Auto Detailing Question

I'm working 3 boards here: this one, brickboard and turbobricks. I'm
trying to clarify a subject that has many answers and I can't get a
simple one.

I just bought a Porter Cable 7424 polisher and a nice pad kit to go
with it. I also bought a bottle of Sonus FX-1 polish/cutter. I have
never used a machine, nor machine products. I am a fan of the MaGuires
3-step hand products: 1-Paint Cleaner, 2-Wax, 3-Polish.

Here is what I need to do, and I really would love some product
recommendations. I have 3 needs, the car is Silver:
1- The hood is the worst. Over the exhaust pipes off to the left is a
large wear spot, surrounded by white oxidation and the entire hood has
deep scratches. I am not against repainting the hood, but I want to
try and restore first. I want to cut into the paint on the hood. If I
go too deep, so be it. I need an aggressive chemical and need to know
what pad to use. I bought the Sonus FX-1 for this.

2- The roof. I removed the roof rack to expose dark, shiny nice
original paint. There is light oxidation and it has a decent gloss. I
would like to gently polish or cut to try and get the exposed paint to
match the protected paint as much as possible.

3-The sides. These have decent shine with little to no visible
oxidation. I would like to try and get the color darker and remove
surface blemishes that appear to be in the top coat. I do not know if
this car has a clear coat. In low/normal light the paint looks very
good. In bright light is has obvious blemishes and imperfections. It
looks like a sheet of stainless steel.

So - 1 is the most difficult and I need product ideas. 2 is slightly
less and 3 is the least problem. If anyone can suggest machine
products for these 3 needs, that would be great.

One other idea I have is 3M Finesse-it II, but I have only used this
on boats. How is it used on cars? As a polish or an abrasive?

Thanks!

Jamie

 

I think the final answer is the Sonus, combined with MeGuiars #4
Medium Cut polish/cleanser and then #83 for the rest of the show.

We'll see!