Asmodeus

It needs it. I need to do the works.

1) How do I get bugs off the front of the hood and front that don't come off with a powerwasher?

2) Where do I get a clay bar from?

3) What cutter, polish, and wax should I use for the first time?

4) What cloths should I use for each step?

5) Anything I missed?



thanks!

Oh yeah, the car is a black 99 z.

LS1TechRulez

iTrader: (1)

this is the holy grail of car washing websites

http://www.autopia.org/

navymitch12

iTrader: (1)

1. bug & tar remover...or clay bar.

2. auto zone or advanced auto

3. thats really all i know to the point of talking about

blown 346

iTrader: (25)

1. I use a soft cotton wool wash mitt and elbow grease.

2. Any auto parts store, even Walmart wil have them, I like the Meguires kit myself as it comes with the clay bar and the detail spray.

3. I like Meguires cleaner, polish and caranuba wax. It is well worth the hard work.

4. I use Microfiber towels to wipe off the quick detail spray after you clay. I also use them to take off the cleaner, polish and caranuba wax. They also work well to dry the car. Otherwise I use a Absorber.

Make sure to clay in one direction, I use the up and down method. Also dont apply pressure while claying.
Also take off all wax in the same direction up and down.

0utlawTorn

iTrader: (1)

1)I first usually quickly wash over the area that has the bugs then rinse. While the area is still wet, I use some bug and tar remover and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. Then I just use a soft cotton cloth and use some elbow grease and scrub em out. After that, I wash over it again since I don't like the idea of bug and tar remover staying on my paint.
I avoid using a power washer at all costs...

2)I bought my clay bar at Autozone. Less than $20 I think.

3)After I clay barred my car, I used Meguiar's 3 step. Car looked amazing afterwords.

4)As for what kind of cloths....When I wash the car I use a wool wash mitt on the car and whatever old mitt I have on the wheels and around them. I usually use two different buckets as well. For removing polish, wax, etc I always use 100% cotton cloths. I usually use 1 cloth for each layer.

5)Other tips....take your time with the clay bar. Make sure to keep the clay bar wet and work the clay every once in a while. Also when you are using the clay bar, you don't really have to apply much pressure at all. Just gently glide it back and forth and eventually you are going to feel less resistance. Thats when I would wipe that area and move onto the next....
Other than that, make sure you have a few free hrs. I think it took me about 4 hrs or so to wash, clay bar, and 3 step my car.

NightWindDriftr

iTrader: (4)

All your answers already covered above. If you have a rotary/orbital buffer, I recommend Optimum compound and polish for their seemingly limitless work time.

Asmodeus

Great tips, thanks guys.

How much time should I put aside for this?

Is there any difference other than time for hand vs orbital? If I do it by hand, what kind of pads should I use?

How much does an orbital cost?

How big of an area should I clay bar before I move to another area?

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

depending on what you use there can be a slight difference or a huge difference btwn hand/buffer.

Been detailing with Zaino for (own a detail business) for 5 years. here are my tips.

-light-moderate swirls, use Zaino. All info can be found at www.Zainobros.com. Easy reading, educational. not as complicated as it sounds. results are amazing, worth the money.

-heavy swirls, use a Porter Cable (about $100) random orbital buffer with meguires 83 then 80.

-not all buffers are created equal (get a random orbital! or you will regret it)

-claybar, Zaino has 2 bars for $18, and you can make your own lubricant out of soap, water and spray bottle much more cost effective.


-claybar, repeatedly (like every 1sq ft, check the bar for grit and remove it, or you will be rubbing deep scratches into your paint.

-do NOT clay in the sun!!!!

-clay entire car after washing it VERY thoroughly

-rewash car after clay and dry for zaino or wax or polish prep

-TAKE YOUR TIME with the clay. If its never been done, expect anywhere btwn 1-3 hours.

-stay away from the cotton towells at any auto parts store, they will scratch your paint. swirl city

-use microfiber towells for everything (don't drop them on the ground cuz they pick up everything.)

-wash microfiber towells only with other microfiber towells (no water or fabric softener or dryer sheets)

-do not apply "elbow grease" on tough bugs and stuff. work it gently with car washing soap and bug/tar remover. use a Microfiber wash mit. bugs are made of stuff that will scratch the paint, don't grind them into it. take your time and work it gently.

If you go with Zaino, here is what you need:
Z2Pro and/or Z5 Pro (you'll probably want Z5 since your car is black), Z6, Z7, Z18, and ZFX. IT IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT.

-Jeff

blown 346

iTrader: (25)

To wash, dry, clay, and wax my car it takes up about 3 to 4 hours.
I like to do all my waxing by hand, I use just the normal wax applicator pads.
Orbital buffers can get expensive over $300. I dont like to use them, if you do use one be careful as you can burn the paint.

When I clay I like to do sections, Say 12X12 and then wipe off.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

thats why you get a random orbital. cost less, easier to work with, and can't burn the paint. Porter Cable $100