DIY Car Detailing

[Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by mels95yj

In case you haven't done it, I would suggest looking into getting a claybar. It will make a world of difference in the feel of your paint. Of course, you'll have to polish and wax afterwards because it will strip all the wax off.

Mel

I have something new that I have not tried yet. It is made by Turtle Wax and is called Liquid Claybar.

How often can you claybar your car?

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Skinsfan

Does anyone here enjoy doing their own car detailing?

I have found some great products that give my car a showroom shine.

It might sound like I am just endorsing Mequires. Honestly I am so impressed with their products I have to recommend them.

I use to take care of an auto collection as my full time job in college. This guy was so crazy, he had an ionizer, air purifier, and was his own Meguiars dealer just for himself. We had our own washer and drier just for car towels, as well filtered heated water to wash the cars.

I too, am big fan of Meguiars products. I do not like the usual consumer versions, but prefer the professional series products. The best way and place to buy them is from autobody supply shops. The prices about 75% less than what is charged at Autozone type places. Pays to buy in bulk!

Big clay bar fan too. If you have a new car, clay bar can keep it clean for a long time without attacking the paint. Works wonders on the windshield and lights too!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Skinsfan

I have something new that I have not tried yet. It is made by Turtle Wax and is called Liquid Claybar.

How often can you claybar your car?

Four times a year should do it. Meguiars medium bar is quite good. Just wash the car, do not dry it and use the clay bar on the wet car. Make sure you have no holidays from the wash before you start claying, and be super careful not to drop the clay bar on the ground. Best invention in a long time for car care. Door jams, under the hood & trunk, and wheels I would still use hand glaze to save time.

[JDO]

I do my own detailing and have had great results with

Maguires Deep Crystal car wash
Clay Magic clay bars
Collinite 845 Insulator Wax

[GrtndpwrflOZ]

I want to start a Mustang pass.
I'll send my 2000 Mustang (V6) around and everyone can detail some of it and then send it to the next guy.

Then take pics to show how well your products work.

Then when I get the car back it will look.......

B E A U T I F U L


whatayathink

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by JDO

I do my own detailing and have had great results with

Maguires Deep Crystal car wash
Clay Magic clay bars
Collinite 845 Insulator Wax

I use a Collinite wax, but I think it's called Special Edition something or another. I bought at Porsche car show and I am more than pleased with it. Drys very clear and lasts really long. Sometimes in the winter, I'll send my cars out to get done, and I insist that they use my wax!

[mels95yj]

Originally Posted by Skinsfan

I have something new that I have not tried yet. It is made by Turtle Wax and is called Liquid Claybar.

How often can you claybar your car?

I haven't heard enough reviews on the Liquid claybar yet, so I won't say. Personally, I would just go with the actual clay. I just went with the Meguires Claybar kit from Walmart. You get enough clay for at least 3 times and some detailer.

Basically, you wash the car and don't worry about drying as stated. Depending on if you're outside or in the garage, you'll still probably need some detailing spray or soapy water so the clay will glide across the paint easily. As stated above, if you drop it on the ground, throw it away.

As far as how often depends on how much you drive it and in what type of conditions. I'd say twice a year is fine.

I would say one of the biggest products that will keep scratches away from your paint is GOOD microfiber towels, rags and a good wash mitt. Not all microfiber is created equal, so don't buy the cheap ones.

In case you've never used a claybar, here's an how-to.

How to claybar

Mel

[Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by mels95yj

I haven't heard enough reviews on the Liquid claybar yet, so I won't say. Personally, I would just go with the actual clay. I just went with the Meguires Claybar kit from Walmart. You get enough clay for at least 3 times and some detailer.

Basically, you wash the car and don't worry about drying as stated. Depending on if you're outside or in the garage, you'll still probably need some detailing spray or soapy water so the clay will glide across the paint easily. As stated above, if you drop it on the ground, throw it away.

As far as how often depends on how much you drive it and in what type of conditions. I'd say twice a year is fine.

I would say one of the biggest products that will keep scratches away from your paint is GOOD microfiber towels, rags and a good wash mitt. Not all microfiber is created equal, so don't buy the cheap ones.

In case you've never used a claybar, here's an how-to.

How to claybar

Mel

Can you claybar too often? In other words, is twice a year the max you want to claybar your car?

[Hydrated]

Originally Posted by monsoon

My version of DIY car detailing

I think I waxed my 2001 Honda once... Of course I've only owned it since it was new. How often am I supposed to wax it again?

[mels95yj]

Originally Posted by Skinsfan

Can you claybar too often? In other words, is twice a year the max you want to claybar your car?

I don't think it would hurt the car, but you're stripping the wax and polish off your car everytime you claybar. So, you'll just have to polish and wax more often. To me, if you don't live in an area that dusty, live close to an industrial center, or you do a lot of interstate driving, twice a year would be plenty. That's just my opinion though.

I usually only claybar twice a year (again my preference). Therefore, I polish and wax twice a year. In between, I use a Quick Detailer to freshen up the wax a little after washing.

Mel

[poker]

I have always clayed my car every month.
This is my old S4 after a wash (Dawn soap will strip all wax), clayed and then polished with Pinnacle Swirl Remover on a Porter Cable 7424 orbital polisher, followed by Pinnacle's Finishing Polish, and finally 2 coats of Pinnacle's Souveran Paste Wax.

[4WheelVFR]

Originally Posted by Skinsfan

Can you claybar too often? In other words, is twice a year the max you want to claybar your car?

Twice a year is standard.

Looks like some BOTLs hooked you up with some good detailing info. Also, go over to the S2Ki.com forums and check out the detailing forum. They have one of the best detailing forums on the 'net.

I use all Menzerna products with a Porter Cable, and love it.

'96 Pathfinder w/ 145000 miles before Menzerna



After Menzerna




It looks like we need a CS Detail Day and then Herf after!

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by mels95yj

I usually only claybar twice a year (again my preference). Therefore, I polish and wax twice a year. In between, I use a Quick Detailer to freshen up the wax a little after washing.

Are polishing the car after you clay it? I usually clay it and wax it.

[Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by 4WheelVFR

It looks like we need a CS Detail Day and then Herf after!

Sounds good to me.

Actually this weekend my wife and I are going on a Solstice run with a bunch of other Solstice owners. We are going to drive from the Annapolis area to Northern Va and go tubing and then visit a local winery for some wine tasting afterwards.

Maybe I will discover some new BOTL at this event.

Butts Tubes
http://www.buttstubes.com/

Breaux Vineyards
http://www.breauxvineyards.com/

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by Skinsfan

Sounds good to me.

Actually this weekend my wife and I are going on a Solstice run with a bunch of other Solstice owners.

Nothing beats smoking a cigar with the top down! Miss my convertible.

Get some RaggTopp convertible top spray. You'll never have to replace your convertible top. One can will last years! Very impressive stuff. 4 year of New England weather and my convertible top looked like new. This car did not stay one day ever in a garage and was style one of the cleanest in the area.