I am picking up my black 06 roadster next week. I already have a black car now so I KNOW it means swirls, scratches, and imperfections are exaggerated. I want to protect the finish as soon as I get it. What do you suggest? Ive heard most to the "dealer installed" sealants, such as Touch of Class, really aren't worth it. True? If I do it at home, which product(s) do you recommend? I have no buffer experience, by the way.

Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated!

 

http://www.zainostore.com/

great stuff

 

I couldn't agree more. I've been using Zaino for the past 8 years. Z-2 leaves no residue at all and after a few polishes you will be amazed at the shine. They have detailed directions on their website how to use their products. I'd start with a claybar and then wax/polish.
There are many other fine waxes and polishes out there as well. Enjoy your car and keep it shiny!
Pat

 

Thank You! I'll definitely look into Zaino. I noticed there also custom cut clear plastic films you can apply to the front hood, rocker panels, and mirrors in lieu of a bra to minimize the chips. Has anyone had any experience with those products orare bras still your best bet?

 

Sooner, next time for better results on your detailing questions, post under the Detail Shop section. You can also get good answers by accessing older posts using the search feature. As far as advise, you will recieve more advise than you can sort through as you will find out as there are many good opinions and products. I admire those guys who have to have a swirl free finish but as I have posted before I am happy with my black Crossfire looking great but not perfect as I have two other vehicles to maintain.

We now have a resident forum member, Mike-in-Orange, who just recently went to work for Meguire's and he is very knowlegible and honest. He will respond to your posts.

I havn't yet found the perfect product, but I really like Meguire's Ultimate Detailing Spray with hydrofobic properties to keep my Crossfire looking good after and between washings.

Good luck, and above all enjoy your Crossfire.

 

Thanks for the advice. I actually ventured into that section last night. I have a Pontiac with a black finish now and it has been a scratch and swirl disaster so I'm probably a little overboard on trying to keep this gem looking good. Not perfect, but very good.

Thanks again.

 

I had the dealer apply teflon sealer to my roadster and compare that to the SRT6, same year and color. The roadster looks a little shinier. Of course, it's been babied for 3 years and kept mostly garaged even though it has 26k miles. Can't vouch for the love shown by the SRT6s two previous owners and it only had 8400 miles when I bought it in January.

I still owe the SRT6 a good claybar and waxing, then I can report further. I have to wait another month for some minor paint work to cure.

Take away - deal applied sealant not worth it.

 

sooner - talk to Andrew about the clear bra's. he had one on his Alabaster Crossfire. My concern would be does it "yellow" over time? I have a stock Chrysler bra that I only use when I'm on the road which will be July 12 at about 6:00 a.m.
Pat

 

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated.

That's because it doesn't exist.

Bottom line (and this is a favorite expression around the Meguiar's offices) - Find something you like and use it often.


A few things to keep in mind when it comes to appearance:

• Iif your car's finish is swirled, etched, or otherwise defect ridden, there is nothing that you can just pour out of a bottle, wipe on and wipe off to make it look perfect. It just isn't that easy.
• Perception is reality. If you try Zaino and you think it makes your car look better than anything, then in your eyes it does. If that's your experience with Meguiar's, then that is the best look in your eyes.
• I have seen far too many cars that the owner swears is perfect and that Product X is why the car looks that way (it's the best stuff available anywhere!) only to find the finish is actually a total mess. This includes show cars with $20,000 paint jobs, $300,000 exotics, and daily drivers. It all comes down to perception, education, and technique.
• Meguiar's, Adam's, Zaino, et al make great products. None of us make anything that is a wipe on/wipe off PRESTO MAGICO my finish is perfect. Find something you like and use it often.

So if you want to ask me what's the best wax to put on my car, I'll give a personal opion on what I like on my own cars and other vehicles I've detailed. Whether or not you'll like it on your car is up to you.

But if you want to know how to safely remove swirls, etching, scratches, bonded contaminants, etc and, perhaps more importantly, how to prevent those defects from happening in the first place, then I'm your guy. Because those are the steps and processes that really make a car look great, not just a simple coat of wax.


But to answer the original request here about a wax or sealant recommendation (and remember, this is simply my own personal preferences) I'd have to say Meguiar's M21 Synthetic Sealant 2.0 and Meguiar's M26 High Tech Yellow Wax. If you can still find a can of the now discontinued Meguiar's M16 Carnauba Wax (a traditional "hard" paste wax) then treat yourself. It's tricky to work with because it's hard core old school, but it looks amazing and lasts a long time. Apply it thick though and you will HATE the stuff.