What PC pad/polish combo to remove this?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by MuttGrunt

Looks like you have pretty light swirling going on, which is awesome. Most cars I've seen aren't near this.

Oh good. I was afraid you'd tell me it was beyond hope for an amateur! The trunk lid (second pic above) just made me cringe with all the fine marks. This wasn't from me. My car was ED, and PCD pickup, so there's no telling how many times it was washed improperly.

Originally Posted by MuttGrunt

I'd recommend trying 106 on a black pad (work it good and long as this oily polish doesn't break down very fast on a DA) and seeing how that works. You'll likely get at least 50-80% correction with just that. If it gives an acceptable result, you're good to go. If you want more correction, compare 203 on white followed by the 106 on black.

OK, very good. I may have a couple of more spots that need a Orange + 203, but now I know to use Black + 106.

So, after I make good progress with Black + 106, what will I need before my LSP? Should I use 106 with a Blue pad? Or, how will I use the Power Lock, or Chemical Guys Jetseal 109? And last step is my Pete's 53 applied by hand? I also want to try a IPA wipedown, but I'm not sure.. does it go before Power Lock/Jetseal 109?

[Envious Eric]

white and 203
black and 106
IPA wipe down
powerlock on blue pad
petes 53 by hand

[SamS]

Originally Posted by Envious Eric

white and 203
black and 106
IPA wipe down
powerlock on blue pad
petes 53 by hand

Makes sense. Thanks again for all your help, Eric.

[SamS]

Just a follow up to my stripped backing plate threads... I sent a note/picture off to Detailed Image, and one of their proprietors responded (on a Sunday!) with an explanation that heat/lack of proper tightening likely damaged the threads causing the backing plate to fly off. He offered a break on a replacement version.

Way to go Detailed Image.

[THE TECH]

Sounds like you're coming along well.

[Envious Eric]

no problem man, thats why I am here!

[SamS]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Sounds like you're coming along well.

Yes. Although I didn't get to spend much time with the PC before the plate few off, I removed enough random defects to gain a bit of confidence on how to use it and how it works with the compound.

The trickiest part of all this is time! My M3 is not my DD, but family obligations prevent me from spending an entire 48 hour weekend dedicated to the correction.