A forum is like family. So a little picking on little brother is always fun. As long as he knows we mean no harm. (we mean no harm) Its easy to get paralysis searching for an absolute best way or best product and waste a bunch of money. (personal experience) I just want what's best for the car...um...Smokey. I mean, a SRT at 16. Your a winner already.

Les

 

Went to Wally World. Bought 3 additional items. I got the Turtle Wax ICE Liquid wax/polish, Mothers California Gold Clay Bar, and a 6.5 sq. ft. microfiber towel. Thanks for the referrals. Will be washing her on the next free shady day. Any extra suggestions? Ha.

 

some people hate on the turtle wax ice but if you use it exactly like it says on the bottle and use it very sparingly you will see amazing results. I spent over $100 on zaino products to see if it was worth all the hype but it was maybe 10% better than the ice when it comes to shine.

i bet you will see some nice results with the clay bar, some elbow grease and some ice on there.

 

Good to hear it smoke! Don't let the clay grab. If it does you need more lubricant. It's real hard to do any damage with clay (I've heard a rumor that it's possible, but can't imagine) but since your car is black, don't take chances. When the clay gets dirty (obvious, just look at it) fold it over and squish it on the windshield to flatten it out and keep going. You don't have to and shouldn't press hard, just let it glide with a little pressure. You can do the baggie test, before and after. (take the weed out first) Take a sandwich bag, put your hand in it and gently rub the surface. Feel the moon under your fingers? Thats what the clay will remove. Do it again after claying a section and notice the difference. If you still feel some bumps, go over it again with the clay until it feels clean with the baggie test. Good luck and get an A on this assignment or you will have to suffer the wrath of this forum.

 

Alright. First and foremost, I would like to say that my new favorite car detailing product is the clay bar. It's amazing and clearly removes contaiminants on the surface. I did a major 2 hour wash tonight and loved this product! I then proceeded to use the ICE product. The only concern I had with it was after I wiped it several times, it was still kind of streaky. I'm hoping that this will resolve overnight after it dries (hopefully).

It's dark out now so I will be sure and take some photos tomorrow afternoon after class. I really appreciate all of the tips and patience!

 

you used too much if it streaked. just spray 1 spray on a rag and do a fender, another spray and do your hood. it takes very little. if it is streaky just spray your car off with water then wipe it down and it will look great.

 

Yea, that clay is magic. Now that it is clayed and waxed you can plan the next big step. Learn how to polish correctly. You can't imagine the difference it will make. You did it right for a beginner. Clay and wax and learn. Next time the car needs waxing, clay, polish and then wax. Glad your happy with the results.

Les

 

Way to go Smokey , glad to see you took some action. It's kinda fun huh? And rewarding when your done when you stand back and take a look. No the streaking won't go away on it's own. You might have to reapply the product or try another. Your on the right track and what's really great your learning something. Once you find your favorite products and methods, the next time you detail your Crossfire you'll be all set. We're looking forward to some pictures. Before long you will be educating your friends on how to detail their cars.

I can see it all now. All the entries in your yearbook addressed to " Smokey the Detailer".

This is most important, learn how to properly wash and dry your car to avoid the scratches and swirls to begin with. Read the stickey in the detail section if you haven't already. Good soap ( I like Meguier's Gold), two buckets, microfiber drying towels, sheepskin wash mitt, all good investments.

 

Hm... Well what do ya know. I was planning on taking some beautiful pictures today of my car after I work out, but guess what... It rained.

 

Hm... Well what do ya know. I was planning on taking some beautiful pictures today of my car after I work out, but guess what... It rained.

 

Finally got some pictures of it just washed! They're with my phone, so they're not the highest quality, but you can at least see the shine!

 

From what I can tell, it looks pretty good. Are you happy with it ? That's what counts.

 

Good pics for a cell phone. It looks nice and shiny. So are you pleased with how it came out or are going for round 2? (polish)

Les

 

Thanks you all. I'm pretty happy with it. I definately see some polish in the near future. I'm a little confused about the ICE product, though. On the bottle, it says "liquid synthetic polish" but I'm not sure really what it's doing. All I know is that it makes it shinier. Remember i'm a newbie... Here's the information:

http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,1,1

Can anyone fill me in? Is it polish, or is it wax?!

 

Sounds like a wax... but I've yet to try it.

Car looks real good by they way

 

Just giving another photo update. I think they're self-explanatory.