Stripping down to the clearcoat...

[ArmyVette]

Finally got the 2002 Mil Yellow Vert home after picking it up in PA on Thursday. Needless to say, it was filthy from all of the melting snow, road grime, etc. (Those that saw it at Hopsfrog yesterday saw a MUCH improved version than what arrived at home Thursday).

It got me to thinking about the annual Spring detailing that I normally do. I've also got to get out some light swirl marks that are on the hood and trunk. I normally use Zaino for all of my detailing projects and, in accordance with their instructions, use Dawn dishwashing detergent following by claybarring the car.

I got to thinking that maybe I should do a deeper cleaning than that and actually use something that will remove all of the wax that might have been applied to the car previously. In other words, strip the car down to the clearcoat.

Can anyone recommend a automotive wax stripper and do you have any suggestions on its use?

Jeff

[Ebein]

Finally got the 2002 Mil Yellow Vert home after picking it up in PA on Thursday. Needless to say, it was filthy from all of the melting snow, road grime, etc. (Those that saw it at Hopsfrog yesterday saw a MUCH improved version than what arrived at home Thursday).

It got me to thinking about the annual Spring detailing that I normally do. I've also got to get out some light swirl marks that are on the hood and trunk. I normally use Zaino for all of my detailing projects and, in accordance with their instructions, use Dawn dishwashing detergent following by claybarring the car.

I got to thinking that maybe I should do a deeper cleaning than that and actually use something that will remove all of the wax that might have been applied to the car previously. In other words, strip the car down to the clearcoat.

Can anyone recommend a automotive wax stripper and do you have any suggestions on its use?

Jeff

Dawn will take the wax off down to the clearcoat so shouldnt need anything further. Collin might have an alternative though.

[Black396]

use Dawn dishwashing detergent following by claybarring the car.

I got to thinking that maybe I should do a deeper cleaning than that and actually use something that will remove all of the wax that might have been applied to the car previously. In other words, strip the car down to the clearcoat.

Can anyone recommend a automotive wax stripper and do you have any suggestions on its use?

Jeff

Jeff,

Dawn is all you really need. It will strip off all the wax. If you really want to, you can wash it twice. First time use a stronger concentration of Dawn, let it dry or dry it off and then go back over it again with a normal concentration.

Dawn will even cut through the new polymers (Meguirs NXT Generation products). Anything stronger will actually start working on the clearcoat.

In fact claying your car actually works on the upper surface of the clearcoat.

[ArmyVette]

Dawn does a pretty good job; was just wondering if I needed an extra step with another product.

Waiting for Collin to chime in.... [:)]

Thought of something else. How do you other vert owners clean the waterfall area? A bucket, soap, and water?

Also, can anyone recommend a convertible top cleaner/conditioner?

[EbVette]

Dawn is the answer, with a normal wash, I use warm water. Next step is the CLAY BAR. Dawn removes the polish, but does not remove the contaniments, acid raid, dead bug juice.

Trick to clay bar is TAKING YOUR TIME, doing one panel at a time.
complete the panel and go to the next. Work from top to bottom. both in washing and clay baring.

You will find it leaves a smooth finish. You can purchase any brand clay bar they are all the same. The trick is keeping the area lubicated. DONOT run the clay on dry surface and you plenty of lubicant. What I do is use a large spray bottle that I purchase at home depot, file it with just about 1/2" of car wash, then fill with water.

Spray liberally, then us the clay bar on the top of the car front to back, then the side of the car top to bottom. This provides a clean surface.

Next comes the Z1 then Z3 and More Z3 then Z6, Z3, Z6 and on and on and one...

Don't forget 100% cotton terry cloth for all steps, make sure they are clean for each polish application.

Take photos before and after...

Next time I will tell you how to clean GLASS for show...

Collin

[ArmyVette]

Thanks, Collin! You just described my normal detailing routine! We even use the same claybar lube. [B-)] [B-)]

I also claybar the exterior windows, wash them thoroughly to remove any residue then use Stoner's Invisible Glass.

I only use the microfiber towels on the finish and glass and use USA-made terrycloth on my wheels.

Sounds like I'll just continue to use my current Zaino system to keep the vert shiny.

Any suggestions on maintaining the Vert's top?

[LilRedCorvette]

Use WHITE USA-made 100% cotton towels, wash them by themselves, NO FABRIC softener! It can cause swirl marks/scratches in the finish.

[ArmyVette]

I never use fabric softener on anything that touches the car. And I only use LIQUID washing detergent.

Man, as a group, we are really ANAL about our cars, aren't we? [:))] [:))] [:))]

[wazzzup]

Aaaahhhhh! Wash it, wax it, DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!!!!!! [:))] [:))] [:))] [:D] [:D] [:D] [:p] [:p] [:p]

[LilRedCorvette]

I never use fabric softener on anything that touches the car. And I only use LIQUID washing detergent.

Man, as a group, we are really ANAL about our cars, aren't we? [:))] [:))] [:))]

Yes, yes we are. But it's [B-)] [:D]

[Black396]

I never use fabric softener on anything that touches the car. And I only use LIQUID washing detergent.

Man, as a group, we are really ANAL about our cars, aren't we? [:))] [:))] [:))]


ABSOLUTELY! I use only 100% cotton cloths when I work on the motor [:D]

The track car doesn't see cloth anymore now that I use the Mr Clean car wash (rinse only thankyou!). [:))] (and to wipe down the interior of course)

[wazzzup]

That's what I'm talking about! [:D]