Topic: The Innevitable Annual Wax Question
in Forum: C3 Car Care
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Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2430
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
So here it is. Actually this includes two questions.
1 - what wax/polish/multi-step program, etc is going to get the best shine?
2 - Electric polisher/buffer or not? If yes, does the brand or where I get it matter?
For a few years now, I've been using the Meguire's 3-step wax system, along with clay bar. I've gotten a good shine, but I want an AMAZING shine, not only for my silver C3, but potentially for my '07 Black Silverado.
So what's it going to be? Meguire's? Zaino? Adam's? Griot's? Something else? A combination of different brands? Once I get the shine, what's the best way to keep it, assuming I stay out of the rain but continue to drive (although the Silverado is a daily driver).
I know the concerns regarding buffers include pushing too hard and taking off clear or paint. I figure if Griot's has them in their catalogs, then there must be a way to use them right. Do I have to get one from Griot's or somewhere similar, or can I pick up a generic one at Auto Zone or Pep Boys? (I assume that's a dumb question, but I've never been afraid of asking those)
Lastly, does it matter that I plan to get some touch-up painting professionally done on the nose of my shark within the next month or so? Do I need to avoid that area? If so, for how long?
I await the wisdom of you, the Corvette enthusiast!
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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Im a waxaholic. 1x a month and I wash the car after every drive. I was using the Meguires 3step (steps 1 and 2 when needed) I have a terrific finish so I havent used the cleaners. I use clay as needed and I buff it out. Im finding the Meguires could get a little hazy. I just switched to Griots. As for the buffer, it does make a big diff.. 3 big tips - Only use quality buffing heads, Unless youre a pro, use an orbital buffer (less chance of burn thru) and dont lean on the buffer, let the buffer do he work.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
A lot depends on what you're looking for. Do you want durability or beauty from your products...they don't necessarily come in the same products. Do you like a highly reflective shine or a deep, warm look?
If you want durability and reflectivity, use a sealant rather than a wax. If you don't mind polishing and waxing more often and like the deep, wet look, use a quality Carnauba wax.
The secret is preparation, preparation, preparation! If you prepare the surface properly, an inexpensive house brand wax will look better than the finest wax or sealant on a poorly prepped surface.
My favorite car care products are Griot's...not to say there aren't other fine products out there...there are. I certainly haven't tried everything on the market but have found Griot's to be outstanding. I do like other products and I do use others, depending on the car.
I use a Griot's Random Orbital...it makes doing a quality job much easier. Porter Cable makes a good one as is the Flex, but the Flex is much more expensive and offers no advantage over the Griot's for my purposes.
What I do is clay the finish, use the Griot's polishes followed by a coat of their Carnauba Wax Stick and then topped with Griot's Best of Show Wax. The Wax Stick is very easy to use and is very durable for a Carnauba. The Best of Show doesn't have quite the durability but gives the foot deep, wet look to the finish.
I do have one car that's Torch Red and I do the same, but in place of the Best of Show Wax I use Pinnacle Souveran...it's works best on reds and blacks. It gives a magnificent look, but is not a durable wax...it's a beauty wax. The cars are garaged, so durability isn't so much as issue. For my daily drivers I use a sealant since these cars see all kinds of weather.
If I lived in areas like coastal regions of heavy salt air or pollutants, or in Arizona like my in-laws, where the heat is high, I'd use a sealant on everything. Wax has a lower melting point so a sealant would be better in harsh climates.
It all comes down to finding the products that work best for you and gives the look you want.
Former Member
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Franklin, IN - USA
Joined: 5/3/2008
Posts: 117
Vette(s): 1978 pace car replica
Secrets! Everyone has their secret/special wax. Often there are or have been many of them. I've come across two polish/wax products that make the black (especially) and silver reach out to ya. First one is Duragloss 101 "wet look" polish and cleaner. They also make a fiberglass polish and cleaner (151), but I didn't really like the end result with it.
Then had someone tell me about a Pink Wax that would really make the black POP. Finally ran across a booth at the Mid-America truck show in Louisville last year. It's just called Pink Wax - made by Liquid Lustre. I really like the end result with both products.
I have a clay bar kit from Mothers, but haven't used it yet.
It's that time folks! Time to get that shine up to snuff for the coming season of fun.
Take care
GaryC - Franklin, IN
Then had someone tell me about a Pink Wax that would really make the black POP. Finally ran across a booth at the Mid-America truck show in Louisville last year. It's just called Pink Wax - made by Liquid Lustre. I really like the end result with both products.
I have a clay bar kit from Mothers, but haven't used it yet.
It's that time folks! Time to get that shine up to snuff for the coming season of fun.
Take care
GaryC - Franklin, IN
I have used Griot's for over 5 years. The Best of Show wax is great. First clay and buff then put at least 1 coat on and let it set over night then repet it 2 more times. That puts a deep shine to the paint. It what works for me. You just have to find what works for you.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Best of Show Wax is really great stuff. Before I tried it I had been using Mequiar's Gold Class for a long time and as good as it is, the Best of Show works even better. It gave a foot deep look to the finish. The Griot's people mean it when they say to put it on sparingly...a little does go a long way.
It really is an excellent product in a field of excellent products from many car care product makers.
Well it looks like we all have our favorites. For years on my white vette I used a wax called "Collinite" and it was "insulator Wax" made to coat those glass insulators on power poles. They are also well know for boat wax, cool thing it is made in my home town. I have owned two silver vehicles, and find that silver and even more so white is very tough to get a deep shine. Must be cause of the reflectivity. A few years back I tried some meguires gold and liked that also.
Then a buddy of mine sugested I try Zaino, I invested in the whole system with the additive and spent a weekend clay baring, sealing, and puting multiple coats on. As I have stated before I have had my hands all over that C3 body for 28 years and once I used that Zaino and applied it in their specific up and down direction for reflectivity, it brought out things I have never seen before. The gloss for a white car is the best I have seen so far. For a silver car it should be great also.I'm one that once I find a great product I try more of it. I think I have everything that Zaino makes now, even the darn wash bucket with the strainer on the bottom to keep any dirt particles below.
For sure if you have leather try the leather treatment,that has natural oils in it and it leaves a great leather smell.
I think to be sure Marshal you need to drop in on a weekend and lets put some on so you can decide. If you want to see some cool pictures and reviews go to their site. www.zainobros.com
ebo 
eboOK....any recommendations on clay bars? I am going to give Griots Best in Show a try on the '74.
There is no substitute for low end torque! 
in Forum: C3 Car Care
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