Hi, I have a 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am, and I would like to get some shine out of it. I am a complete newb to this, what do I all need to do a good job of this? wax? polish? clay bar? I'm really lost with this so I'd really appreciate some advice on what to buy, and in what order/how to use it. Thanks!

 

Go here to get some products and to read up a little bit. http://zainostore.com

If your car is a 99 then you will probably have some swirls and scratches so I would recommend that you use the Z-PC swirl remover compound (or a claybar) then move on to a good wax like Z2.

If you plan to keep your car looking good you might want to look at investing in a PorterCable buffer also.

 

Have you tried the Z-PC yet? I just got an email announcing they added it to their line so I haven't had time to order any.

Still using Meguires Scratch X, wonder how one compares to the other.

 

This is a good starter list. This is pretty much the "Total Protection Show Car Kit" plus the new Z-PC. Like 02 WS6 said, you probably have scratches and swirl marks that you will only notice once you really get into detailing and see some of the comparison pictures. The Z-PC is great for that and I have heard alot of good things from alot of people about it. Your car will probably need a good claybar as well. And thats all before you get to the car polish and flash cure accelerator. Read the whole Zaino site and dont get too overwhelmed, everything is really well explained and there is also alot of knowledge on here if you happen to get lost.

Good Luck, you probably have a good 15-20 hours or work on her before you get her up to par... but alot of that statement is subjective


ZFX™ Flash Cure Accelerator Additive
Z-2 PRO™ Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes
Z-5™ Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches
Z-6™ Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray
Z-7™ Show Car Wash
Z-18™ ClayBar
Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover

 

Thanks for the advice, but I really can't afford the Zaino package, and seeing as i am very new to this, some cheaper stuff might not be a bad idea anyways, stuff like meguiars? turtle wax? what type of clothes/towels, I pretty much need everything. thanks.

 

Well, in that case...

I have heard good things about turtle waxes new Platinum series. Really good things actually... If I wasnt such a Zaino junky I might try it. Plus as far as cloths go, use all microfiber for waxing (if you are doing it by hand) and get some really fine cotton towels for drying. Always remember that anything that can hold dirt will just drag that across the surface of your paint and put more and more scratches. But I would really suggest getting the Z-PC anyway, its alot of money but it goes a long way and you will be amazed at the results. you can wax and polish your car all day long but if there are swirls and scratches, it wont ever look as good as it could. just think about the investment, its well worth it.

 

Tropi-Care.com has everything you will need. I have many interior and exterior products. We have buffing pads and towels too. If you need any help feel free to PM me.

Bret

 

I bought some of that Meguiars Scratch-X that stuff is worthless worst 8 and a half bucks I ever spent...

 

If you're looking to learn about detailing, don't go to a vendor's website. I'm shocked someone pointed you to one. Check out some websites such as www.autopia.org or www.propercarcare.com. Learn first, then try out some products for yourself. I myself have very good luck with Meguiars products, but I have seen some awesome shines from just about every manufacturer out there.

 

You need a good -

car wash soap - Zaino Z7, Meguiar's NXT, Eagle One Wet, etc.

claybar - Clay Magic should be available locally

paint polish/cleaner - Zaino Z-PC, 3M, Einszett, Poorboy's, etc.

paint sealant and/or wax - Zaino, S100, Klasse, Pinnacle, etc.

rubber/vinyl dressing - Zaino Z16, Meguiar's Natural Shine, Armor All, etc.

towels & mitts - my favorites are from www.pakshak.com

 

Don't you see something ironic with what you've said?

 

I understand what your asking for I think. You are wanting products that you can get locally and affordable, right? Here is a basic list that you can get at just about any auto parts store, Wal-Mart, or a combination of them.

Paint
Meguiars NXT car wash
Meguiars or Mother's claybar
Meguiars ScratchX or ColorX
Meguiars NXT Tech Wax

Wheels
Painted/clearcoated/chrome wheels, wash like paint and wax.
Aluminum wheels, wash like paint, maybe use something like Hotrims if there real bad. If there uncoated aluminum, use Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish.

Tires
Clean with just about any tire cleaner, Meguiars, Mothers, Eagle One, etc. then dress. There are ALOT of good tire dressings out there, experiment with what you like. I use Meguiars High Endurance Gel, it lasts for weeks and has a great shine, apply any tire dressing with tire swipes or foam applicators, to help prevent spinoff.

Windows
I like Stoner's Invisable Glass with a good microfiber towel with a short nap, made for glass.

Interior
Clean with Amorall cleaner or some other type of vynal, leather, plastic cleaner. Then dress with 303, Meguiars #40, etc. Expirement with what you like here as far as shine goes.

Sorry for the long post, but hope this helps, and these are products that I use or have used. There are other things that do work better in some cases, but for the money and easy availability, you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

Thank you cthomas! I just want to do the basic stuff for now that i can get locally. So for the "paint" section, how and in what order would i use the nxt car wash, clay bar, color/scratch X, and nxt tech wax. Thanks.

 

get what cthomas did..its the cheaper way of detailing ur car instead of buying the expensive Zaino stuff...but u also pay for what u get

I used that NXT Paste wax and it did great...but i just picked up some Turtle Wax Ultra Gloss and i seem to like it more! and its only 8 bucks...i also just bought myself the Mothers Claybar kit about 30 mins ago...1st thing u gotta know about detailing is washing it...ALWAYS wash the car before u apply anything cause u will just move around dirt and cause more scratches and swirls...if u wanna get all the wax off wash the car with DISH WASHING soap...it will get all the wax off and u can start from there....if u already waxed the car avoid Dish washing soap or anything that doesnt say "will not strip/remove wax" use only 100% Terry Cotton Towels, Microfibre Towels or Polishing Towels...If ur car is dusty do not wipe it off with anything u will only create scratches and swirls...also pick up a Chamois(sha-mee) to dry the car i found these work the best. here is some pics of what my car looks like freshly detailed

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture027.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...Picture028.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...28/camaro1.jpg

 

Ok here ya go.

For the paint.....

Make sure the car is cool to the touch and in the shade. Rinse off as much dirt as possible with the hose (the less you rub it around the better) then pour the recomended amount of Wash into your bucket. Using a good quality Lamb's wool or cheneil mit (Viking is a good brand that comes to mind that I know Oreilley's carries) start at the top of the car and work down, wash one section at a time and rinse well (top=rinse, hood=rinse, deck=rinse, etc.). Use a separate mit or terry cloth to do your wheels and do them last. Dry with an Absorber, microfiber towel, chamois, or 100% cotton terry towel.

Claybar time...
Spray one section of your, top, fender, etc. with Quick detailer, spray a shot on the clay bar itself, start rubbing your clay bar over the surface untill it feels smooth as glass, wipe off QD with microfiber, move to next section untill whole car is done (including windows) and feels totally slick.

ScratchX.......
If you have swirls and/or scratches rub the ScratchX pretty aggresively over the paint, one section at a time, and wipe off (you may have to do this 2-3 times to get it swirl free) ColorX will also work for this, but is'nt quite as aggressive as ScratchX is
This will WEAR YOU OUT!! just alittle warning.

Wax.......
If you go with the NXT, I will do about 1/3-1/2 the car before I wipe it off, instead of one section at a time, this is to let the product "flash" properly. Rub it on in thin even coats with a foam aplicator and buff it off with a good microfiber or 100% terry cloth towel. If you want to do another coat, wait atleast 24 hours for the 1st coat to "cure", then wash the car and dry it again, before 2nd coat. If you decide to use it on your wheels, use a seperate applicator and towel (don't wanna get any brake dust on your applicator or towel you use for the paint)

Note...Rub EVERTHING in straight lines not circular motions (forget you ever watched Karate Kid) this is what causes swirls. Also while washing the car rinse your mit out pretty often to prevent dragging the dirt back over your paint. The little details will make a big difference.

 

I see nothing ironic at all. I pointed him to some well respected sites on detailing, said what gives me good results, and said I've seen the same results with many vendors products.

If you have a problem with that, send me a PM and keep it out of this thread.

 

I'm certainly not trying to start anything with you...just thought it was funny that you were "shocked" others sent him to a vendor site, then you tell him to go to www.properautocare.com - that was ironic to me

 

Ok, so exactly how many of each kind of towel/chamois do i need?

 

I recommend at least 2 waffle weave drying towels, a few plush towels for quick detailing and final buffing, and several general purpose towels.

Where are you planning on ordering from?

 

And is there something i could get other than that scratch X, like a polish or something, and what do you use to polish Weld Alumastar wheels?