I just got my black 97 z28 a few weeks ago and I get tons of compliments on how shiny it is because it really is a jem. I try to keep it clean and wash it off after its been in the rain. I usually just wash it(use some mild liquid soap if its really dirt). I jet it down really good, apply soap, rub it clean, rinse a few times and dry it while adding Eagle One Wax as you dry (I have to admit that stuff works awesome, very shiny ). I have a hard time takin pictures of it because it reflects the flash back at the camera and youu see nothing.

It does look very nice, however I have swirl marks like crazy if you look closely. I also have some some small stone chips on the front bumper. I want to know the best way to remove as much of this as possible just to make it look its best. can someone recommend some products? I hear good things about zaino but I am kind of confused on which ones to get. I would also like to be able to get it at my local store. Can i polish it by hand if i take my time or do i need a motorized buffer? Also, what kind of wax should i use if i have more time every once in a while?

 

Can't buy Zaino at a store. You have to find a dealer. There are plenty of them online.

Applying wax by hand works fine but I think working the wax in with a buffer is much more effective.

 

Working wax in with a buffer is not more effective, it's just easier for some people. There's no true advantage to it other than the fact that you're applying thinner, more even layers.

Anyways, I highly recommend registering on www.autopia.org and www.detailcity.com - the amount of knowledge on these 2 forums is insane. Autopia has a detailing guide that you can download or view online that is VERY useful. In time, you'll learn that Zaino is just a sealant like Klasse SG, Blackfire, Four Star UPP, Poorboys EX/EX-P, and the list goes on. It will not remove swirls, and it will not work wonders.

You won't be able to polish swirls out by hand unless you're an animal. It takes the high speed and heat of a buffer to break down the abrasives in most polishes to make them take effect.

Don't worry, I was once in your boat, and I blew $100 on Zaino. Just lookin' out for ya, because I'm done with that stuff. It's nothing special, period.

 

Zaino

 

It IS more effective when you don't feel like using too much elbow grease.

 

^lol

 

well guys, can you tell me what i should use and in what order to get some good results? I want to get all the crud off, polish out all the scratches and swirl marks, add some depth to the paint, and wax it. Theres tons of products at murrays but I don't know what works and what doesnt. The eagle one wax as you dry works well but it gets dirty quick (I think it actually attracts dirt or something) so i was wondering what i can do for extra protection?

 

Eagle One Wax as u dry is a great product, but very oily. I wouldn't even consider it a wax, it provides no protection at all and washes off.

First off, www.autopia-carcare.com has "how-to" guides for all of this and how to properly do it if you need further instruction.

Step 1:
Wash THOROUGHLY....I like Eagle One WET or Meguiar's NXT car wash shampoo
Sheepskin/Lambswool mitt from Walmart or Target (make sure its natural and not synthetic)
2 wash buckets.....1 for wash water, 1 for rinse water. Rinse the mitt in the rinse bucket after washing each panel, then dip in the wash water. This prevents the wash water from getting dirty. DO NOT WASH OR DRY IN CIRCLES.

Dry with microfiber towels. www.exceldetail.com has the best prices I've found and the quality is outstanding.

Step 2:
Clay....the cheapest clay you'll find is from www.autopia-carcare.com at $6-7 per bar. Use a drop of the car wash you just used in a spray bottle with some water as clay lubricant. Buff off each section with a microfiber towel after claying it to avoid the need to wash the car again afterwards.

Step 3:
Swirl removal....Depends how bad the swirls are. You'll need a Porter Cable dual action random orbital, which is fool proof and virtually impossible to damage paint with. www.coastaltool.com sells it cheapest. Use the 6" counterweight and velcro backing plate that they include. Get the pad kit without the backing plate from www.properautocare.com - an extra polishing or cutting pad would be wise to get. A company called "Poorboy's" has VERY good products, and a whole line of swirl removers. www.poorboysworld.com

I would polish the whole car with SSR2.5 with a cutting pad, then go over it with SSR1 with a polishing pad. Switch to a new pad when the old one gets dirty or caked with polish.

Step 4:
Wax/Seal. I prefer a sealant first, and then a wax 24 hours afterwards to allow the sealant to cure first. Waiting 24 hours IS necessary.

www.properautocare.com has an array of products to choose from, as well as Poorboy's. Poorboy's products are my favorite because they are very easy to use and give very good results. Poorboy's EX sealant is very good on black, as is Meguiar's NXT. S100 (same as P21S) paste wax and Poorboy's Natty's paste waxes are my two personal favorites. S100 is available from your local Harley Davidson shop.


Any more questions feel free to ask....

-Matt

 

ive had a pretty good experience with zaino... just look in the sig. you mentioned eagle one seems to attract dust. I think Zaino does too but im not sure... no way to tell since my car has never been zaino-less Swirl marks will start to come out if i let the car get significantly dusty. It doesnt bother me though since i rarely let my car get that dusty. I love the stuff...it looks killer after a fresh wash and a fresh coat.

 

Eagle One Wax as u dry is a great product, but very oily. I wouldn't even consider it a wax, it provides no protection at all and washes off.

oily,no protection and washes off...........great product?