Gettin' ready for my first show in a few weeks. I am looking for a few tips on cleaning the exterior - clay bars, wax, etc. I was told to avoid wet washing the car too much - since I only drive it on nice days it does not really get dirty. Also, what is the best spray on wipe of wax to use for the car? Any other tips would be welcome - i did read about using the Pledge in the engine compartment - sounds crazy!

Many here swear by the clay bar method. I need to try that myself, although it might be tough with my decals.

I personally love meguiar's number 7 polish. Afterwards I use the yellow wax. You can use a clay bar before using the polish, but if the car is rarely used, I doubt you would need it. Kathy

Heres the prob...  You need a clean car, and I mean a clean car to clay/wax/polish etc...  WATER is your enemy only if not dried.  The clay bar needs a lube to work(it comes with it) THEN you have to rewash the car.  I have had EXTREME success  including best paint (8 years old!) etc using this method

[QUOTE=Rob Riz]Gettin' ready for my first show in a few weeks...... - i did read about using the Pledge in the engine compartment - sounds crazy! [/QUOTE]

First step would be a good (and very wet) wash with a car wash soap and microfiber washmitt.  I  prefer to clay the car as I wash -- you don't need to worry about having adequate lubrication and you don't need to rewash the car afterwards.  It's also not necessary to clay an entire vehicle if there's no need to.  Then dry the vehicle thoroughly (I like to use the Absorber, but some prefer the Waterblade or a mirofiber towel) before choosing your polish.  If the car has significant swirls, scratches, or defects, you might consider using a random orbital or rotary buffer with a quality swirl remover (be wary of how aggressive you get with older, single-stage paints).  As far as specific product recommendations, I use all the Zaino stuff on my 'Vette for a great final shine 

I used to fight with this all the time and probably have bought every wax made over the years -  until a pro told me two tips - first every time you wax you should remove the old wax first.  I never ever in 40 years of owning a car ever did that and it was AMAZING.  Second, invest in a professional oscillating buffer (not the cheap kind they sell at the big box stores).  I really like the results and get asked what I did a lot.

Dawn dish detergent works great for removing any pre-existing waxes or polishes.  Wouldn't use it all the time, but for that purpose it won't harm anything.  Also if you do use a random orbital buffer to get rid of blemishes you'll be removing all that stuff anyway.

Somebody told me over the winter that one of the best things you can do for chrome is use baby oil on it to remove dirt and finger prints - sure would be cheaper then the "Mothers" stuff - ever tried that?

[QUOTE=RUCRUZIN]Somebody told me over the winter that one of the best things you can do for chrome is use baby oil on it to remove dirt and finger prints - sure would be cheaper then the "Mothers" stuff - ever tried that?[/QUOTE]