Hey guys i'm doing a detail job for one of my co-workers, its a 1957 Corvette. I need some suggestions on the best way to clean the interiors on these old cars, the seats and carpet are different then modern ones. Also there is a ton of chrome on this baby and its REALLY dirty, i've been using mothers mag cleaner, anyone have luck with other methods? This is my first detail job on a car this old so all tips are most apprectiated. Also I plan on Zainoing the car but I was wondering if it was alright to use 3M SWR before I Zaino. I've already washed it with dawn then claybared then washed twice more with Z7. It doesn't need the SMR badly but I really want to do a good job on this car and cover the light swirls. I was planning on finished with 3 coats of Z5 and 3 more of Z2.



thanks,
Mark

 

Unless it has a clear coat...you might want to use Z3.

 

From what I know, use 3M SMR after dawn/claying the car, then Zaino over it. I think. Mike?

 

The car has a clearcoat....it is a new paint job

 

It really depends on how much work and $$ you are willing to put into it to make it look perfect.

If I were doing that car for myself, I would probably go this route:
1) Wash car

2) Clay car

3) Use the 3M SMR or Meguiar's #9 SMR for the light swirls. In this case I would likely use the Meguiar's #9 2.0 SMR, since it can easily be used by hand. I personally would prefer to hand polish and wax a car of this nature although if you want to use a buffer the 3M would probably be a little better in that case.

4) I would use a paint cleaner or light glaze for extra surface cleaning and the last prep step to give it perfection (before the Z is applied to seal it in). My favorites would be Klasse All-In-One for the paint cleaning and P21S or S100 Gloss Enhancing Polish for a light glaze/cleaner. The Klasse AIO would remove all the oils left from the previous swirl remover and leave a nice base for Zaino. Plus AIO leaves a very slick, smooth surface after use that feels very nice. The P21S/S100 would actually leave more oils that would need to be removed by another wash. It does leave a nice shine though and it has some light cleaning ability so it's up to you. I would probably just stick with the AIO since Zaino is being used as the final protectant and you would not have an oil issue.

5a) QD the car with Z6 thoroughly.
5b) Apply 3 coats of Zaino per usual, buff with Microfiber.


For the exterior trim like chrome pieces and such, I would probably use Eagle One's NevrDull Wadding. Works great on metals and leaves a nice clean shine. The Klasse AIO can also be used on chrome for extra cleaning and some light protection.

For the interior.....I would use Lifter1 on the carpets and seats if they are fabric. If the seats are leather or vinly, I'd use a good vinyl/leather cleaner and then a conditioner. Something like Lexol, Zaino, Eagle One, Vinylex, etc works fine. For the dash surfaces and rubber trim areas, I'd use 303 Aerospace, Meguiar's #40, Vinylex......

For the tires, I'd prefer Stoner's more Shine Less Time or Zaino's Z16 since neither will sling and leave a nice shine.

Other surfaces, such as the engine area, undercarriage, etc may need separate cleaners as well if you are going to detail them, up to you.


Hope this helps,
Mike



Oh, and don't ask what I'd charge for all of that!