I need some advice, there is way!! too much info to search through...

Astrosfan

Hey Guys,

Ok, Ive been reading about which wax/sealant is best ect... for about an hour now and there is way too much info to decipher, at least for my busy schedule.

I just bought a used Platinum Graphite 370z and it needs some detailing. Ive always loved taking good care of my cars and detailing them. With that being said, i do have some experience and am not a total noob.

My last car was a red Mazda 6, and i used Mothers California gold clay bar and steps 1,2,3(2x). It looked really good but was time consuming.

I am looking to do a claybar, cleaner, polish and sealant/wax. After i would use some sort of easy wax for touchups.

I don't plan on buying anything online, so they have to be from either Walmart, Autozone or equivalent (they all seem to carry about the same stuff).

I was considering using either:
zymol cleaner wax (heard good things but never used it)
mothers california gold
mothers fx(maybe but if i remember correctly, it has a cleaner in it)
Meguiars (either ultimate, gold class, or maybe NXT)

I know that basically all the decent products available locally but as you can see im kinda lost.......

I would like good protection for my DD with some gloss and shine

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can lend!!

dad

Meguiar's Direct Deep Crystal® System Polish
Meguiar's Direct NXT Generation® Tech Wax® 2.0

Same here, I get it all from Walmart.

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We can do without any article of luxury we have never had; but once obtained, it is not in human nature to surrender it voluntary.

Cmike2780

Most of those will work ok, but to get swirls out you need to polish with a DA Polishers and the right compounds. Wax protects, its doesn't correct the paint so for the best finish possible, you need to polish.

Honestly, the better stuff from Meg's & Adam's Polishes, etc. are worth the shipping cost compared to the stuff you find at Walmart or Autozone. It usually evens out since don't have to pay tax from out out of state. I bought from Adam's a few times and shipping from CA to NY took less than a week.

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[09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R]

Astrosfan

I think i need to be more specific. of the products listed below, i was going to use the steps associated with each product (cleaner, glaze/polish, wax/sealant)

mothers california gold
mothers fx(maybe but if i remember correctly, it has a cleaner in it)
Meguiars (either ultimate, gold class, or maybe NXT)

Xan

Just one recommendation, change your mind and buy online.
Adam's, Detailers Domain, Zaino... The initial price difference will be easily offset by how a little bit goes a long way on the good products....

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FreshFish

I went with some of the over the counter Meguire's swirl remover and polish and basically wasted my money (although I like their Tech Wax). Ended up buying the Porter Cable Kit from Adam's and am waiting for the rain to die down before really getting crackin on the swirls and micro marring left from the Meguire's stuff. It looked good at first but after the first wash I was in swirl city. Please save your money for the real stuff.

Sandra Dee

Astrosfan

since i dont have the cash right now to spend on one of the online packages. I was considering using what i have to get the dealers wax off and remove a few swirls.

What i have
Step 1: Mothers california gold pre-wax cleaner
Step 2: Mothers California gold Sealers and glaze
Step 3: Meguiars NXT tech wax

I also have a bottle of Meguiars quick detailer. Im just not sure how to incorporate it into the steps? if necessary.

Later down the road i will probably get either Adams Kit or Zainos. The oes that run about $120

Thoughts??

Cmike2780

I see. So you wan't to know if what you have is ok to you correct? For the most part, the NXT will do fine in protecting your paint. Most waxes are good for only 3-6 months anyways. If you can help it, don't polish too hard with the stuff you have or you might end up doing more harm than good. I'm assuming your doing this by hand anyways. The paint on the Z is relatively soft, so be carefull. Just clean it as much as you can before applying wax and you should be fine. The NXT is one of the better products out there.

I think its safe to use the quick detailer after each step to help remove the excess product. (I'm not 100% with Meg's products though, so someone else verify)

At the very least, invest in a high quality wash mit and a quality microfiber cloth. The one's from walmart in packs of 5 or 10 are crap. You'll definately end up putting swirls & scratches if you go with the cheap stuff. You don't need to spend a whole lot, and there are alternatives if you know where to look. The in-store brands can get just as expensive when you add it all up.

For future reference, Adam's offers a 10% discount for forum members. (type in "370z")

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[09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R]

Astrosfan

Where would you recommend looking for a good mit and cloths? Are there any brands that you recommend? I was planning on waxing this weekend so a local place would be great!

Sandra Dee

Start off going to auto parts stores if you dont want to order online. The best MF towels DO NOT have tags sewn on them-that is clue number 1. Also, wash your MF towels by themselves-I use Woolite-no fabric softener-and do not dry them in the dryer. I hang them. Over time, you may have to boil them (in a pot) to remove any residue over months of use.
I have gone specifically to car detail supply stores in my area when I needed a MF towel replaced that day. Otherwise, I order exclusively from Adam's at this point-I got tired of inferior products that were not backed-no guarantee. Adam will cheerfully replace anything you buy 110%. You cannot go wrong.

Astrosfan

well i went out and bought a new wash mitt and some microfiber cloths from autozone. Im seroiusly consider returning them and getting some higher quality microfiber towels.

If I was to use a pre-cleaner wax, selaer/glaze and meguiars tech wax. How many microfiber cloths should i buy? I noticed that some of the basic detailer kits only come with 2 towels. I also have some quick detailer that i will use as well.. I still plan on buying the adams essential detailers kit, so i dont want to get a wash mitt as of now. Adam's Essentials Car Detailing Kit

So, how many applicators and cloths should i get? Any recommendations on which ones too??

Astrosfan

anyone?

Do i need a different towel for each step plus one for the quick detailer? Or are these towels big enough to use less?

Sandra Dee

hey buddy-sorry-I was busy...
I have prob 30 or more MF towels at this point. I separate them into color codes. For example-I use the same towels on the wheels and they are washed separately-they are blue. I have a big stack of yellow ones that I use for the body of the car. I do not mix towels and products. I have separate towels for glass(called glass towels in the detail shops) and they are very light blue. I have green towels for the lower third of the car.
I have white waffle weave towels for when I use Waterless wash-about three of those.
I have 2 tire sponge applicators for tire dressing.
6 wax applicators-two just for Americana from Adams. The other four are thinner-for waxes other than paste wax.
If you hand polish-you will need applicators for that.
I dont mix products on applicators-but you can clean them in between if you wish.

I use a PC 7424 for polishing and correcting the paint-so I have a stack of different pads for it, some 4" and some larger.
You cannot go wrong starting off with a couple towels in each color for diff. things. I rec keeping the wheel towels sep from the rest-and I do lower third of car towels as well.