I used the QD That cam with Meguiars kit, and it lasted the entire truck worth of claying, but I believe I got a broken head on my QD Bottle. After every squeeze of the trigger, I would get the liquid form of the spray running all over my hand and all over the floor of the garage. I have an extra bottle on standby for the next detail, but that kind of sucked always having a wet hand. Oh well, at least I knew my hand was at least lubed up for the clay job haha.

 

Finally clayed my truck on Saturday. Made it through with one bottle and still had some left over. I tried to make sure I was using plenty so the clay wouldn't drag. Everything turned out great. I couldn't believe what was coming off my paint directly after a wash. I follwed up with a coat of Meg's NXT. She shiny now!!!!!

 

Wow, I've read the entire three pages on this subject and it sounds like it's something I need to do. A friend did suggest it before, though. How much is a clay kit? He said I had to go to an auto body shop for the best. True?

I have a white F150 with a very, VERY good paint job and no noticeable swirls. Will claying remove these microscopic orange and dark brown pits that is has in some areas, such as inside the chanels on the roof? What causes them? In the past I've had to use a mild polish and tons of elbow grease to remove them. The white rental Mustang that I used in Maui a few years ago had this problem and it was practically new. Again, what causes this and will claying remove them?


Okay, someone direct me to the thread(s) dealing with (steam?) cleaning an engine bay.

 

A clay kit is about 15 bucks. You can buy them at Walmart, Autozone, etc. Clay is clay, Meguiars, Mothers, Clay Magic, it's all the same. The professional lines offer more aggressive clay, you don't need it.

Clay should get rid of those pits easily. They are caused by rail dust.

Do not steam clean or pressure wash an engine.

 

Thanks, GLC.

So how does one clean an engine today?

 

Very carefully!

Spray it down with something like Simple Green. Let it sit for a few minutes and start the engine. Let it warm up a bit and then MIST rinse it. Close the hood and let it run for 15 minutes to dry out.

The V-6 is a lot more tolerant of washing than the V-8, especially the 5.4 and later 4.6's. The problem with the V-8 is the top mounted plugs and COP's. The only problem with the V-6 and earlier 4.6's is the coil packs.

 

I've never used a clay bar. I was just checking out feebay and found this. It also doesn't require a lubricant, other than water.

Comments? If none, should I be the guinea pig?




The Magic Shine Eraser is the best substitute for traditional hard to use clay bar. It actually works better, easier, and more effectively. This is an eco-friendly product because all it needs to use with is water, no more chemical lube. Magic Shine Eraser is safe to be used on painted surfaces, glass, chrome and wheels. Retail price $25/pc

http://cgi.ebay.ca/New-Generation-Clay-Bar-Auto-Detail-Magic-Shine-Eraser_W0QQitemZ150330795354QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMot ors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item150330795 354&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66% 3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318#ebayphotohosti ng

 

Further to my post above, I was reading some feedback for the seller of this clay bar and this is one of the comments I came across:

"Im a profesional detailer and i love this clay! thank!"

 

I wouldn't use it. If you want to be the guinea pig, go to the junkyard and get a panel to try it on.

 

I asked the seller if this thing is really as good as a conventional clay bar. Since this seller sells everything to do with detailing, including regular clay bar, I'll see what he/she comes back with for an answer. I may give it a shot. I'm a lazy fock, and this sounds like the ticket for me.

 

I agree w/ glc to use the traditional clay bar. I started this post and finally got around to claying my truck last weekend. Results were awesome; couldn't believe what came off my paint...AFTER a wash. However, I'm interested to know more about the bar you reference above. Follow up with a post once you hear back from the seller.

 

How's this for a reply?

"Hi, Rick
Thanks for your inquiry. This is a new product.
Customers have different opinions. I suggest you
purchase one to try it out. Any question please email
again. Thank you."

My reply:

"Yikes, that doesn't exactly make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Do you think you could be a little more specific?

Thank you, Rick"

 

Is Chemical Guys not a reputable company?

I found the same above mentioned clay bar for sale on their site:

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Clay_Bar..._block_kit.htm

 

My second reply from the ebay seller:

"Most of customer have great feedback about this product. There is one customer said it's hard to clean the contaminants afterward. Compare to the traditional clay bar, the magic shine eraser has the following advantage:
1 it can be used with water only, no lube required;
2 it can be used many times if you clean it well after each use;
3 light weight, easy to store.

The disadvantage is it may not clean auto surfase as well as the traditional clar bar.

Any question please email again. Thank you."

 

I would trust traditional clay a little more. Gut feeling.