I got an 08 Carbon Silver Touring a few weeks ago. Weather is breaking here in VA and I will want to wash it SOON! I don't have the time or patience to read every thread here to figure out the best products to use, so, it would be great if someone would give it to me straight - products to use from the wash to the polishes, waxes, sealants, etc. Should I use a chamoix or diapers or what kind of cloth (it seems old bath towels have have been bashed!)? Also, Windex for Car Windows has only left streaks so far - is this product no good or is it me? It would also be nice to know what NOT to use!! Not that it matters, but I am female..... No comments, just some facts and info please?! After all, if you love your Z as much as I love mine, you only want to see nice ones out there on the road! Thanks in advance!

 

What a coincidence. I don’t have time or patience to list all that stuff .

 

Check out my guide. PM me if you have any questions.

https://my350z.com/forum/cleaning-and-detailing/306960-superblack350-s-ultimate-detail-guide-w-pics.html

 

Washing and drying is definitely a really important step because removing loose contaminants is essential to all the other steps being effective. This is also the step where you can add tons of fine swirls and imperfections if done improperly. I recommend you read our Detailing Guide and looking over our washing and drying packages. Our Washing and Drying Starter Kit at Detailed Image comes with the following:
1x Sheepskin Wash Mitt
1x Ulti-Mit
2x Microfiber Waffle Weave Drying Towels
1x Grit Guard
1x Poorboy's World Super Slick and Suds

The Grit Guard gets placed in the bottom of your rinse bucket. This helps break up contaminants in your washing mitt. Keeping your mitt clean is essential to quality detailing. The Sheepskin Wash Mitt is ultra soft and paint safe and I use this only on the upper panels. For the low panels, wheels, etc I use the Ulti-Mit which is also a very safe and effective washing tool. Pour about 1 - 2 ounces of the Super Slick and Suds in your bucket and add a little more water for plenty of suds. Wash from the top down using light pressure and rinse frequently. When you're done dry your vehicle in the shade if you're not already in it. The Microfiber Waffle Weave Drying Towels are extremely absorbent and paint safe. This helps you dry quickly while minimizing the possibility of adding swirls. These towels have silk edges and no tags as well. This is a brief synopsis of the products and how to use them. For more details I recommend checking out the two links I provided above. Let me know if you'd like any recommendations or further advice.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

I actually agree with Davidv on this one! Scary huh? lol

 

I totally agree with Greg. His posts is right on the money.

I would also recommend the two bucket method or possibly a Gilmour foam gun.
Improper washing is probably one of the greatest causes of swirls and marring.

 

Sorry, I didn't mean to sound flippant or snotty, truly! It's just that so much of the info on this website is beyond me, products I've never heard of, modifications that sound alien, stuff like that. I guess what I was trying to say, but obviously didn't do too well, was that I need it spelled out for me as I don't interpret a lot of the messages very well. At the risk of more ridicule, and this is NOTHING against females who DO have a lot of car knowledge, I know next to nothing about cars. Then this beautiful, brand new 350Z is dropped into my lap and I am doing my best to make sure it stays the pristine, awesome vehicle that it is. It was a birthday present from my spouse who is not a car guy. I found this forum and so am just trying to get some straight info because like I said before, I can't interpret some of what you guys say like you can and I have no one to ask. I mean, how do you use clay on your car? What does it do? If you only KNEW how many questions I have that I don't ask. Again, I want to apologize if I offended anyone with my comments - it was not my intention AND I want to give a BIG THANKS to the folks who took the time to actually respond to my question with useful info.

 

No worries. Congrats on the new Z purchase. When you get it all detailed be sure to post pics of your hard work

Here is a wealth of information for some of the topics that you are looking for.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/how-to.html

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. Everyone is here to help each other out.

 

Many thanks! I know there are folks out there who want to help!

 

No offence taken. With a new car the paint is in good shape, and there is little that needs to be done. Washing is fine. Original wax may last several months. Many members, like myself, are satisfied with an off-the-shelf one-step cleaner-wax. Other members buy a dozen exotic products. Depends on the effort that you want to spend detailing. Begin with a simple product. As you learn more, you can move to more complicated techniques. There is no “best” single product or method.

As with any site, you have to decide who is giving you useful advice, and who is trying to sell you something.

BTW why don’t you join us on the Skyline Drive, VA Cruise?
https://my350z.com/forum/mid-atlantic/342127-5th-annual-spring-skyline-drive-va-cruise-sunday-may-25th-new-date.html

 

Thanks, very helpful info! I appreciate your help and the offer to PM!

 

SuperBlack350Z's guide has some great info and it's specific to your vehicle. For another source of information you may want to check out our Detailing Guide. This has step by step instructions and lots of great supplemental info.

Greg @ Detailed Image

 

Hey, I would love to join in the Skyline Drive Cruise but unfortunately I will be away on business on both the date and the rain date. Bummer. How many cars do you think will take part?