Community Forums

md99 · 04-23-2015, 01:24 PM

Hi all,

Could I have recommendations on what is the best orbital buffer and wax to be using on my 99 Diplomat. The years have dulled the gel coat and I am looking to give a little TLC. The graphics are faded/cracked as well but not sure what I can do for that? My coach has been very well maintained by its previous parents and only has 32,000 miles. The interior is like new other than some discolor on the roof liner in wich I would seek advice on how to properly clean that as well...
Thanks in advance for your replies.

johnboy2 · 04-23-2015, 03:06 PM

If your coach is gel coat and not painted it's probably going to take a lot more than an orbital. Start with rubbing compound a 7 or 8 inch rotary buffer, than when it's been completely compounded than go to the orbital and any good wax. be very careful of the tape graphics.

pwhittle · 04-23-2015, 03:13 PM

My detail guy recommended the Griots Garage 6" Random Orbital with Maguiars DMC6 wool cutting discs and Maguiars D300 correction compound and then foam pads with Maguiars D301 finishing wax.

I have used the cutting compound and it made a big difference in my 1994 Signature. I'll get to the wax soon.

Paul

pwhittle · 04-24-2015, 09:38 AM

I get my supplies at Detailed Image. here is a link to the buffer. They were the cheapest I could find

Griot's Garage Random Orbital Polisher 6" 3rd Generation - 10' cord | Free Shipping Available - Detailed Image

They also have all the Meguiars products on 25% for the next few days.

Also check out their coupons. I was able to break my order up into multiple orders and get some leather cleaner, and Collonite wax for free.

Paul

mdc99 · 04-24-2015, 10:50 AM

I am just getting ready to try to replace some of my graphics myself. I've only done a touch of experimenting so I can't tell you for sure that my plan will work but I am optimistic. I plan on using the "3m stripe off wheel" to remove the old graphics. Typically there will be a shadow where the graphics were that you could use as a pattern or you could make a new design. There is a product called "Knifeless Finish Line Vinyl Wrap Cutting Tape" it is tape with a filament inside of it that will cut vinyl. It runs approx. $25. for a 164ft roll. You can buy 3m car wrap vinyl in a multitude of colors for approx. $2. a sq.ft. You lay the tape in the shape that you want then place the vinyl over it and use the filament to cut the vinyl. This would be a cost effective way of replacing graphics. I'll report back once I actually get a chance to try it. Hope this helps.

MikeyG · 04-24-2015, 02:24 PM

X2 on Griot's products. I use their Orbital polisher with "Complete Compound" then their wax. I sent Griot's pictures of my coach, the concerns I had, and asked for their recommendations on compounds, waxes, pads, etc. They have GREAT customer service and walked me through every question I had. They are expensive, but the best products I have found. It's a lot of tough hand work, but you get out of it what you put into it and the results are beautiful.
Best of luck.

rmcb · 04-24-2015, 06:41 PM

For your headliner stains, trry Instagone stain remover. Spray it on and let it work. Excellent for removing water stains.

rbpower · 04-24-2015, 06:55 PM

I just finished removing the decals from my coach, took 7 days working 2 hours a day. heat gun, asitone and goof off were the best ways I found. after that when I was in Orlando last week there was a moble detail guy in the park he did the truck and trailer for $500 looks better than it ever has. he used a big angle buffer with a cloth wheel