Car detailing

Anyone use clay?

Which wax do you prefer?
I have used a clay bar. Mothers I think but keeping the cars in the garage I only wash them now.

Here are three of them being shipped from Florida back where we moved in Illinois.
Another went on a flat bed trailer with my riding mower.
It was near 95 and sunny that Dec day. They arrived covered in snow and ice. WTF?

http://i.imgur.com/dmiC5S8.jpg
Hated to move from the boonies.
 
Plain old Turtle Wax. Spray Nine works as well or better than Armor-All for rubber and plastic. Lemon Pledge is easy on plastic. That is what I use on my motorcycle helmet and visor. WD-40 is an excellent grease cutter. Plus the standard elbow grease and copious hot water and soap.
 
I have used a clay bar. Mothers I think but keeping the cars in the garage I only wash them now.

Here are three of them being shipped from Florida back where we moved in Illinois.
Another went on a flat bed trailer with my riding mower.
It was near 95 and sunny that Dec day. They arrived covered in snow and ice. WTF?

http://i.imgur.com/dmiC5S8.jpg
Hated to move from the boonies.

Nice lineup! :)
 
My choice would depend on the color, condition, and age of the paint. Heavy oxidation calls for grit and muscle. Much different than just making the shine shinier.

Dad was a Meguiars fan. Dad was never wrong.
 
I've professionally detailed cars in the past.

Admittedly I am not totally familiar with todays paints and clear coats but the basics remain the same.

I have a car I wax twice a year and have clay barred it.

The thing I can tell you about clay baring is if you are not patient, and very careful you can make things almost worse.

It takes a long time to do it right.


Wax you have two choices Synthetic(Liquid) or Carnauba based paste waxes/some can be liquid most are paste waxes.

Synthetic lasts longer but Carnauba paste wax gives it a deeper shine.

Clay barring is not for rookies in a hurry.
 
Someone else touched on it but what are you trying to wax and clean?

A new car, a five year old car, or a ten year old car and what color is it.

Dont say red or black please.

lol
 
Meguires or Mothers

Meguires or Mothers spray on wipe off works well. Easy to use. Apply every 6 months, spring and early fall will work just fine. :)
In the Carolinas, try to find a day in the 70's or low 80's. Preferrably wax it
in the shade.
Like I said, the spray on wax works well and is easy. Enjoy rubbing on your
car. ;):)
 
Last edited:
And while were at it everyone should use rain-x on their exterior windows. Stuf is the shiz if you drive in rain. You have to re apply it every two months or so but trust me a small bottle lasts forever too.

Dont buy the stuff that goes in the window cleaner container in the engine compartment.

Apply the real stuff by hand to a clean window takes a minute and a half.

Its amazing stuff really.

http://www.swissvax.in/graphics/00000001/rain-x-100ml-se1032490.jpg
 
Someone else touched on it but what are you trying to wax and clean?

A new car, a five year old car, or a ten year old car and what color is it.

Dont say red or black please.

lol

Yes to this^^^

Age of car and paint age and type is an issue. Most if not all polishes are actually abrasives and remove a tiny layer of oxidization and stuff.
 
The husband uses a clay bar on the Shelby. Whatever he does, it is an all day process.
 
Someone else touched on it but what are you trying to wax and clean?

A new car, a five year old car, or a ten year old car and what color is it.

Dont say red or black please.

lol

2007 RX8.
Gray.

Interior almost new looking, except for slight cracking on passenger side dashboard.

Headlights foggy as well;
and black bumper around exhaust is almost white.

Yes, money is an issue.
 
Last edited:
2007 RX8.
Gray.

Interior almost new looking, except for slight cracking on passenger side dashboard.

Headlights foggy as well;
and black bumper around exhaust is almost white.

Yes, money is an issue.

Well....what I suggest is a good cleaner wax like I pictured. Get some micro fibre towels too they sell them in small bundles at the auto store. Read the instructions and go too it.

In the shade.

I'd probably mask off and paint the bumpers with gloss black spray paint after a good scrub.

Theres a lot of headlight repair deals they sell most do very little. They make them look cleaner and clearer and may give more light but the only way to really do headlights is sanding them with multiple grades of fine to very fine wet sand paper.

If you're interested you can you tube it. Its easy and very doable.

Just get one pf the basic kits for now. It will brighten them up but it wont last very long.


Get some armor all for the tires, clean the wheels.

https://ll-us-i5.wal.co/asr/a4d3524b-c1a0-4cc1-826e-8b18e87d7016_1.56ee71087472959ac2895408787d79db.jpeg?odnHeight=450&odnWidth=450&odnBg=FFFFFF
 
Anyone use clay?

Which wax do you prefer?

I keep my toy which is going bye bye clean. Mothers and Meguiars products. I havent' clay bared a car in a long time. 07' when I sold my Integra TypeR #00182 in flamenco black pearl and I'll always regret selling it.

It's a real PITA and I would just pay someone else to do it at this point in my life.

RX8's are pretty cool, I'd love to have an FD3S RX7.....mmmmmmmm 20B rotary goodness.
 
Fuck that detailing shit. I certainly don't have time to mess with it. Not that I farm everything out, I'm currently waiting for the postman to bring a couple of non-USA parts for my cruiser. It's torn down and ready.
 
Modern plastic headlights can be cleaned by using medium rubbing compound and a soft cloth.

All of my cars are red except the yellow one. Even the late model Impala. Yes a 1958 would be better!
 
Back
Top