I just got my SB coupe and before i washed it, I wanted to find out how to do it really well to make sure i preserve the paint. Like whats the process, what products do you use, etc. Thanks!

 

i haev a carwash at my dealership...i wash it about 3-4 times a week

 

Am I wasting my time asking member to use “search?”

 

What I do/use:

-Mcquires Gold Class soap
-Wool mit that is kept in a sealed bag between washes
-seperate mit for front bumper
-seperate mit for wheels
-Big Blu towels (2) http://www.properautocare.com/bigbludryint.html
-Areospace 303 for interior
-Stoner's Invisable Glass

Except for Big Blues all products can be found at local auto stores.

Park car in shade, rinse off dust/bugs, wash car with mits, dry with towels. Use straight motions...no circles.

 

Order your detail products from Griot's garage. Really good stuff.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/index.jsp

1. Never wash your car in direct sunlight.
2. Wash only with a very soft wash mitt or soft sponge that is soaped first. (I use the Griot's sheepskin mitt)
3. Do not let the water dry from the car before you use the Chamois to dry the car. You can also use a microfiber towel that Griots sells. I personally use a real leather chamois. It is up to personal taste.
4. Clean your wheel with the wheel cleaner and use a soft sponge.
5. Park your car in the garage for any further detail work.

Before you wax and polish, make sure the paint is cool. I usually polish once a year and wax about 3-4 times a year.

Before I polish the car, I use the paint cleaning clay first. Then polish. Then wax.

Usually put on a couple layers of wax. If you want a really good shine, Griot's sells the best of show wax that is really good. But it only last for about 6 months because it is a natural wax. If you want the wax to last longer, I would recommend Liquitech (http://www.liquitech-ky.com/se/liqui...sh/index.html).

Important*** - Never run your car through an automatic car wash. This will put many tiny stratches on your paint. Best is to wash the car yourself.

Hope this helps.

 

- Come on now - give the newbie a break -

Congrats on your new Z!!!

It really depends on how much time you have to take care of that SB.
I hand wash my DB every other week using Mothers car wash, I wax once a month using Mothers Carnuba wax, and clean 100% cotton towels for drying.
If you decide to hand wash, you'll soon find out where water tend to accummulate (a few examples: Z emblems, door handles, gap between rear spoiler and hatch, gaps between all lights and body or bumper, gaps betwee side mirrors and body)

If you have the funds you may want to consider getting clear bra for the front. Also, check in the detailing section for more ideas

 

Clear bra-ing white colors suck ***....the panel turns yellow after out in the sun for awhile...

 

The main thing that I can say is make sure you dry it really well because if you don't then it still looks like crap, no matter how good of a job you did washing it. Or get the Autodry car wash kit.

 

Here's a starting point for ya'....

http://crackaddict.com/~flynn/howtos/washhowto.htm

 

Does anyone know a good place in So cal for the car bra? I heard its really difficult to get perfect. thanks!

 

Yeah, there has been one clear bra place in Socal recommended several times but I don't recall name.

You might post the question as a new thread.

 

3M's version tend to do that over time. Don't know if they came out with a better clear bra that does not.

 

I like to use Soap and Water

 

Excellent choice. But only “salon” water from mountain steams in Montana.

 

With SB just be very careful not to get dirt and whatnot into the wash mit and towels. Swirls and marks are a nightmare with SB, but looks fantastic when washed and waxed.

 

www.dftowel.com -- Got my wash mitts, drying and buffing towels from here. Top quality stuff.

www.zainostore.com -- Everything else you need is here. (See link for instructions.)



Dr. Bonz's Guide to Zaino

 

Backing up Art, above, keep the wash mit free of ANY particles of anything. I keep the main wash mit in a sealed bag between washes......after making sure nothing is on it after use & drying out. I use a seperate mit for front bumper and a third mit for the wheels.

 

haha. Giving the Z an Evian bath

 

Pay 12 dollars for basic hand wash. Live in an apartment complex and even if I didn't i'm too lazy to do that all the time. Although I wonder if I bought a pressure washer ... is that safe to spray the car down with? Would you have to use soap at all or would the pressure sheer off any debris? What psi would be safe? Heh.. i'm looking for the easiest, laziest, effective solution to a clean car.

 

1. soap
2. water
3. wife