Time To Wax Before Winter

[JGheen]

Thanks Diesel Thunder, that Zaino stuff sounds like it works real good. I was wondering when the best time to use the clay bar would be and I guess using it while washing the truck with the soap is the best way since the clay requires a lubricant of some sort to glide over the surface.



Gonna head to AutoZone this afternoon and look for the Mothers stuff since the Zaino is order only and I am sure most auto part stores don't carry it. I will post up my results after I do my wash and wax on Sunday morning.



Joe

 

[skipro3]

Mothers claybar comes with the lube spray. I would not use soap as it would contaminate the bar. And for goodness sake, don't drop the clay bar onto the ground. The directions say to toss it if you do.

 

[JNeves]

www.properautocare.com has everything you need. There's also some great articles and how to tips. Avoid all dishwashing soap. From personal experience the stuff will kill your clear coat after awhile.

 

[Diesel Thunder]

Yes,



JGheen, I would wash the truck and get it very clean, and then use the clay bar and whatever "lube" you decide on. In my opinion, I wanted the truck to be as clean as possible from dirt and road grime before I went and rubbed it with a clay bar.



But, if you use a lube with your clay, then definitely wash the truck again before waxing to get the residue from the clay lube off. I think most would agree.



If the clay bar you use has a "lube" with it, then use it. The reason that I used the car wash soap, was because the Zaino directions said to mix a capfull with a gallon, so thats what I did. So, I sopped the panel (ie. hood) with the soapy sponge and then clayed it and then washed it again to remove the residue.



Before waxing, make sure you get rid of any water spots! Wipe the truck down.



Even if you don't use the Zaino stuff, their website (www.zainostore.com) has great wax tips.



As for the dishwashing soap, I definitely would not make frequent use of it, because like someone said, it is tough on clear coats. But, I had a ton of crappy wax residue to get rid of, so I did it.



As skipro said, toss the clay bar if you drop it on the ground!



Good luck.



Diesel Thunder.

 

[JGheen]

Picked me up a clay bar kit today from Auto Zone. Got the "Clay Magic" brand that was a bit cheaper than the Mothers stuff. Plus both the Mothers boxes they had there were opened for some reason and the clay bar looked dirty. I am sure this Clay Magic stuff should work good, comes with a lubricant spray and one bar.

Got the clay bar, some more of my favorite car wash soap, Meguiars Gold Class soap, good stuff... . and a bottle of that Meguiar's #26 wax to finish the truck after the wash and claying. Gonna try it out in the morning, will post results.



Joe

 

[Diesel Thunder]

I used the clay magic brand on my 89 Ram and it worked great. I would have used it again, if the Zaino kit had not have had one in it. Good luck and post the results!



Regards.

 

[JVantreese]

I have used Zymol for about 20 years. I have found it to do a great job in keeping rust off my vehicals. Michigan uses alot of salt on its highways and a good wax job will pay for itself many times over.

 

[Grizzly]

Try liquid Turtle Wax. It's worked best for me for many years.

 

[SOsterday]

I used Collinite 845 Insulator Wax on mine. Of course I claybared it first. For maintenance I use Optimum Car Wax. It is a very slick finish that doesn't attract dust and is easy to maintain.

 

[JHardwick]

I've got an orbital with three different bonnets ... ... ... ... . any decent wax (I like Turtle Wax) is a breeze with this thing.

 

[JGheen]

Well, got it all clay'd and waxed up. All I have to say about the clay bar is WOW! That thing is unbelieveable! It picked up so much dirt and grime off my hood of the truck. I couldn't get over the stuff that was still on the paint after the washing and this truck is brand new. I rinsed it real good after I washed it and then while it was still wet, I sprayed on the Clay Magic lube and rubbed away with the bar. I washed it again after the clay bar picked up all the rusty specs and a lot of dirt that was embedded in the paint. Took a little extra rubbing for some spots but they eventually came right up and the surface was smoother than glass. Finished it up with the Meguiars #26 wax and it turned out absolutely beautiful. My truck now has a finish like a brand new sports car!



Joe

 

[RDHamill]

that's what we like to hear, seems everyone that tries the clay bar finds it to be great.

I'm certain you'll find your wax seems to last longer and beads better.

everyone that is willing to tak ethe time to wax thier truck should use the clay bar first.



"time well spent"

 

[DavidC]

If your really into a shine.

1st wash

2nd Clay

3rd 3M Finesse-it ll glazing compound

4th Wax



It will look better than new. I have been doing this every year and mine looks better than when I bought it.



Dave

 

[mcsinfl]

If your really into a shine.

1st wash

2nd Clay

3rd 3M Finesse-it ll glazing compound

4th Wax



It will look better than new. I have been doing this every year and mine looks better than when I bought it.



Dave

This is what I do once every year or so. If not badly scratched, I prefer finesse it III vs II, not quite as abrasive. When I wax, I use my buffer and make multiple passes in multiple directions.

 

[MMeier]

Damn, you guys make housecalls ? :-laf

 

[Diesel Thunder]

JGheen,



Glad to hear you got great results! I love the clay bar! Glad it took care of the rail dust crap! I used to enjoy waxing and was looking forward to it, but then came the Cummins and man, waxing becomes a real job with the heavy duty.



Regards.

 

[JGheen]

Yeah, it worked so great I told my neighbor about it and he is claying and waxing his car today. :-laf



Joe

 

[crobertson1]

I got a Mcguiars clay bar kit and some of their NXT paste wax. I did the '93 Ram, and my wife's Dakota last weekend and my Ram on Monday. I've clay barred before and I'm still amazed at how good they look after they're done. They look better than new again.



BTW, I did this all after replacing the o2 sensor in my Jeep. It's the one after the catalytic converter. The old sensor was siezed in the exhaust pipe which led to a nightmare of getting it out and renting a tap and die set to re-do the threads. I started that project on last Friday night and thought it would take me about 10 minutes. But nooooo! That project lasted clear into the next afternoon! Thereby ruining my waxing plans to have all three done in one weekend. Fun stuff!