need some guidance for washing / waxing etc.
 

Hey guys,

I just got my Z a few weeks ago and I would like to keep it in the best shape that I can. I would like you guys to share how you wash/ take care of your car. I was thinking of washing and waxing it.... But maybe a clearbra would be a good idea too?

1. What materials do you use to wash your car? (Soap, towels, etc..). Anything special about the technique?

2. What would you recommend for a car wax? What kind of materials should I buy? Any good instructional videos on how to do it properly?

3. Is clear bra worth it? How much does it cost and when should it be applied?

Thanks for sharing your Z Wisdom :bowrofl: !

Watch the sticky Junkman Videos and choose how obsessive you want to be. Proper technique will keep it looking best for the longest period of time.

Learn the 2 bucket method

Know the difference between polishing and waxing and what the two do for the paint. Polish=shine/clarity Wax=protect from elements

Grats on the Z!

I'm special and locked into using coin-op car washes, so my soap choices are small. But I do use special wheel cleaner.

For towels, you can do a few largish waffle weave towels for drying, but to be honest, I really like microfiber towels. You can pick up some premium, super-soft and absorbant ones from Adam's or Amazon or Griot's or elsewhere. But for general wiping and stuff, I like to just get the not-cheapest 20-50 packs off Amazon of like 12x12 or 16x16 towels. Get plenty. It's better to use a ton of towels during a wash/dry than to rub an already dirty one against your paint. Besides, they prefer to be washed alone, so may as well get enough to fill a wash load! I use them to dry and some to wash windows, interior, pick up dust, apply All-Purpose (AP) cleaner, wipe wheels, or do spot detailing if a bird drops a gift.

Microfiber or super soft wooly mitts work great, boarshair brushes on wheels plus a plastic bristle brush for wheel wells/tires, and some longer brushes for inside the rims. Microfiber pads work great to apply tire dressing or wax; basically the same things you would use on a polisher, but you can get premium ones with a "handle" on them if you want.

I believe Junkman pimped out American Buffing (Buffing Pads | Polishing Foam Pads | Headlight Polishing | American Buffing Company Inc Wisconsin) as a great source, and I've ordered from there as well.


Definitely just check out the threads in this forum, there's plenty that has been gone over already.

Junkman probably has the best suite of videos. He has some threads on the forum, answers questions, and has a ton on his Youtube site. Highly recommend.

Also, I really like the AmmoNYC videos, and Adam's Garage has a whole forum and long video series as well. These three sources make for great knowledge.

If you live in a decently sized community, see if you can find a local detail shop and/or store. You can always ask questions there at no cost, and likely they're manned by enthusiasts who know what they're talking about. Buy some things, support local business, etc. For instance, you'll more easily acquire buckets from local stores than shipped from online shops.

I'm no expert, but for actual waxes I think you're looking at 2 general camps: synthetic sealant and wax (like carnauba). Carnauba is going to be your show car wax, but for most of us (myself included) a synthetic sealant is a bit more convenient. Both accomplish the same thing: a layer of protection and some shine, so use whatever you prefer.

Yes, yes, and yes. I drug my feet on it and now have 2 chips (very small, only noticable when I wash the car) on the front after 2 months of careful driving. Just get it and be done with it. The Clearbra is no substitute for washing, or vice versa.

It'll likely run you something like $500-$1000. Don't fret on the cost or cheap out; it's worth it to get quality material and installation. If you can, ask around in your area (especially that detail shop if you have one) for recommendations. I would put a lot of weight on personal recommends, much like tinting installers or detailers.

cheap microfibers will swirl your paint... stick with the higher quality ones

I only use the generic (I call them throwaway) towels on interior plastics, fender linings, exhaust tips and underbody.

For a quality wax that you can get almost anywhere and isn't too expensive, it's hard to beat Meguiar's Ultimate. They have both paste and liquid versions.

I don't have a clear bra, and I'm paying for it. Tiny chips all over, but only a couple of larger ones. I rarely bother to clay or wax my front bumper any more. I think it just depends on your expectations. It's my DD, so chips are gonna happen. When they start to bother me too much, I'll look at getting them professional fixed. The first major chip I got was a rock to the face of one of my sport rims - no clear bra is preventing that.

What type of oil should I use?

Deus Ex :tup:

olive

:iagree: :iagree: :iagree:

Clear Bra is the best money you can spend to protect your Z. Get it ASAP. If this is going to be a DD it is a must. Can't tell you good an investment it has been for me.

:iagree:

Every time I purchase a vehicle, used or new, I make it a point to clay bar it (3M), then apply at least 3 coats of wax (Meguiars NXT Tech Wax). I do that every 3 to 6 months after that, depending on how much the vehicle is driven. It's a pain in the @ss but it really protects your finish.

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/..._7791509_n.jpg

Man, stock 350Zs are really in dire need of wheel spacers.

HAHAHA. Brother In His Garage Productions. +!

Clear bra FTW!

^ This has been the single best thing I've learned. Although I just wring it out on the ground...lol

Clay your car at least once a year.

For wax I highly recommend Turtle Wax Ice. Works awesome. I've used Meguires in the past and the Turtle Wax beats it which is saying something.

To dry the car I use a California Water Blade. Works pretty well and no towels required.

^^ Hmmm, I think I'll try that water blade.

Make sure the blade is clean. If it picks up any dirt or grit, it drags it all over your paint.

Will do. I've been using the Absorber Chamois for almost 20 years now. One for the car, and one for non-OEM wheels (if I have them). It's great, but I'm always willing to try something new.

The water blase is the absolute worst thing that you could possible drag across your paint, especially if you wash you car outdoors. That thing is the work of the devil.

We be killing it in my garage. :D

Just fixed this Camry last month. There's not a drop of wax on it in this video, but I had people guessing all types of waxes because of how it looked when I finished POLISHING it.

Just got done watching the two bucket video series and engine cleaning...wow. I have always been frustrated with washing my cars and now I understand why. Thanks Junkman!!

Always use the two bucket system. And for drying I suggest investing in an electric blower...the less you touch the paint the better. Helps get the water out of all the out of reach places as well.

:tiphat:

This. I've watched a ton of his videos, and my car looks great when I get the chance to wash it. As far as I'm concerned, the guy drinks for free if he's ever in my neck of the woods.

ROAD TRIP! :driving:

Thanks man. :tiphat: