a learning process, but wanted to get a reference point before I start next time.

 

Thanks, Mike.

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And now a question: if I'm working on removing a scratch, say 6 inches long, how much product (SHR only) should I put on the pad? In the video's you mentioned that you were using more product than usual and were doing an entire panel. I know it's a learning process, but wanted to get a reference point before I start next time.

 

Thanks, Mike.

 

Use half of what I used. Remember, you may have to do an area MULTIPLE times before all of the scratches and swirls are removed. Also, any scratch that is through the clear coat will require more than just polish to fix.

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Outstanding videos! I don't think you left anything to question. I've been using the PC for over four years and still got good ideas from your video. For example, I gotta try taking off that handle to maybe improve the spinning action. I'm thinking the uneven pressure may be keeping the pad from spinning effectively at lower PC RPMs. I think I'll have to try that foam sprayer too. Thank you for your time and effort.

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Outstanding videos! I don't think you left anything to question. I've been using the PC for over four years and still got good ideas from your video. For example, I gotta try taking off that handle to maybe improve the spinning action. I'm thinking the uneven pressure may be keeping the pad from spinning effectively at lower PC RPMs. I think I'll have to try that foam sprayer too. Thank you for your time and effort.

 

We all learn from one another. I'm sure you got a few tricks up your sleeve that you could show me! :2thumbs:

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I believe the PC has an 18 gauge cord, but I didn't have my glasses on when I read the cord and can't verify that online. You may want to add the cord size to the write-up since it is important to use a smaller number/higher gauge extension cord (as you mention). :pc:
Yep 18 gauge. I think my extension cord is only 16 gauge, and I tried looking on Lowes'/Home Depot's websites for anything higher but to no avail :(
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Yep 18 gauge. I think my extension cord is only 16 gauge, and I tried looking on Lowes'/Home Depot's websites for anything higher but to no avail :(

 

I must be lucky. I found a 100' 14 gauge extension cord for $39! They were on sale and they had a bunch of them.

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It was a local store in my neighborhood called Value Tools, Inc. They sell a ton of Makita products and is also a authorized service center for Flex. I had mine repaired for free there and saw the extension chords along with a ton of other stuff I want to buy. Their prices were ridiculously low on everything. They are a mom and pop shop I think because they do no advertising on the Internet.

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I thought you used the PC AJ?

That really is a good deal on cords though. When we buy cords in bulk (well I guess we also have our names printed on them) they are still like 35 bucks a piece. They are 100' too and now that i think about it they must be 14 gauge.

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I like to use the PC in my videos that I post because I want novice detailing members here to see exactly what they can do with a polisher that is SAFE to use. I would NOT tell a novice to pick up a Flex. I am comfortable using one because I cut my teeth on the PC for so long.

 

Since Adam's offers the PC, I don't want people to think that they need a Flex to get the results that I get.

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I gotcha. I actually see a lot of people saying that a Flex is safe for total novices. I am here to say that is wrong. I would almost say that a Flex is closer to a rotary than it is to a PC. I have been thinking about buying one but really can't justify that cost.

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I gotcha. I actually see a lot of people saying that a Flex is safe for total novices. I am here to say that is wrong. I would almost say that a Flex is closer to a rotary than it is to a PC. I have been thinking about buying one but really can't justify that cost.

 

The cost of the Flex is what is saving a lot of novices from screwing up their paint.

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Awesome videos, awesome results! :rockon:

 

Thanks for making this series, Junkman. I watched every one of them.

First thing I (just) did, was draw a line on my Adam's velcro backing plate. Looking forward to the scratch hide video(s).

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Yep 18 gauge. I think my extension cord is only 16 gauge, and I tried looking on Lowes'/Home Depot's websites for anything higher but to no avail :(

 

 

If you are interested in buying a new Pc they have a hd with a 25 foot cord they make now.

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Awesome videos, awesome results! :rockon:

 

Thanks for making this series, Junkman. I watched every one of them.

First thing I (just) did, was draw a line on my Adam's velcro backing plate. Looking forward to the scratch hide video(s).

 

I need to get that one made ASAP! Thanks! :2thumbs:

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I love what you did with the hose. I went out and got a quick connect set. My first set had a built in shutoff, so when you disconnect water pressure pushes a plunger up to stop the flow. It's a great idea but when you try to reconnect it you have to push pretty hard or you will only be pushing hard enough to release the plunger and let water flow but not connect the hose. So I returned it for the one without a shutoff and bought one separately. My problem is that since I want everything to be perfect I wanted to be able to quick disconnect my nozzel so I can flow water from the hose as a final rinse to sheet water better. But the only shutoff valves I can find have a very narrow passageway even the quick connects have them. This causes the water to shoot out much faster, not letting me run a calm stream over my car. If anyone has come across quick connects or a shutoff valve with the same diameter as the hose let me know. :help:

I took some pics of mine so you know what I mean.

 

Shutoff Valve:

 

DSC02155.jpg

 

Quick Connect Set:

 

DSC02156.jpg

 

All Three Pieces:

 

DSC02157.jpg

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I bought a fire hose nozzle made by Good Year at Home Depot. I'm not too fond of it. I've never used a nozzle like that before. I'm going to return it and go with a more traditional one. I like being able to adjust it with just one hand.

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The quick disconnect and hose-end shut off valve make the free-flow rinsing a breeze. Get an old piece of hose Hose003.jpg

and a female hose end,

Hose004.jpg

put this on when you're ready for the final rinse. Now get your Detail

Spray and waffle weave towel, and you are set for a spot free car!

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