Others mentioned I should start this thread in my other thread. And while I won't have the new car for a while, I'd like to hear some thoughts and recommendations so I can have most of it on hand before the car shows up. My other thread had a lot of great posts in it and you guys have been a big help.
While black cars looks great clean, keeping it relatively clean in Phoenix might be the death of me. But I'll sure as shit give it my best shot.
I actually like cleaning and waxing our current cars but it's not like I am being meticulous about it. I've never had a car with rims either and I know those can get dirty quick. I've never owned a dark colored car and I've never had a car with leather. I plan to take really good care of this car and would like some tips on doing so. But I'm just a fucking n00b.
I'll throw some links out from Amazon as I mention things.
Some mention that after washing you should use a paint cleanser before waxing. But wondering if washing then clay baring is sufficient prior to wax?
I've seen this P21S Paintwork Cleanser mentioned on a few reads. Looks like good use for water spots and swirls prior to waxing if needed. Not sure if you would do entire car first or just use it for bad spots before waxing?
Also, a company called Zaino has great reviews and recommendations. They have a package that looks like it includes all products I'd need together including wash, polish, wax, leather and tire care.
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
What about the clear bra/film that some are putting on their cars? Anyone ever do that?
On my friend's car that has it. You can clearly see where it is. He's had a somewhat difficult time keeping the paint under the film and the paint not under the film looking the same. [Reply]
Originally Posted by KC native:
On my friend's car that has it. You can clearly see where it is. He's had a somewhat difficult time keeping the paint under the film and the paint not under the film looking the same.
You definitely can't see it if installed right but I keep reading reviews from people in high heat climates that the color of it will likely fade within a few years. And since I'm in Phoenix, that just doesn't make sense. Some are claiming that while there is a warranty if it changes color, sometimes with removal there have been cases of these clear protections taking away some of the paint or causing the color of the paint to change since it's porous. Again, I'm just reading things about it. Some do love it and swear by it. [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
You definitely can't see it if installed right but I keep reading reviews from people in high heat climates that the color of it will likely fade within a few years. And since I'm in Phoenix, that just doesn't make sense. Some are claiming that while there is a warranty if it changes color, sometimes with removal there have been cases of these clear protections taking away some of the paint or causing the color of the paint to change since it's porous. Again, I'm just reading things about it. Some do love it and swear by it.
Thats why Id go with a coating like opti coat or cquartz. [Reply]
Alright, so I think this is my plan in the next few weeks. I'll spend some weekend doing this.
Wash car with Dawn to remove all wax/sealant. Clay bar car to smooth surface. Use mildly abrasive Menzerna's final polish (FF 3000) to remove minor swirls, clean off polish residue with 15% IPA mixture, apply Optimum Gloss coat. Allow to cure overnight and top with Meguiar's NXT Wax. [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
You have a link to the opti-coat? Both easy enough for a n00b like me to not fuck it up?
I think more people like the cquartz and I'm going to have someone color correct my car and them put on the cquartz. wellll maybe if Miadragon ever gives me his detail contact.:-) [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
Hey Bearcat, you garaging that thing or using a car port?
I have a garage. I'll probably get a cheap pickup or something for bad weather days and hauling shit... granted, the previous car was hailed on a few times and it always popped out in the summer. [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
Alright, so I think this is my plan in the next few weeks. I'll spend some weekend doing this.
Wash car with Dawn to remove all wax/sealant. Clay bar car to smooth surface. Use mildly abrasive Menzerna's final polish (FF 3000) to remove minor swirls, clean off polish residue with 15% IPA mixture, apply Optimum Gloss coat. Allow to cure overnight and top with Meguiar's NXT Wax.
And did someone mention changing out the gears would change the speedometer? Because I'm pretty sure it's off by around 10 MPH when I match to speed on gps. What kind of fix is this? [Reply]
