Topic: Show Ready Cleaning/Detail
in Forum: C3 Car Care
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I use a product called Speedy Metal Polish on aluminum and chrome parts. You probably won't find it in any chain store; it's produced locally and they do sell at Carlisle events. Other people swear by Simichrome.
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Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
Any more ideas about removing the old wax? First time I heard that one.
As for soap, everything I ever read says to AVOID dishwashing soap (for regular washings, that is) because of what it does to the paint. Something about removing the natural oils, humma humma, frick frack.
So I use Murphy's Oil Soap and it works well. Also provides lots of lubricant for the ole clay bar (when you need to use it).
If you've always used good 'ol carnauba wax there may not be much "old" wax to remove in the first place -- its main drawback is that it's not very durable. Newer synthetic polishes can last for several months and it's a good idea to remove one before switching to another brand.
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2429
Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
I've been following the advice given here. I gave the car a good washing (I used the Mr. Clean system that uses a water ionizer so you don't ahve to dry - it really works!). Then I used a clay bar. Nothing really came off as far as dirt from the paint, but I used Maquires with a spot detailer as a lubricant for the bar, and the car really shined!
Now I've started Maquires three step cclean/ploish/wax system. I did step one last night. I think this will really work. Already, the car is getting a mirror-like finish and looks far better than it ever has since I've owned it (since last year).
Thanks for all of your help!!
I wanted a Corvette my whole life, but I never dreamed of all the wonderful people I would meet because of it!
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If the carnuba isn't very durable(I thought it was the best for that!!!)what do you recomend?I've just always used a good paste wax,it all seems to have carnube in it. I have used Liquid Glass and liked the shine it gives and the ease of removel.Liquid Glass says you can keep using it and it keeps building up.I guess it doesn't take off the last coat. Never heard of that and I'm not sure I'm going for it.
Basically there are two types of "waxes" (I use the term loosely, as I'll explain) -- natural carnauba and synthetic polishes, and there are significant differences between them.
A carnauba wax is a natural product; its "pros" are that it offers some level of protection for the vehicle's paint surface, and it makes the paint look better -- deeper, shinier, wetter, etc. Its main drawback is that it's not very durable. It's still a natural wax product, so as it's exposed to the elements (sun, rain, etc.) it wears away rather quickly and needs frequent reapplication to maintain good protection and appearance.
Newer, synthetic type polishes offer the best of both worlds -- they can make your car look great, and offer more durability than a natural carnauba. Synthetics have been knocked because some people just prefer the look and feel of good 'ol carnauba wax. Some people even layer carnauba over a synthetic polish. In the end it just comes down to personal preference.
If your car is a garaged, weekend-driven toy that never sees the elements, you could get a lot of use from a carnauba wax. For daily drivers, and people who drive their "toys", a synthetic polish is probably a better choice.
Some carnaubas with a good reputation include Meguiar's #26, Pinnacle Souveran, and Adam's ButterWax.
Some recommended synthetics would be Meguiar's #21, Rejex, and my personal favorite the Zaino line of car care products.
Meguiar's markets its new NXT Tech Wax as a synthetic polish, although it looks and lasts more like a carnauba wax. It's a nice product though, being very easy to apply and remove.
It's my humble opinion that most all of the new wax and polish systems are great. Probably boils down to which one(s) an individual really prefers. One of the quick detailers I keep going back to and highly recommend is Meguiars #34, Final Inspection. For whatever reason, cars really look great after a wash, polish, wax and quick finish off with the 34..
Are any of you familiar with a product called "Diamond Luster?"
I have been using it for years with great results.
I have never heard of that but I can tell you I just did the Meguiars 3 step process (except I clay bared as the first step). I also buffed at the end of the second step and just took 2nd place in the first car show I have ever done.
Several people stopped and asked how I got the wet looking finish on a silver car.
Hope that helps.
Several people stopped and asked how I got the wet looking finish on a silver car.
Hope that helps.
OK if you are looking for a quick & easy deep shine and you start with a clean car then try Eagle One Spray On Nanowax. Spray on wipe to a shine. It can be used on trim and windows also. Runs about $5.99. It worked pretty good on my 14 year old Black paint.
Aaron 
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in Forum: C3 Car Care
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