Detailing help

bdepedro · Oct 26, 2007

I have 2 questions:

1) What is the best way to remove anti-freeze spots from polished alum? I had a small leak in my radiator and now have small spots on my valve covers and other polished parts on my engine.

2) How do I get that real slick glossy finish on the body of my car? I keep my car clean and it has a good coat of wax on it but I notice that other cars at shows and cruises have a very smooth/silky feel to the paint.

I appreciate any help you guys can offer.

doc4444 · Oct 28, 2007

Question #1 - I have no idea.

Question #2 - After washing your car you have to strip your current wax (as well as all other contaminants under the wax) with something. I personally use Mother's Clay bar. The contaminants are what is causing the "rough" feeling you feel on your car. After it is stripped, you must use a quality wax, there are many...Meguiars, Turtle Wax, Zaino, NuFinish... (IMO ones with carnuba give a deeper shine, then polish with a quality polish.

san~man · Oct 28, 2007

bdepedro said:
2) How do I get that real slick glossy finish on the body of my car? I keep my car clean and it has a good coat of wax on it but I notice that other cars at shows and cruises have a very smooth/silky feel to the paint.

Does your paint "feel" as though there's sand on the surface? If yes, then you have "fallout," which as stated is surface contaminants stuck to the paint.

1. Wash with dawn
2. Claybar entire car
(If you have one, or are willing to invest in one, clean paint with a Porter Cable DA polisher. You can use a good swirl remover to remove the scratches and swirls left from regular washing/wiping, then prep to paint).
3. Apply a GOOD polish, like Jeffs Werkstatt or the like (www.autopia.com or www.autogeek.net are good sources for quality products).
4. Apply a GOOD carnuba, like Poorboys, Mothers, etc. Generally, products from Autozone or Checkers don't fall into that catagory.

Always use a good carwash and, more importantly, use good microfiber towels to dry the car (they'll help prevent adding more swirls).

bdepedro · Oct 28, 2007

Thanks for the info guys. I used a clay bar I got from Griots about a year ago. I've probably washed the car 4 times since. Should I expect to need to do it again and if not is there any reason to not do it again regardless?

I have used Griot's "Best in Show" wax but also have Mothers w/ caranuba. Either better in your opinion?
Doc says wax then polish, San says polish then wax. Which order is correct?

Anybody know about removing anti-freeze spots from polished alum?

Thanks again!

BlownFiveLiter · Oct 29, 2007

Polish first, then wax. The polish will take the wax off otherwise.

The polished aluminum should be able to be cleaned up with a polish as well.

Trbofox · Oct 29, 2007

A really good metal polish infact my favorite is by Wizards it comes in what looks like a bandaid box, you can get it online or else places that sell automotive paint supplies sometimes have it. Also I swear by Zaino products for the finish on your car. Here is an example of what these products have done for my ride.

bdepedro · Oct 29, 2007

Wow, your car looks awesome!!
Ok, polish first, then wax.

So, the Wizards metal polish should work on the anti-freeze spots? I've tried Mothers with no luck but I'll try the Wizards.

Someone else was talking about Zaino. Where do you get their stuff?

Thanks again.

bdepedro · Oct 29, 2007

Got on their web site and the product application page which gives detailed steps. I want my car to look great but I'm not a concours guy. What products/steps should I definitely do and which would be more for over the top detailing? I believe I have a clear coat over my paint so the Z-2 or Z-5 polish looks like it might be the ticket.

Thanks again again.

Trbofox · Nov 1, 2007

I would go with Z-5 also I would use their car wash you don't have to do the detailing sprays. You don't have to be a concours guy to have your car look just like that, I have proved it time and time again, the more coats the deeper and deeper it will get. I order it online, been using it since 97. Good luck.

wytstang · Nov 1, 2007

I disagree on the "the more coats the deeper the shine" comment. After 2 you really aren't adding to it you are basically wasting product. It's whats called Diminishing Returns. Two coats is all you need to ensure full coverage 3 if you want to feel better. Also most sealants have more of a hard candy/wrapped in plastic type shine. There is only one sealant I know of (and use) that mimics that deep carnauba look, Wolfgangs Deep Gloss Sealant. It's the only sealant I've used that looks "warm" and carnauba like examples:

bdepedro · Nov 5, 2007

I've been using Meguir's car wash but I noticed that the Zaino web site suggests using Dawn Ultra dish detergent. Anybody doing this or have any input?

94project · Nov 5, 2007

if you plan to polish and wax you should use a soap with no extra additives. So basically any liquid dish soap is good. use the meguires between polishes.

bdepedro · Nov 7, 2007

94project said:
if you plan to polish and wax you should use a soap with no extra additives. So basically any liquid dish soap is good. use the meguires between polishes.

Perfect! Thanks for all the help guys. After I polish and wax I'll put some pics up.
Thanks again.

fiveoho · Nov 8, 2007

san~man said:
Apply a GOOD polish, like Jeffs Werkstatt or....

+1 for jeff's. quality products and excellent customer service.

http://www.jeffswerkstatt.com/

Jim D. · Nov 11, 2007

bdepedro said:
Wow, your car looks awesome!!
Ok, polish first, then wax.

So, the Wizards metal polish should work on the anti-freeze spots? I've tried Mothers with no luck but I'll try the Wizards.

Someone else was talking about Zaino. Where do you get their stuff?

Thanks again.

Which Mothers polish did you try?

I'm also wondering if your polished pieces are clearcoated.

bdepedro · Nov 11, 2007

Jim D. said:
Which Mothers polish did you try?

I'm also wondering if your polished pieces are clearcoated.

I've tried their liquid metal poish and their cream/paste Alum polish in the can.
The pieces I'm working on are Edelbrock Elite series valve covers. I really don't know if they have a clear coat, I assume not.

Leeroy697 · Nov 16, 2007

Just to clear something up you do not have to ever use dawn to strip wax. The clay, polish will do that for you no problem.

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