Survived Automatic Carwash!...whew!

[RIPws6]

Bought the car in August and washed it once since. With all the rain in the area, made no sense to try but recently, due to the weather, it made sense to wash it again. The car is black and a manual wash was out of the question. I had been fretting since Day 1 about putting the Camaro through an automatic wash facility.
Today I took the risk and came out clean as a whistle, no damage, tires didnt get screwed up, no missing mirrors.
After I got the car clean, I waxed it and cleaned the inside and under the hood. I do have a question!
What is the safest way to clean the front of the damn radio? The fiberglass/plastic covering the radio menu is obviously prone to scratching. I used a microfiber cloth to clean it and sure enough, I could see scratches after I was done. Frustrating as hell. At this rate the radio dial wont be readable in a year.

[Camaro Steve]

Don't go through one of those "rotating brushes of death" car washes, touchless only!!
I saw on Ebay you can get a plastic film made to protect the face of the radio http://www.ebay.com/itm/220921978769...84.m1423.l2649

[nyrfan]

Originally Posted by Camaro Steve

Don't got through one of those "rotating brushes of death" car washes, touchless only!!
I saw on Ebay you can get a plastic film made to protect the face of the radio http://www.ebay.com/itm/220921978769...84.m1423.l2649

That skin on ebay looks like a piece of crap.

If you want to protect you radio go here (they also offer option for your gauges):

http://www.ghost-armor.com/Chevrolet/344.html

[MS3DALE]

Service Information


2011 Chevrolet Camaro | Camaro (VIN F) Service Manual | View All Bulletins | Document ID: 2677727
#09-08-44-015E: Radio Display Screen Scratches and Scuffs (Polish Display Screen) - (Jun 20, 2011)

Subject:Radio Display Screen Scratches and Scuffs (Polish Display Screen)

Models:2010-2012 Chevrolet Camaro
2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice
2007-2010 Saturn SKY

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2012 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 09-08-44-015D (Section 08 – Body and Accessories). Condition


Some customers may comment on scratches and scuffs on the radio display screen.
Cause


This condition may be caused by wiping the screen with a dirty cleaning cloth, paper towels or wiping the dirty screen with a bare hand. The high gloss finish on the radio display screen may have a tendency to show these scratches and scuffs. Different viewing conditions, such as bright sun light, may also make the scratches more apparent.
Correction


A GM-authorized dealership or detail shop may use the following procedure to correct the condition. Any scratches that are not removed by this procedure are too severe to be restored. Do not attempt to use a more aggressive material to remove deep scratches. The use of more aggressive materials may dull or damage the display screen.

1. Clean the radio display screen and surrounding area with a clean, damp (not wet) soft cotton cloth or a micro-fiber cloth. Do not use any cleaners or solvents – use only clean warm water.

Important: Use only high quality automotive-type masking tape. Do not use cloth-type tape as it may damage the soft touch finish on the instrument panel. Remove the tape immediately after the polishing process is completed.
2. Mask off the surrounding area as shown to prevent damage or staining from the polishing material (Camaro shown, Solstice and SKY similar).
3. Apply a small amount of GM Swirl Remover Polish, P/N 12377965 (In Canada, use Meguiars brand PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner Polish*), to a soft cotton cloth or micro-fiber cloth.
4. Hand polish the display screen using a circular motion. Polish the display until satisfactory results are achieved.
5. Finish the process with a clean portion of the polishing cloth using a straight cross-car motion.
6. Remove the masking tape from the surrounding area.
7. Clean the radio display screen and surrounding area with a clean, damp (not wet) soft cotton cloth or a micro-fiber cloth to pick up any dust left from the polishing procedure. Do not use any cleaners or solvents – use only clean warm water.

* We believe these sources and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources.


GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

[MS3DALE]

Originally Posted by nyrfan

That skin on ebay looks like a piece of crap.

Its not,I have it,It looks and works great.

[RAYD8]

You can also buy a iPad screen protector and cut it down...

[SSSugar]

We have the Ghost Armour on both our SS's and love them! They protect from new scratches and hide the old ones.

[el ess A]

+1 for Ghost Armor. Comes pre-cut and fits perfectly! Great product.

[Fiveg56]

Any problems with bubbles in the Ghost Armor?

[v8]

Where do you get the Ghost Armor, is it on line only?

[Dizzy82]

Visit the Ghost Armor website, they have kits for everything from headlights, tail lights, turn signals, side markers, and of course the radio display. I have them for the radio, headlights, turn signals, and DRLs. They work great. The kits come with a application solution that you spray on the surface, then you fit the armor, adjusting as necessary, gently squeegee out the fluid, and let it dry.

[coolcamaroZ28]

I can also vouch for Ghost Armor. Incredible stuff. Got rid of the existing scratches and no worries about wiping it with a dry microfiber...

[joeysSS]

Glad it came out okay. I had a black on black and never ran it through one, brushless or not. 37* to 110*, I was hand washing it, hand drying it. Pain in the wazoo but not worth the chance of a nasty scratch. The paint seemed to scratch really easy so be careful!

[Sir Nuke]

Originally Posted by v8

Where do you get the Ghost Armor, is it on line only?

look UP^^^ post #3 has a link directly to the Ghost Armor product page.