Washing/Detailing for Newbies - Page 7 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

PalmerGA · 11-14-2012, 03:59 PM

MRK III Z28: great write-up. Thanks so much. Two questions that I just want to be clear on.

1. Claying: Is it okay to clay the plastic/rubber bumpers. I assume it is since you are only actually surface cleaning the paint.

2. After Claying: Is immediately after claying the time to apply a coat of wax? Any special instructions or just apply as normal?

Thanks to any who can answer confidently.

WiSSDiver · 11-14-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PalmerGA

MRK III Z28: great write-up. Thanks so much. Two questions that I just want to be clear on.

1. Claying: Is it okay to clay the plastic/rubber bumpers. I assume it is since you are only actually surface cleaning the paint.

2. After Claying: Is immediately after claying the time to apply a coat of wax? Any special instructions or just apply as normal?

Thanks to any who can answer confidently.

To #1, Yes, I tend to just not lean as hard because the rubber / composite is softer and gives more than the painted metal.

#2 Technically you could wax any time you want, but once you've properly clayed your car, it won't have anything protecting your surface. From a last step process, you should probably clean (wash) one more time to make sure all of the detail spray / clay lube has been removed, Polish if needed, use a sealant to protect and then Wax to further protect.

So to review Assuming you've properly striped any old waxes or seals off and your paint is perfect:
Clay, Wash, spot polish if needed, Seal, glaze (optional), Then Wax.

Hope that helps.

PalmerGA · 11-15-2012, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpomeroy

To #1, Yes, I tend to just not lean as hard because the rubber / composite is softer and gives more than the painted metal.

#2 Technically you could wax any time you want, but once you've properly clayed your car, it won't have anything protecting your surface. From a last step process, you should probably clean (wash) one more time to make sure all of the detail spray / clay lube has been removed, Polish if needed, use a sealant to protect and then Wax to further protect.

So to review Assuming you've properly striped any old waxes or seals off and your paint is perfect:
Clay, Wash, spot polish if needed, Seal, glaze (optional), Then Wax.

Hope that helps.

It certainly does help. Thanks very much!

Jalberdi99 · 11-15-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UMjman

Great Thread on detailing. I have one question. How does one go about cleaning the engine compartment?

yeah, how? im would like to know also

jdogscam2013 · 12-24-2012, 10:21 PM

Don't ever waste your money on dealer add ons, they make like 300% profit on something you can easily do yourself.

Dennis SS · 12-25-2012, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jalberdi99

yeah, how? im would like to know also

You really don't need to hose down an LS engine. They seal so well that all you really need to do is just wipe it down with a damp microfiber towel after every car wash and your good. I have 20,000 on my 10 SS and it still looks brand new. Just get a little OCD and spend a few hours whipping down shock towers, pulleys, hoses, sub frame, wiper cowl, under hood, finders along the inside ect... You can use some detail spray to help get some of the harder stuffs.

tc Bosnian · 12-30-2012, 09:57 PM

ok i just picked up my car and its was snowing snowing coming home.. by the time i brought it home its gotten dirty from the snow/salt. id like to wash, wax and then store it like the thread instructs. but my question is, with it being so cold what should i do?

Dennis SS · 12-30-2012, 10:10 PM

Really nothing you can do until it warms up enough so the water does not freeze on contact making things worse. Plus if you have to go to a car wash now it's not going to do you any good as you have to drive back in the nasty roads once again. Black is the hardest color to take care of as I know this very well with my black SS. If you want to keep it looking new and swirl free I would highly highly recommend looking at Adams Polishs and watch thier videos on how to wash a car. Watch all thier videos I leaned a lot of very good technics. Adams is very expensive but they do have good products and very good washing and drying technics to save the paint. I personally use every bit of their stuff and can say its worth every penny, 20000 miles and she still looks better then new!

tc Bosnian · 12-31-2012, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis SS

Really nothing you can do until it warms up enough so the water does not freeze on contact making things worse. Plus if you have to go to a car wash now it's not going to do you any good as you have to drive back in the nasty roads once again. Black is the hardest color to take care of as I know this very well with my black SS. If you want to keep it looking new and swirl free I would highly highly recommend looking at Adams Polishs and watch thier videos on how to wash a car. Watch all thier videos I leaned a lot of very good technics. Adams is very expensive but they do have good products and very good washing and drying technics to save the paint. I personally use every bit of their stuff and can say its worth every penny, 20000 miles and she still looks better then new!

oh gotcha, im thinking about going to a car wash right now. the roads are cleaner so it wont be as dirty. i just dont like doing car washes bc of the water pressure to the paint. but one time isnt going to hurt it. and yes ive noticed when black gets dirty how noticeable it is.

Dennis SS · 12-31-2012, 02:10 PM

Car wash pressure washers are not very powerful. If you stand back a foot from the blast it's pretty delicate. I use a pressure washer on my car everytime. I have a Karcher 1800 PSI electric pressure washer and I use a foam cannon and rinse.

tc Bosnian · 12-31-2012, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis SS

Car wash pressure washers are not very powerful. If you stand back a foot from the blast it's pretty delicate. I use a pressure washer on my car everytime. I have a Karcher 1800 PSI electric pressure washer and I use a foam cannon and rinse.

oh ok, i need to buy all this stuff not sure what all i need tho.

Dennis SS · 12-31-2012, 07:40 PM

Take a look at the Adams Polishes website. They have all kinds of stuff and ideas if you don't want to spend the money, they are pricey. Also check out Auto Geek website for thier cleaning supplies. They have e foam cannon that is a must for black cars. You have to go the extra mile to keep black looking good.

DFWHD · 01-02-2013, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dennis SS

Take a look at the Adams Polishes website. They have all kinds of stuff and ideas if you don't want to spend the money, they are pricey. Also check out Auto Geek website for thier cleaning supplies. They have e foam cannon that is a must for black cars. You have to go the extra mile to keep black looking good.

Is there one of their foam cannons in particular you'd recommend? I've got a Carbon Flash Metallic finish which is just about black...

ihaveacamaro · 01-02-2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFWHD

Is there one of their foam cannons in particular you'd recommend? I've got a Carbon Flash Metallic finish which is just about black...

Not an Adam's product, but I have the MTM hydro foam cannon which is ~60 dollars and I get great results

11-14-2012, 03:59 PM	#85
PalmerGA Drives: 2013 SIM 1SS/RS L99 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southwest GA Posts: 8,755 View My Garage	MRK III Z28: great write-up. Thanks so much. Two questions that I just want to be clear on. 1. Claying: Is it okay to clay the plastic/rubber bumpers. I assume it is since you are only actually surface cleaning the paint. 2. After Claying: Is immediately after claying the time to apply a coat of wax? Any special instructions or just apply as normal? Thanks to any who can answer confidently. __________________ 2013 1SS/RS Coupe L99, Stainless Power Works LT Headers, SCT X4 Custom Tune from RDP, CAI Inc. Air Intake w/ Apex Scoop, VMAX CNC Ported Throttle Body, Solo Axle-Back Exhaust w/ J-pipes, Apex Catch Can, Husky Splash Guards, Heritage Grille, 3D Carbon Rear Spoiler, Oracle Chrome Turn Signal Bulbs, GM Reverse Light Trim Billets, Gorilla Black Locking Lugs, Emblem Pros Retro SS Badges/Custom Retro SS Kickplates/Under-hood Bowtie, 35% window Tint, Nitto Motivo Tires (6-8-18)

12-30-2012, 09:57 PM	#91
tc Bosnian Drives: 09 a4 1500 silverado 2010 2ss rs Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: fort wayne Posts: 309 View My Garage	ok i just picked up my car and its was snowing snowing coming home.. by the time i brought it home its gotten dirty from the snow/salt. id like to wash, wax and then store it like the thread instructs. but my question is, with it being so cold what should i do? __________________ My mods: Kooks 1 7/8 Long Tubes - KN&N CAI - Borla Catback - 227/243-.614/.624-114 COMP CAM - 465 WHP and 445 torque.

12-30-2012, 10:10 PM	#92
Dennis SS Always Lookin Drives: 10 SS/RS 6M Blk/Blk Silver Stripes Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hampton Virginia Posts: 150 View My Garage	Wash Really nothing you can do until it warms up enough so the water does not freeze on contact making things worse. Plus if you have to go to a car wash now it's not going to do you any good as you have to drive back in the nasty roads once again. Black is the hardest color to take care of as I know this very well with my black SS. If you want to keep it looking new and swirl free I would highly highly recommend looking at Adams Polishs and watch thier videos on how to wash a car. Watch all thier videos I leaned a lot of very good technics. Adams is very expensive but they do have good products and very good washing and drying technics to save the paint. I personally use every bit of their stuff and can say its worth every penny, 20000 miles and she still looks better then new! __________________ -Custom grind Crane Cam with 3 bolt conversion, Lunati springs, harden push rods, SLP oil pump, LS2 tensioner - Kooks Custom Headers. X-pipe, mufflers, high flow cats, -Tuned by National Speed in Wilmington N. Carolina, HP Tuner 490rwhp and 483rwtq -Skip shift eliminator -RX Catch Can -CAI intake -Hurst Shifter, with custom Speed Dawg

12-31-2012, 02:10 PM	#94
Dennis SS Always Lookin Drives: 10 SS/RS 6M Blk/Blk Silver Stripes Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hampton Virginia Posts: 150 View My Garage	Car wash pressure washers are not very powerful. If you stand back a foot from the blast it's pretty delicate. I use a pressure washer on my car everytime. I have a Karcher 1800 PSI electric pressure washer and I use a foam cannon and rinse. __________________ -Custom grind Crane Cam with 3 bolt conversion, Lunati springs, harden push rods, SLP oil pump, LS2 tensioner - Kooks Custom Headers. X-pipe, mufflers, high flow cats, -Tuned by National Speed in Wilmington N. Carolina, HP Tuner 490rwhp and 483rwtq -Skip shift eliminator -RX Catch Can -CAI intake -Hurst Shifter, with custom Speed Dawg

12-31-2012, 07:40 PM	#96
Dennis SS Always Lookin Drives: 10 SS/RS 6M Blk/Blk Silver Stripes Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Hampton Virginia Posts: 150 View My Garage	Take a look at the Adams Polishes website. They have all kinds of stuff and ideas if you don't want to spend the money, they are pricey. Also check out Auto Geek website for thier cleaning supplies. They have e foam cannon that is a must for black cars. You have to go the extra mile to keep black looking good. __________________ -Custom grind Crane Cam with 3 bolt conversion, Lunati springs, harden push rods, SLP oil pump, LS2 tensioner - Kooks Custom Headers. X-pipe, mufflers, high flow cats, -Tuned by National Speed in Wilmington N. Carolina, HP Tuner 490rwhp and 483rwtq -Skip shift eliminator -RX Catch Can -CAI intake -Hurst Shifter, with custom Speed Dawg

12-24-2012, 10:21 PM	#89
jdogscam2013 Drives: 2013 2SS Blue Ray Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 41	Don't ever waste your money on dealer add ons, they make like 300% profit on something you can easily do yourself.