Lighting
 

From what I know of detailing - normal lighting conditions (unless you enjoy working in the sun) isn't enough.

I've been looking at several halogen work lights - some on stands, some not - varying in price from $10, on up to $50.

How much lighting is enough? 250/500/600/1000/1200? Part of me says get the big'un, and I can always turn off one of the lights.

I have a black civic, that's been ignored a lot, I'm going to learn on then move to my z when I've got it down...and I've just got finer than hairlines that I want/need to get out.

I do know that I can see what I'm after under sunlight, but, since I can't produce fusion in my garage without harming the Z's paint, that's a no go...lol

I bought the 500 watt lights from harbour freight to use when I clay and polished my z. I ended up not using the lights because my z is silver and I couldn't see any swirl marks. I think two 250 watt lights is enough.

http://www.harborfreight.com/500-wat...ght-40123.html

Silver does hide them pretty well. I wanted Platinum for my Z because of that reason, but, I couldn't wait...

I bought a fairly inexpensive unit from Ace Hardware a few weeks back - it has two 300W halogen bulbs - you can run one or both of them - seems to work great and I'm working on a Dark Cherry 370Z.

I have a double head set thats 2 level (500 & 1000) and works great... rarely need it at the 1000 level... and plus they get too hot at that setting. I think I paid $30 for it at Sears on sale a few years ago.

The alternative is to pick up a brinkman maxfire dual xenon light. I love mine. Rechargeable and gives you great control over the light.

I bought mine directly from Brinkman.com as they tend to have the best price around that I've found.