windshield recommendations/paint

[Eric Huppert]

Jim,

When I had my 200 windshield done I stayed, pulled off the wipers, removed A
pillar trim and top rubber molding (to head liner). Always feel more
confident with my abilities than others. Guy that did mine was the owner and
must say, I was very impressed! Took him less than 15 minutes to get the old
one out, about the same to get the new one in! BSed with him while he was
working and turned out we knew allot of the same people in the automotive
trades! Guess with the right tools it's easy! The newer urethane adhesives
are impossible to cut with the old piano wire trick used on the cars of old,
he zoomed right through with the pneumatic knifes! Also, the fact that he's
the owner of the location and he's been doing it forever probably helps!

As for paint. Last bunch of cars I detailed I used a low speed
buffer/polisher, similar to the craftsmen unit ($45). Used meguiers 3 step
system, cleaner, polish, then wax. Had bought some inexpensive pads which I
wash in the washing machine after rinsed with the hose (can do that for
another couple of weeks, new bride will be moving in!) Not as effective as
compounding with a high speed buffer, but you don't burn the edges either!
(BTDT) My buddy is a body man, anything real bad I have him compound. Was
really impressed with the outcome, cars looked way better, and it makes the
job ALLOT easier!

As for the Dr. Chips system... Looked up the link, $7500 for the entire kit?
Pretty pricey, maybe you should find a shop that has it. (haha) Or, get the
entire car painted? Don't you have a Earl Schives (SP?) locally????

My buddy, as previously stated has been in the body business for 25 years.
Old timers trick for paint touchup is to use a match from book matches. The
cardboard soaks up the paint somewhat, it works much better than the "paint
in a bottle" brush! Prepsol first to get ALL wax off the paint!!!!

Eric