Spring Cleaning

[AstrosFAN]

Since everyone seems to be in the spring cleaning mood, I thought I would give my 2 cents and ask for some opinions and since i think this is my 3rd post in over a year, why the hell not.

If the weather permits I was going to do a full detail. It's been almost a year since I have waxed my car. (don't care what you say, didn't give a crap at that time). I have a HUGE gash on the side of my car from a piece of metal on the freeway(it happened the 2nd day I had my car) and my front bumper has around 1,000 rock chips(this also happened within the first month or 2 I had my car). It was wrecked and must have had a cheap paint job on the bumper. Very annoying since I don't want to spend several hundred on a new one and no amount of wax would save it, part of the reason for my discouragement.

I usually just buy some cleaner wax and put 2 or 3 coats, but this time I thought I would give it the TLC it deserves and needs! I was trying to spend no more that 8 hrs on this job, the less time the better.

I'm almost finished with the interior and even went as far as taking out the front seats to get the crap that falls in between the center console and driver's seat. I've been using stoner invisible glass, meguiars QUIK INTERIOR DETAILER(don't really care for it, I like how its not greasy), detailing brushes, ect...

I was planning to debadge, take the door moldings off, and throw a garage door under my front bumper(maybe I could find a use for the extra bricks and shingles laying around ). Hopefully my paint has not faded and I can leave the door mouldings off.

here's my potential process, tell me what you think
all of the products I am going to use have to be from a local chain. I like Meguiars and mothers but no real preference. I was going to buy a Mothers Power Ball for all steps after the clay bar. recommended?

Clay bar: Not sure what kind, and I read somewhere you can use soapy water as a lube for a quick application. not sure it I would do that or not?? then I would have to wash it again.

Mother's pre wax cleaner STEP 1: Not sure if this is necessary since I am using the clay bar?

Mothers Sealer and Glaze STEP 2: I wonder if the power ball will be too abrasive on my paint? could always do this step by hand

1 to 2 coats of the FX Synth wax: wonder if 2 would be enough?

Thats about it and maybe rainx on my glass after i clay bar the crap off my windshield.

Thoughts? suggestions?

[Mazda Gremlyn]

If you haven't done it before, adding in a polish step might be a good idea before the glaze/sealant (maybe that's what the Mother's Pre-wax is??). It would really ring the depth of the colour out. As for the soapy lube with the clay bar, just rinse the car off and dry it with a nice, clean waffle weave microfiber.

I do a five step:
1. Clay bar
2. Polish (really two steps here as I have a rougher polish if I need to get scratches out and the finishing polish after)
3. Glaze
4. Sealant

I also use my Flex polisher, but that's besides the point

If you have a little spare money, I would invest in the Porter Cable, it'll make it much easier/faster to do the job right. If you have more spare money, go with the Flex. You won't be sorry.

[BlackCherry06]

I agree with the polish step. Getting rid of the spiderwebbing and hairline scratches goes a long way toward making your car look like it just left the showroom.

Skip the 2nd coat of FX and put some pure carnauba on top of the first coat. AutoMagic #15 is fantastic.

[AstrosFAN]

QUOTE (Mazda Gremlyn @ Apr 21 2009, 12:26 PM)

If you haven't done it before, adding in a polish step might be a good idea before the glaze/sealant (maybe that's what the Mother's Pre-wax is??). It would really ring the depth of the colour out. As for the soapy lube with the clay bar, just rinse the car off and dry it with a nice, clean waffle weave microfiber.

I do a five step:
1. Clay bar
2. Polish (really two steps here as I have a rougher polish if I need to get scratches out and the finishing polish after)
3. Glaze
4. Sealant

I also use my Flex polisher, but that's besides the point

If you have a little spare money, I would invest in the Porter Cable, it'll make it much easier/faster to do the job right. If you have more spare money, go with the Flex. You won't be sorry.[/b]

Thanks.
No spare money, its going towards RX8 wheels and maybe a drop. I was going to spend a few bucks on the power ball. My dad has a orbital buffer, would that be better with some microfiber pads?

What type of polish is reccommended? remember local chains only.

[BlackCherry06]

QUOTE (AstrosFAN @ Apr 21 2009, 02:37 PM)

Thanks.
No spare money, its going towards RX8 wheels and maybe a drop. I was going to spend a few bucks on the power ball. My dad has a orbital buffer, would that be better with some microfiber pads?

What type of polish is reccommended? remember local chains only.[/b]

If you have access to a random orbital polisher, Meguiars makes a line of consumer products that you use in steps. (i.e. #9 Swirl Remover) Same if you're just doing it by hand. Just pick the right one by reading the description and instructions. Just remember the order - Polish, Glaze, Sealer (syn wax, etc) and carnauba. Anything used after the carnauba will take it right off, so make that your last step.

[AstrosFAN]

spring cleaning is almost finished.

I put aside an entire saturday and finally waxed my car. I used the Mothers clay bar(WOW!!! that made a huge difference except for getting off tar) and Ultimate Wax 3 step system, with using 2 coats of step 3. I was going to use the FX synth wax, but it has a mild cleaner and would take off most of the step2: glaze/sealer. I plan on using the fx spray wax to maintain since it does not have any cleaners added. Even though it took 10 hrs to debadge, take off door guards, clay bar and wax, it was well worth it!

Now i just need to rainx and clean under the hood and I am done!

[MagicOPromotion]

so id like to finally get rid of those black spots the previous owner left in my tanish carpet. i was thinking of steam cleaning my interior, but dont think those machines from home depot will fit. anyone know a good method thatll make everything look new?

[Kyro]

QUOTE (AstrosFAN @ Apr 21 2009, 12:37 PM)

My dad has a orbital buffer, would that be better with some microfiber pads?

What type of polish is reccommended? remember local chains only.[/b]

Ya i was looking at these orbital buffers at Sears, saw some ones made by Craftsman. They seemed legit and were around $30 for a bulky one and $55 or so for a PC looking one. Would these be alright to use and not hurt the paint? I know PC and what not is the way to go but just don't want to spend that much money... I remembered i did it one with a $20 orbital that i used to take off the majoirty of it then used some microfiber to "finish buff" it.

[CoastStarlight]

As for your interior use F21 Super Protectant By Turtle Wax, pick it up just about anywear, you will be very satisfied with the results.. Apply genorously

[JML]

Forget the Rain-X. Use PPG Aquapel. Lasts far, far longer (six months) and doesn't smear. Go to PepBoys and get a package for $7.99. One for the windshield, one for the rear window, and another one or two for the sides.