Hi guys and gals;
I'm new to Z's and this forum...my only roadster experience has been restoring my '68 porsche targa...fun, but not nearly as nice as my new Z..
I need some advise regarding initial washing, especially the top, wax or equivilant protectants ( I use zymol on my porsche) and suggestions or experience with upholstery stain resistant products, as I've elected cloth instead of leather because of the top down heating issues.
Are there any other items I should be buying initially to protect or enhance my roadster experience?
All suggestions gratefully received...
Thanks,
John
integra47@netzero.net

 

Unfortunately, my experience has shown the Z cloth interior to not be very stain repellant. Actually it seems to absorb stains. I had initially orderd the cloth interior but switched to the leather because of the problems I've seen with the cloth not being very durable or stain resistant. I would definitely look into either Scotch Guarding or other similar stain repelling finishes you can apply to the seats. As far as the exterior I believe in hand washing. I use a mitt because it just makes it easier. I have been using P21 wax,and it seems fine but I really do not see any difference between the P21 and other products I've used in the past like Maguires Gold or Mothers.Once I use up the P21 I think I'll go back to the Maguire's I still have in my garage.I use a synthetic chamoise to dry it. I find the synthetic easier to use than an actual chamoise. I use micro towels to remove the wax. On the top I just use car wash soap and water. It seems to work for me. Welcome to the Z family.

 

Welcome to the board Integra! Everyone has their own preference in what they use to wash and wax/polish their cars, but I'll tell ya about myself.

My first washing consisted of:

Washing with Dawn detergent
Claybaring with Z-18 (zaino)
Washing with Z-7
Polishing with Z-5
Polishing with Z-5
Polishing with Z-2
Finishing with Z-6 detail spray

Many people are big fans of Zaino. I just did my 4th and 5th applications this weekend and my car looks great. I love the stuff. You can get a show kit for $85.00. Well worth the investment.

Be sure to use good towels as well. If you look in the detailing section of the site, most people swear by microfiber towels. For drying, the Big Blue is excellent. For polishing and buffing, I use DF towels. I use cheap, Costco microfibers for the interior.

I can't talk much about the interior because I did opt for leather. On the subject of the top, there still is some debate over what the material is made of. The makers of Raggtopp swear that it's a vinyl top, but the owners manual says that it's cloth. One of our members spoke to someone at Nissan who said it was vinyl. . Hopefully, one of these days we'll find out the correct answer.

The one item I would highly recommend to protect your car is a Clear Bra. I've had my roadster about 5 weeks now and know I took a few rocks and debris already. No damage at all with the clear bra though.

Good luck, and let's see a few pics of the Z huh?

 

 

Thanks to all for the quick reply. I'm excited tonight, and haven't even seen my car yet...it's being trucked in over night.
Anybody know where I can get a 'clear bra' application in NW washington?
Thanks

 

Congrats on the Roadster! Mine (in DB also) won't be in until late May - it's an April build at my request. I'd stick with Zymol. I've been using Zymol Concours for years on my Maximas and have never seen a result like it gives me.

 

Welcome and congrats!!!