ok, ive read your detailing posts, z1 then z8 then z2 , z8 then crystal guard this and that. I know its all good and i respect that you guys are determined to use the best stuff. Now dont jump all over me, i have a new ultra yellow, and im just looking for a good store wax that wont disintegrate my finish. Id really like to avoid getting into ordering these multi process treatments, Is there ANY wax applied properly thats worth your recommendation? If you all insist on zaino or crystal then ill do it, i value your experience, but id rather do a readily available wax instead. Also with eithe rprocess, what to apply with and buff with. Also off topic, my right elbow hurts resting it on that hard plactic armrest, does anyone know of padded armrest or for that matter any catalog that sells Z aceessoires...thanks...

 

Sorry, can't answer the wax question but CourtesyParts.com sells the arm rest. Haven't really seen this on any 350Z's before but they do sell them:

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...uct_Code=ZREST

 

a12548,

Here's a bigger one:

http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merch...gory_Code=IA28

 

Maguires 3 step process isn't bad. I do recommend you use the Zaino products though. Once you claybar (if you choose to) and apply the first few coats it really is a very easy product to use.

Regardless of what wax product you buy make sure you use 100% cotton (made in USA) or microfiber towels for removal. Micro fiber is what you want for drying as well (or as some will say, "a leaf blower").

For accessories try either,

www.courtesyparts.com or
www.zcarparts.com

You can request a catalog from the latter but I think they've started charging for them.

 

If you want something store bought that's good...I'd recommend Meguiars NXT Wax. It's easily applied, has a great shine and lasts.

 

damn you guys are quick, thanks for replies,u helped a lot

 

Meguairs Nxt is a decent wax/sealant it also contains cleaners to remove some of the swirls that might occur from washing

 

NXT by far...for an off the shelf product...even cheaper is Meg's ColorX...has a slightly differernt "look" than the NXT as well...both are easy to work with...just get some megs appliactors pads...and some cheap micro fiber towels for drying and for removing wax and yer good ta go...

 

No matter what you end up using, it's important to do the prep work. You have to get down to the bare paint before you wax/seal. That means washing with Dawn and then doing the clay then applying your product. This is not exclusive to Zaino.

Even though the car is new, it's a long trip from Japan to your garage and there will still be deep seated dirt on the car. Also, who knows what product the dealer slapped on there. This should all be removed and any swirls filled in before you proceed.

 

So, wash with a sponge and the regular Dawn? Or, is there another line of Dawn people use?

 

Any Dawn dish washing "liquid" soap will do. I prefer the Lemon sent

 

Do NOT use a sponge to wash your car with, they are swirl makers on clear coat. Use a cotton or wool wash mitt (I prefer cotton) to wash with. I use the www.dftowel.com wash mitt also.

 

Original Dawn. The blue color without any fragrances or moisturizing stuff. It should say Original Dawn on the label.

 

not to get into a debate with the "Z_IN_" guyz but dawn is for dishes....most detailers use a good car wash soap...even tho dawn is a "off the shelf" product too...NXT Car wash is readily available

 

dawn is used because it strips all the old wax off. most true car washes don't

 

http://autopia.org/forums/showthread...or+car+washing


most of the replies are from detailers and advanced "detailing hobbyist" ie..use a lot of car cleaning stuff...

 

kind.. of off topic.. but on topic. i got my z pre owned.. and it has a lot of thos swirl scratch marks. im guessing the guy who had the z before me used the same towel to clean the rims of breakdust to clean the car too. any idea how to get rid of these gnarly swirls.. its bad.. but not tooo bad. i dont know if normal off the shelf wax is going to get the swirls out..

 

Zaino...all I have to say. It does miracles!

 

Iv used both the Zaino and NXT and honestly I cant tell the difference between the 2. i now use just NXT because its cheaper and I dont have to order it online since most automotive stores dont carry Zaino. However if you like Zaino then use it, It has a Z in the name.

 

I just got my car and was looking for something quick to wax with, so I went to autozone and got the NXT. It really does a great job (I've never used the Zaino). Next to the NXT I saw "Liquid Glass." My old neighbor owned a body shop and used to build hotrods etc. I remember him swearing by that stuff... Has anyone used it and is it worth the $$?