Cleaning your ZL1

[Aziz]

Hi everyone,

So I've never cared much about cleaning my current car and I have no experience whatsoever. I tried searching for useful tips but most of them didn't fully apply on camaros (especially the ZL1).
Since washing a car is an important topic for many enthusiasts, I've decided to make this little thread that allows us to share useful tips and tricks on cleaning our ZL1s . For example, what is the best way to clean up the interior (microfiber)/ gauges(HUD)/ engine bay(I think that's the hardest one especially on the ZL1, the hood is just a mesh of wires and electronics )/ exterior (how to wax the hood without waxing the mowhawk) etc...

So far this forum is the best forum I've ever seen, the people are nice, the moderators are constantly keeping things in check and the sponsors pass around a good amount of info. Thank you for your time and hopefully this thread becomes useful to many members and visitors

[KKreme15]

Great thread

[kbar4782]

I too care more about the proper way to wash this car than any other vehicle I've ever owned. I take better care of my vehicles than a lot of people, but nothing compared to some of you guys. I would appreciate a step by step on the exterior. Even what brands of cleaners/waxes you pros use. Thanks in advance. Great thread

[Vette TPI]

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=45

If you check that there is TONS of information. Just look around

[masterchiefbt]

I use nothing but ZAINO wax on my current SS. It is fully synthetic and does not build up any static electricity. 2-3 thin coats and what a shine. Been using car wash and various tools to keep everything clean. The best cleaning tool I have on my SS are the ceramic brake pads. None of that black wheel dust. That black dust gets blown around the wheels with air from the brake ducts and dirties the wheels up quick. A good wax job and ceramic brakes is the combo I use..

[JWR046]

Zaino is the best out there IMO. I have tried a lot of waxes and this is the best by far. I did not believe it until I tried it. No swirl marks and durable finish. Takes a little time with the clay bar but worth it.

I am going to buy a 2013 ZL1 through my dealer as soon as the allocation is available and you can submit it. Not worried about keeping it clean as it will be driven in nice weather only.

[Nightspore68]

Did you guys see that if you get the black painted Mohawk, you can't put wax on it because it will fog? (http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177469) I'm getting the exposed carbon fiber, which you can apparently wash like the rest of the car. I really could've gone either way, but I'm glad I won't have to explain this to the guys who wash my car everytime I go there.

[REVENGE]

Wow. The new faced people acting all excited about car cleaning. Give it a few months or a couple of years and you will revert to treating this car like all the other cars you have owned. Basically the people who always kept a filthy car will have a filthy ZL1. The people who always kept a clear car will jeep their ZL1 spotless. The people who never keep a car more than a couple of years will have already sold their ZL1 and will be long gone from these forums. This car will not make you turn iver a new leaf. You need to face facts.

[KKreme15]

Originally Posted by REVENGE

Wow. The new faced people acting all excited about car cleaning. Give it a few months or a couple of years and you will revert to treating this car like all the other cars you have owned. Basically the people who always kept a filthy car will have a filthy ZL1. The people who always kept a clear car will jeep their ZL1 spotless. The people who never keep a car more than a couple of years will have already sold their ZL1 and will be long gone from these forums. This car will not make you turn iver a new leaf. You need to face facts.

lol jerk

[PNYSLAR]

Originally Posted by JWR046

Zaino is the best out there IMO. I have tried a lot of waxes and this is the best by far. I did not believe it until I tried it. No swirl marks and durable finish. Takes a little time with the clay bar but worth it.

I am going to buy a 2013 ZL1 through my dealer as soon as the allocation is available and you can submit it. Not worried about keeping it clean as it will be driven in nice weather only.

+1

[gmgdave]

I use products from Griot's Garage I have used Zaino and it is good but Griot's goes above and beyond with the products they make. And since they are local to me it makes it really easy to keep their products on my shelf.

[KKreme15]

Originally Posted by Nightspore68

Did you guys see that if you get the black painted Mohawk, you can't put wax on it because it will fog? (http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177469) I'm getting the exposed carbon fiber, which you can apparently wash like the rest of the car. I really could've gone either way, but I'm glad I won't have to explain this to the guys who wash my car everytime I go there.

I'll cry if my dealer waxes the black Mohawk in dealer prep

[lbls1]

This car (if it becomes real for me) will get nothing but carnauba wax , just like my signature cars.

[FL1CK]

Originally Posted by REVENGE

Wow. The new faced people acting all excited about car cleaning. Give it a few months or a couple of years and you will revert to treating this car like all the other cars you have owned. Basically the people who always kept a filthy car will have a filthy ZL1. The people who always kept a clear car will jeep their ZL1 spotless. The people who never keep a car more than a couple of years will have already sold their ZL1 and will be long gone from these forums. This car will not make you turn iver a new leaf. You need to face facts.

Sorry you feel that way, but it's not true. I never had a clean car until I got my Camaro... to each his own, can't wait to see your dirty car.