Lesson 1:  
Removing swirls and Stage 1 of rust awareness.

Most wax makers make swirl remover. The problem with the discount
store brand stuff is that it's mostly silicone or wax based and actually
just hides the swirls! Wash the car or get rained on and chances are
they will return. This isn't a bad fix by any means, but, you'd have to remove them forever.

You'll need to know how to use a buffer and professional grade swirl compound. Using a buffer is a tricky thing for first timers. There is a 'random orbit' style buffer that is much more tame and workable than the regular orbiting buffer. This does not remove heavy scratches and swirls as well, unless you use the correct wax...see above!

The use of a high speed buffer is recommended when trying to remove scratches and swirls.  If you haven't used one, or don't know very well how to, I suggest NOT using it on your shiny new Honda!  Best bet is to take it to a detailer and have them do an exterior buff.  This usually runs less than 70.00 or so from a decent shop.

If you want to tackle this yourself, be CAREFUL! It will only take a
split second to take paint off of a corner or damage a molding! You
have been warned! :) I usually tape off trim and such if I know that it will damage easily.  On Hondas the trim is pretty tough, but like I said...better safe than sorry!

Apply a small bead of the swirl remover and, before turning the buffer on, smear the wax around the panel with the pad. This will keep if from "slinging" wax all over you... the neighbors
and any small pets nearby  ;) Give your buffer a couple of revs as you continue to smear the wax then let it rip!  I usually buff from side to side, doing the whole panel, then from top to bottom. This ensures you get the entire surface evenly.  Most waxes only need a small amount to work.  Don't over due it, you'll be paying
for it in cleanup time if you do! Use a baby diaper or soft towel to remove the wax residue. Your done!

Follow this with a nice hand glaze or Carnauba wax. I buff my cars 
at least twice yearly or more and wax them monthly. 
Buffing removes a lot of road film, old wax and gives the car a smooth, buttery feel if you use a high quality wax. Don't be afraid to spend 10 bucks a bottle at the local paint supply
for a good brand.  Ask the shop guys what they recommend.  I use
Maguire's, or Eagle one (for daily wipe downs), and I have a product
called PRO for the more professional results.

Stage 1 of rust awareness:

I'm sure you all know by now, but I have a 13 second 91 Civic Si(R),
I've owned it for almost 10 years now, buying it new.  It has NO rust,
100,000 miles and was driven daily till two years ago! Now, on to the
story....

I was out in the garage making love...err...looking over my 91 Civic
SiR, charging up the battery :) Anyhow, I decided, seeing as it's beautiful today in Ohio and I took the day off to stay with the wife and to take the rear bumper off the car to be sure rust hadn't set in yet.  I do this yearly to be sure the car stays in 'like new' shape. You see, Honda's are known for quarter rust.  AS you might already know. My wife had an 88 Accord and I redid the quarters once, finding out that it starts behind the bumper, where the bumper mounts to the body of
the car.  I panicked and took the bumper off of my baby, the 91, to see no rust.  phew!

So, in my never ending effort to be a Honda conscious Moderator, I
thought I'd fill you in on the in's and outs of this. So the rust starts where the bumper mounts to the body, basically where the screws go for the mounting bracket.  Take your bumper off once or twice a year, clean the area, wax the area, and check over for any
rust. Use some sandpaper and rust presenter if you see any, then buy some touchup paint and blob it on.

If your Honda already has/had rust, it's most likely hopeless, but this is for those fanatics like me or for those who have a newer Honda that can be saved!! I hope this helps you keep your car in mint condition for along time to come.  Any questions please ask!

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Vince Cuffaro - Editor/Moderator

Performance Refinishing/Racing, Inc.
"Home of the all motor 13 second Civic SiR!"
Visit us at: http://members.xoom.com/perfrefinish

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