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Topic: Clay Bar

in Forum: C3 Car Care


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Clay Bar (1/31)
 2/17/06 3:09pm
JimGLifetime Member
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Gloucester, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 T-Top, Metallic Green ZZ4 350/355 hp 405 ft/lbs torque Dual Spal Fans 700R4 4 Spd O/D Transmission 2004 Z06 Commemorative Edition


Joined: 1/29/2005
Posts: 1453

I see lot's of talk on here about Clay Bars.

What is the proper technique for theur use?

 Thx

  Jim



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Clay Bar (2/31)
 2/17/06 3:40pm
BelgiumBarry
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, - Belgium

Vette(s):
350/350 T-top 1970 Cortez silver -blue interior


Joined: 1/5/2006
Posts: 774

Sorry Jim, but Clay Bars doesn't ring a bell to me...????? what the hell does this means...???????????
Clay Bar (3/31)
 2/17/06 3:47pm
rearn2go72
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Bladenboro, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.


Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058

Jim, this is straight from the horse's mouth (my Mothers california gold clay bar box)  

What does the california gold clay bar do? "The clay bar uses advanced friction technology to shear-off and remove contaminants before they can cause further damage to your car's finish. Showtime Instant detailer is the lubricant that allows the clay bar to safely glide across your paint while it absorbs dulling and damaging particles.(lubricant comes with clay bar) The clay bar then suspends the contaminants inside the clay so they cannot scratch or be deposited elsewhere". Removes paint over-spray, fallout, acid rain, tree sap, bird droppings and other stubborn contaminants.

Hope this helps.

Clay Bar (4/31)
 2/17/06 3:55pm
BelgiumBarry
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, - Belgium

Vette(s):
350/350 T-top 1970 Cortez silver -blue interior


Joined: 1/5/2006
Posts: 774

thanx rearn2go72......

love this place , ain't Joel????

Clay Bar (5/31)
 2/17/06 4:42pm
suncountryLifetime Member
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II


Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

I just picked up my clay bar today. I have been wanting to give it a try. I have a friend with a C5 who says it does a great job preping the surface before waxing.
Clay Bar (6/31)
 2/17/06 4:55pm
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Clay bars are excellent stuff. You'll be amazed at how much crud comes off your paint after you thought you keep your car spotless!

A little more effort to use it the first time, but it definitely pays off.
Clay Bar (7/31)
 2/17/06 5:24pm
BelgiumBarry
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, - Belgium

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350/350 T-top 1970 Cortez silver -blue interior


Joined: 1/5/2006
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new paint also ? sorry , just to get the top 15 ???.... WHO says keep typing..... ????
Clay Bar (8/31)
 2/17/06 8:32pm
Ten15
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East Hanover, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
'68 Black Conv. Matching 327/300 4 Spd. P/S, P/B, P/W, Tele, A/C


Joined: 9/25/2004
Posts: 525

The Clay Bar is awesome.  I bought the Mothers Kit.  Just follow the directions like Jim posted above.

You can actually feel & hear it remove the impurities from the paint.

Follow it with some carnauba & you'll be impressed

Ten1538765.7313888889
Clay Bar (9/31)
 2/17/06 11:06pm
Big Fish
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Posts: 630

There is a well done video on this site that demonstrates the proper use of clay bar:

http://www.adamspolishes.com/

Clay Bar (10/31)
 2/21/06 7:57pm
Aegisfang
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Syracuse, NY - USA

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excellent! thanks for sharing! it explains the clay bar's use well, have to try it now!


Clay Bar (11/31)
 3/14/06 2:39pm
GA-RED
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Acworth, GA - USA

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I own a 1977 Red Corvette- a slightly modified Shark. She has nearly 70K miles and is a work in progress.


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Posts: 4

Will this also help in oxidization? I have a older painted car, of course not the original paint but most likely about 18 years old. It's not in bad shape but the hood is looking a bit pink on a red car. Will the clay bar help or do I need to do something else on this issue?

Mike 

Clay Bar (12/31)
 3/14/06 4:30pm
KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

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1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


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A few things..  I swear by my clay bar.  Its best to use it BEFORE you wax.  Typically use it before the 1st and last waxing if needed.  You WILL have to rewash your car after the treatment.  All ya do is take a 2x2 area, wet it down and GLIDE the clay.  DO NOT push on it, a slight amount of pressure is all thats needed.  The test is wash your car.  Do a 2x2 area then feel the area next to it.  BIG difference.  I use the Mothers clay bar kit and the speedshine lube.  Lots of good products out there...  I WAS VERY skeptical but I swear by the stuff now..
Clay Bar (13/31)
 3/14/06 4:32pm
KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

GA-RED, get a hold of the new Griots cat.  The one with the 70s 200tii on the cover.  They have a system to use before the clay.  There example is a red BMW 320, not the 2002tii on the cover.  You'll see the car inside the issue.  My buddy had a very oxidized 968 Porshe that he used this stuff,  UNBELIEVABLE result and its cheap.. 
Clay Bar (14/31)
 3/14/06 5:27pm
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

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1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


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Posts: 3398

I use Griot's products and find them to be superior to most anything else on the market. I used to use Mequiar's products before and like the Griot's even better. You have to order from Griot's as they don't sell through retail outlet's as far as I know, but it's worth the wait.
Clay Bar (15/31)
 3/14/06 6:39pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
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Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

[QUOTE=KeBo] GA-RED, get a hold of the new Griots cat. The one with the 70s 200tii on the cover. They have a system to use before the clay. There example is a red BMW 320, not the 2002tii on the cover. You'll see the car inside the issue. My buddy had a very oxidized 968 Porshe that he used this stuff, UNBELIEVABLE result and its cheap.. [/QUOTE]
I just got the Griots catalog in the mail and was wondering about their products. So, if I order what your describing above, should I get a clay bar from there too? Or, do I not need the clay bar and just use what you mentioned above?
Thanks in advance!!!

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Clay Bar (16/31)
 3/14/06 6:39pm
warbird
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Roseland, NJ - USA

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1974, 454 with 4 on the floor, matching numbers.


Joined: 12/4/2003
Posts: 966

I've used the clay bar on my car which has a non-factory so-so paint job, and it worked great ! You will definitely see a difference. I washed first, clayed, washed & then I gave it a good wax. Got me a second place trophy the same day
Clay Bar (17/31)
 3/14/06 6:57pm
Big Fish
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[QUOTE=greypoupon69] [QUOTE=KeBo] GA-RED, get a hold of the new Griots cat. The one with the 70s 200tii on the cover. They have a system to use before the clay. There example is a red BMW 320, not the 2002tii on the cover. You'll see the car inside the issue. My buddy had a very oxidized 968 Porshe that he used this stuff, UNBELIEVABLE result and its cheap.. [/QUOTE]
I just got the Griots catalog in the mail and was wondering about their products. So, if I order what your describing above, should I get a clay bar from there too? Or, do I not need the clay bar and just use what you mentioned above?
Thanks in advance!!! [/QUOTE]

Personally, I think the Griot's stuff is good, but overpriced. I think I would put the Adam's polishes against anything Griot's has to offer anyday. (see the link in a previous post I made) I would suggest saving the shipping costs and just pick up claybar at any auto parts store. There really isn't much difference between brands. You have to keep kneeding it and folding it when it starts to get dirty. If you drop it on the ground it's time for a new one. I store mine to get several uses in a small ziplock bag.

Clay Bar (18/31)
 3/15/06 1:22pm
KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

Steve, I agree that the Griots stuff is over the top.  They do have some stuff no one else has on occasion.  I just checked out the Adams site.  The prices are more then fair, the stuff looks great too.  I really like that theres no "cartoonish" advirtising.  I'm gonna try some stuff.  THANKS! Kevin. 
Clay Bar (19/31)
 3/15/06 1:42pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
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Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

Thanks Steve & Kevin! I appreciate all the info. Got a show coming up and on one side (driver's side - the fender above the front wheel) the paint is really dull & looks like there's some oil soaked in. I haven't found anything to get it clean and shiney like the rest of the paint on the car. Just don't want to make it worse.

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Clay Bar (20/31)
 3/16/06 3:18pm
GA-RED
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Acworth, GA - USA

Vette(s):
I own a 1977 Red Corvette- a slightly modified Shark. She has nearly 70K miles and is a work in progress.


Joined: 3/14/2006
Posts: 4

Thanks guy's. Lots of responses and I think I'll go with the Griots. Thanks and I'll get pictures out as soon as she is ready for a spring time shine.

Clay Bar (21/31)
 3/17/06 5:20pm
jwc0305
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Braselton, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 convertible 427/390 British Green w/saddle interior and soft top.4 spd no air. It has just been mechanically restored from the tires up, and I'm working on the cosmetics.


Joined: 11/29/2005
Posts: 47

I have been preparing myself and my bank account to get a new paint job on my '68, but after ordering and using the Mother's clay bar and all of the prep steps, my '68 looks brand new except for a few minor chips. This product is awesome and I highly recommend it to all.It will allow me to keep my bank account from bouncing!!!!! I have also ordered the scratchand chip repair kit from NORTON,iF IT WORKS AS WELL AS IT IS SUPPOSED TOO,I WON'T EVEN GET A PAINT JOB FOR MANY YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clay Bar (22/31)
 3/23/06 1:30pm
KeBo
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Kendall Park, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 - 59 Beige over Cinnebar leather. Edlebrock top end, 2200 stall w/shift kit, 3:55s, Mufflex maniback exhaust, nice stereo, 16 in AREs w/BFGs


Joined: 3/9/2005
Posts: 789

If the scratch and chip repair is the thingy that looks like a credit card, save your time..  I bought one to test out on my wifes car.  Its the only product from Mothers that is a real let down.  It just doesnt work.
Clay Bar (23/31)
 3/23/06 2:13pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

This is going to sound odd.

Collinite  Insulator Wax

It was developed to apply to electrical insulators on high voltage lines.  Just rain rinses of the contaminates.  It's not a place that you want to go clean and polish on any scheduled basis.

Of course clean the car with clay bar and a good washing first.  Polish if needed.  But then put on the insulator wax.  It's amazing how much of a shine and how smooth it will make a surface.   I know it sounds impossible, but I have actually seen rust shine with several coats of this stuff.  It's not the easiest to work with.  It's easy to apply in it's liquid form.  But buffing it out can be done by hand and does take some elbow grease.  You will work at it for a while.  

Collinite is difficult to find.  Their insulator wax is difficult to find.  A few parts houses have it.  I usually get it from a industrial supply company.

One of the guys who worked for me when I did have my shop bought a new Ranger pick up.   He used the Insulator wax.  About a week later he was forced over a freshly painted center yellow line during his lunch hour.  The yellow road paint was spotted all over the left side of the new truck.   After work he pulled the truck up to the back door and turned the hose on it to prepare to start buffing and polishing.  The yellow paint rinsed off. Very impressive.

Clay Bar (24/31)
 3/23/06 6:19pm
Big Fish
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[QUOTE=KeBo]If the scratch and chip repair is the thingy that looks like a credit card, save your time..  I bought one to test out on my wifes car.  Its the only product from Mothers that is a real let down.  It just doesnt work.[/QUOTE]

I have used a product called LANGKA It is some kind of polishing compound that takes the touch-up down to be smooth with the surrounding paint, and it doesn't remove the surrounding paint. It is used with the edge of a credit card and a scrap from an old t-shirt wrapped over it. I am totally happy with the results. The key is to get enough touch up paint in the chip so after it's polished down the area is smooth.

Clay Bar (25/31)
 3/23/06 7:00pm
jwc0305
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Braselton, GA - USA

Vette(s):
1968 convertible 427/390 British Green w/saddle interior and soft top.4 spd no air. It has just been mechanically restored from the tires up, and I'm working on the cosmetics.


Joined: 11/29/2005
Posts: 47

Hey Big Fish, the Langka kit is what I ordered. Is this something that a guy with all thumbs can do without screwing up or is it a really complicated process. Any advice and do's and don'ts would be greatly appreciated.
Clay Bar (26/31)
 3/23/06 7:31pm
Big Fish
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Hey, it's not hard at all. Get the touch up paint from your dealer that is correct for the car color. Use a toothpick or the applicator that comes in the touchup to glob the paint higher then the surrounding area. Wait 24 hours and use the Langka on the edge of a credit card with a little swatch of soft cloth to work it down smooth. Don't push real hard, and add more langka if it dries up (doesn't take very much). If I can do it, I think anyone can. I know the Langka "kit" comes with a few extra things, not familiar with them but I guess I would just follow the directions.

For what it's worth, Ken had an interesting idea about that wax he recommends. Never tried it, but I am real impressed with Mother's "REFLECTIONS" car wax and especially "Reflections Top Coat" I've never seen anything so slippery. Hard to find the stuff, I had to get it on line, could only find the wax but not top coat locally.

Clay Bar (27/31)
 4/4/06 2:02pm
jrflyboyVP2
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Austin, TX - USA

Vette(s):
73 coupe bought new in 1973 with only luggage rack, AM/FM radio, HD battery & Maplight as options. L48, 4 speed, Paint Med Met Blue 922 interior Dark saddle 418 special order. Repurchased 4/1/06 after 24 years.


Joined: 3/27/2006
Posts: 104

Anybody ever used Zaino products?  My car has a modern basecoat/clearcoat paint.  Does the claybar work on that type of finish also?

John

Clay Bar (28/31)
 4/4/06 2:33pm
warbird
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Roseland, NJ - USA

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1974, 454 with 4 on the floor, matching numbers.


Joined: 12/4/2003
Posts: 966

As far as I know the clay bar works on any car finish. Just follow the instructions. I've used the blue paste Zaino after using the clay bar and it worked great. The only thing I didn't understand they (Zaino) suggest to slightly re-wet the car after waxing and buff while it's wet. Zaino has a wax booster too. I've since switched to Maguiars NXT and it works just as good or better than Zaino's, and it's less work. 
Clay Bar (29/31)
 4/4/06 2:33pm
kstyerLifetime Member
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!


Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424

Zanio has a good rep, but I personally have never used them.  You can use a clay bar on any auto paint.
Clay Bar (30/31)
 4/4/06 4:50pm
jrflyboyVP2
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Austin, TX - USA

Vette(s):
73 coupe bought new in 1973 with only luggage rack, AM/FM radio, HD battery & Maplight as options. L48, 4 speed, Paint Med Met Blue 922 interior Dark saddle 418 special order. Repurchased 4/1/06 after 24 years.


Joined: 3/27/2006
Posts: 104

Thanks,  As you can tell I am getting anxious about picking up my baby in two days.  I haven't seen it in 22 years and I am already researching polishes and waxes. LOL!
Clay Bar (31/31)
 4/5/06 3:43pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
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Irving, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
Posts: 4273

[QUOTE=jrflyboyVP2]Thanks,  As you can tell I am getting anxious about picking up my baby in two days.  I haven't seen it in 22 years and I am already researching polishes and waxes. LOL! [/QUOTE]

More power to ya'!  So cool.........



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