Well, I couldn't get a Zaino clay bar, so I went with Mother's. I don't want to wait to have one shipped. Does anyone have any advice on using a clay bar, besides what it says on the instructions. Sometimes, I think "we" know better than "those" who make the products. Let me know what you know!

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2000 Red 3.8L V6 Camaro
Borla catback exhaust
Free flow cat
HARWOOD SS hood
w/ Suncoast Creations functional air box
High rise spoiler
RKsport Billet grille

 

Use lots of lubricant,
and don't do it on a hot surface.

 

Wash the car first,then clay bar it,using lots of lubricant (water with a little soap will work if you run out).Keep changing the surface of the clay (fold it over,knead it,etc) to keep it clean.Then wash the car again,then use whatever glaze/wax/polish system you prefer.

Mike

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1995 Flame Red Trans Am M6,3.42 (Factory Gear),T-Tops,Black Leather. K&N FIPK,Comp Cams Airfoil,98+ Taillights,GTS Foglight Blackouts

 

Moving to the Show and Shine forum...


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Brent Franker * Main Page
94 Vortech Z28 * 96 Z28 SS #1655
4th Gen Appearance Modification Guide
F-Body Install & Fix-It Guides

 

ttt

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2000 Red 3.8L V6 Camaro
Borla catback exhaust
Free flow cat
HARWOOD SS hood
w/ Suncoast Creations functional air box
High rise spoiler
RKsport Billet grille

 

Definitely wash the car first, it needs to be completely free of dirt. Flatten the clay into a pancake shape and kneed it alot while claying. Do NOT use alot of pressure. Use ALOT of lubricant and then rinse each area down after claying. Lay an old towel on the ground below the area you are working on, in case you drop the clay, it won't get dirt on it. Once you do the complete car, rewash the entire car to remove any remaining residue.

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Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, STB, SLP loudmouth, Direct-Flo lid with Holley filter and Mallory polished MAF ends.

Louisville, KY

 

How long are the clay bars good for? Thanks.

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2000 Red 3.8L V6 Camaro
Borla catback exhaust
Free flow cat
HARWOOD SS hood
w/ Suncoast Creations functional air box
High rise spoiler
RKsport Billet grille

 

I've been using the same clay bar for over a year, including demos. You can use it as long as you can knead a clean surface with it.

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Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, STB, SLP loudmouth, Direct-Flo lid with Holley filter and Mallory polished MAF ends.

Louisville, KY

 

Also, the clay bar should run smoothly over the surface. If it sticks you need to use more spray.

 

I'm still on my first Zaino clay bar (it comes with 2) after almost 2 years, and I use it on three different cars!

It still kneads clean! Amazing little bar!

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Solomon
What's life all about?
Silver '95 Camaro Z28 M6: 14.3 @ 98.7 - With problems, but will improve!
White '90 Cadillac deVille: 16.3 @ 81.4 - Not likely to change soon.
Learn the basics of tuning your OBDI LT1 PCM!

 

Are you supposed to go in the same direction with it, or can you move it back and forth? Is it necessary to wax the area after I use clay on it, and wash it? I'm only using it on the back bumper and lower truck area. Thanks everyone for your advice.

 

ttt

 

I never really pay that much attention to direction, it really shouldn't make any difference. I would polish/wax the area, a car should always have some kind of protection on it.


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Kevin Villier, 2002 SS #186 - 6M with Hurst and "short-stick", TT, navy blue, chrome SS wheels, Bilstein suspension, SS grill, STB, SLP loudmouth, Direct-Flo lid with Holley filter and Mallory polished MAF ends.

Louisville, KY

 

i use meguires qwik detailer as a lubricant with clay. after words i would use a polish then wax . the polish will fill in minor swirl marks and scratches , and the wax will protect your finish . this will make a big difference if you have a dark colored car



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01 arctic white ss m6 79 Z-28 10:1 350 w/ msd hooker super comps 650 dp ssm lift bars 3500 stall & 4.10 auburn gear and factory paint straight from the 70's. no times avail cus' our track sucks

 

One thing I have learned about claybars is to let them dry out alittle before putting them away when done with them. I had one that was soaked when I put it away. When I pulled it out use it again, it quickly dissolved into a big mess. Now I leave it out for a day or so before sealing it up so it drys out. Haven't had a problem since. Good luck.

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LaSSt One
2002 SS Convertible #3988 Pewter/Black w/Neutral Leather, SS Grille, Mats, Chrome 10 Spoke Wheels