Detailing questions answered here!

[Moose]

Originally Posted by vriocamaro

Ed,

My wife and I did a little shopping last weekend and both came home with 2SS/RS's. I ran across this thread earlier in the week and just wanted to say thanks. Every detailing question I've had has been answered already somewhere along the way. From the best wash and wax to use (Zaino apparently) to getting in to the RS wheels to get the inside clean to wax on the stripes. Great info. Thank you!

Congratulations!!! Two new Camaro's!!!

I'm very happy to pass along my experiences from detailing over the years. There are alot of good products available as well, and its just a matter of finding what works best for each individual.

For me, thats Zaino. I was just at a show on Tues., (6/15) and was asked again if my paint was "original". Alot of folks assume it's a repaint, and are amazed it's "factory original". So, I've found what works for me.

Good luck with your Camaro's, and if you ever have a question, post it here, or send me a PM and I'll be more than happy to help.

Ed

[JProberts]

Originally Posted by Moose

You can go ahead and clay, then drive the car. But before polishing, I'd very highly recommend you give the car a thorough washing.

During driving you're going to pick up debris, and seeing as the car will be parked while you're at work, even contaminants in the air could cause issues if you just use the spray detailer. I only use spray detailer after a short ride, going to a show.

SO go ahead and clay, then wash, ending with polish.

Ed

So I did clay last night and drove 7 miles to work. My plan was to do a waterless wash with the Adams product. Is that enough or do I need a full wash? It is in the garage at work.

Thanks JP

[2SS BUMBLBE]

Originally Posted by Moose

Unless your rims are blackened by brake dust, you can use the same soap/car wash brand that you use on the paint, (using a separate sponge of course on the rims) to clean the rims (once they're cool to the touch).

Most cars I detail do not need any thing stronger than car wash. When they do, I've used several brands such as Mothers, Eagle One, and Meguires, making sure that they read "clear coat safe".

Its also a very good idea to apply a good coat of wax/polish to your rims to prevent any damage from brake dust, etc., which also eases cleaning in the future and adds protection.

Ed

I found that a long bottle brush works well to get around the discs in all the hard-to-reach places.

[Moose]

JP, inspect the paint surface to determine if a full washing is necessary.

I like to get at eye level with the hood, roof, trunk, etc., and see if there is a fine layer of dust. If it's hard to perceive, I'll test a small area first with a spray detailer and see how it goes. If it works without causing any problems, then wiping down the car is OK. Otherwise, if a layer of dust is easily seen, I'd play it safe by washing.

Ed

Originally Posted by JProberts

So I did clay last night and drove 7 miles to work. My plan was to do a waterless wash with the Adams product. Is that enough or do I need a full wash? It is in the garage at work.

Thanks JP

[JProberts]

Originally Posted by Moose

JP, inspect the paint surface to determine if a full washing is necessary.

I like to get at eye level with the hood, roof, trunk, etc., and see if there is a fine layer of dust. If it's hard to perceive, I'll test a small area first with a spray detailer and see how it goes. If it works without causing any problems, then wiping down the car is OK. Otherwise, if a layer of dust is easily seen, I'd play it safe by washing.

Ed

Thanks for the info Ed.

[Stumpy]

Sorry if this has already been discussed....What's the difference between polish and wax?

I recently used the Meguiars Cleaner Wax and it left white residue on my vinyl stripes. I searched on the forum and found guys saying Dawn dish soap would remove the white residue. Thankfully this worked, but now I need to re-was/polish around the stripes (and would like to go over the vinyl as well) where the Dawn stripped it off.

I heard a lot of good things about the Turtle Wax Ice products so I bought some the liquid polish. Will this protect my paint, or am I only prepping the paint to be protected. That is the definition of a polish, right?

When someone says I am going to wax the car, I think of the can of paste (available in liquids now, I think??) that you apply and let dry then buff to a shine. All Turtle Wax Ice carries is a spray on, wipe off, Quick Wax?

Is there really a difference between wax and polish?

Thanks!

[Ol'Fart]

Moose, you are a scholar and a saint. This is one of the most informative threads I’ve seen and even if the same question is asked many times it’s always answered with knowledge and kindness. Thanks so much for all the great info!

So I’ve spent the last couple of days reading this entire thread in my spare time and haven’t seen anything relating to the “lamp covers,” those plastic lenses on the head light, fog lights and turn signals. They seem to attract bugs, any good product to make cleanup safe and easy?

They appear to be made of pretty soft plastic; I’ll bet they scratch easy. My guess is a little Z-2 once they are clean might help, is there anything better?

Thanks again for sharing.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Stumpy

Sorry if this has already been discussed....What's the difference between polish and wax?

I recently used the Meguiars Cleaner Wax and it left white residue on my vinyl stripes. I searched on the forum and found guys saying Dawn dish soap would remove the white residue. Thankfully this worked, but now I need to re-was/polish around the stripes (and would like to go over the vinyl as well) where the Dawn stripped it off.

I heard a lot of good things about the Turtle Wax Ice products so I bought some the liquid polish. Will this protect my paint, or am I only prepping the paint to be protected. That is the definition of a polish, right?

When someone says I am going to wax the car, I think of the can of paste (available in liquids now, I think??) that you apply and let dry then buff to a shine. All Turtle Wax Ice carries is a spray on, wipe off, Quick Wax?

Is there really a difference between wax and polish?

Thanks!

The issue of what's a "wax" and whats a "polish" varies, depending on whom you ask, what you read, etc..

Both offer protection, (so yes, "liquid polish" will offer you paint protection) and both work well at removing/hiding minor imperfections. There are various types of both, offering everything from cleaning, to swirl removal, to high gloss finishes.

There has also been discussions where waxes have been preferred for correcting paint imperfections, while polishes are used for appearance primarily, but IMO, I've been using polishes mostly, with great results.

It truly comes down to deciding what you're looking for; if you want a product thats easily purcahsed, ie; "over the counter", 'Meguires' and 'Mothers' offer great products. If you're looking for something different, 'Zaino' is a great product, and although I haven't tried their products yet, I've heard great things concerning 'Adams' products.

I hope that was of some help?
Ed

[Moose]

Originally Posted by Ol'Fart

Moose, you are a scholar and a saint. This is one of the most informative threads I’ve seen and even if the same question is asked many times it’s always answered with knowledge and kindness. Thanks so much for all the great info!

So I’ve spent the last couple of days reading this entire thread in my spare time and haven’t seen anything relating to the “lamp covers,” those plastic lenses on the head light, fog lights and turn signals. They seem to attract bugs, any good product to make cleanup safe and easy?

They appear to be made of pretty soft plastic; I’ll bet they scratch easy. My guess is a little Z-2 once they are clean might help, is there anything better?

Thanks again for sharing.

Thank you very much for the kind words...they are greatly appreciated. I truly enjoy helping as much as I can.

As for those plastic lenses, absolutely! I've used Z2 on mine and they've remained looking great while making bug removal much easier.

I'd also recommend using 100% cotton versus microfiber in polishing them. Zaino offers both "white" and "blond" towels on their site. I've bought both, and prefer the "blonde" for srying, but the "white" ones have worked well for small polishing jobs.

Thanks again for your comments...while I'm a little embarassed, I'm very appreciative. Thank you!

Ed

[garcmol]

Originally Posted by Moose

As for those plastic lenses, absolutely! I've used Z2 on mine and they've remained looking great while making bug removal much easier.

Thanks again for your comments...while I'm a little embarassed, I'm very appreciative. Thank you!

Ed

I never thought of that! You help a lot, Ed. I can scroll through here and usually find what I'm looking for nowadays. This, however, was a new one for me!

[2SS BUMBLBE]

Originally Posted by Moose

Thank you very much for the kind words...they are greatly appreciated. I truly enjoy helping as much as I can.

As for those plastic lenses, absolutely! I've used Z2 on mine and they've remained looking great while making bug removal much easier.

I'd also recommend using 100% cotton versus microfiber in polishing them. Zaino offers both "white" and "blond" towels on their site. I've bought both, and prefer the "blonde" for srying, but the "white" ones have worked well for small polishing jobs.

Thanks again for your comments...while I'm a little embarassed, I'm very appreciative. Thank you!

Ed

I just received my Ghost Armor lens covers today. Hopefully that helps protect those lenses. I will post pics on "What did you do to your Camaro today?" thread after install.

[GATORJAK]

How about your rally stripes? Wax, don't wax? I've been using Meguires ULTIMATE QUIK DETAILER
on them and all seems ok. I got the car in April 2010.

[Moose]

Originally Posted by GATORJAK

How about your rally stripes? Wax, don't wax? I've been using Meguires ULTIMATE QUIK DETAILER
on them and all seems ok. I got the car in April 2010.

If it's been working fine and not marring the finish of the stripes, I don;t see any harm in continuing to use the quick detailer.

Ed

[Ol'Fart]

:flag1: I'm having a very hard time finding 100% cotton towels made is America. Tried Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy's locally, no luck.

Any opinions on these:

http://madeinusaforever.com/ra27x54batom.html

Thanks for any input.