How does the dealer get the L so clean without putting swirl marks and all that horrible stuff in black paint. What should I use to protect the finish

 

Paint it a new color?

Really though....there is NO such thing as a "Clean" Black Vehicle. Best thing I can say is, clean it two-three times a week. Get a good wax, pre-wax combo... Very Cherry Wet Wax (like mentioned on another thread recently/where you can see pictures of my Black L "clean") Also, don't tailgate... rock chips are a P.I.T.A!!! Take care of it...

 

i have a black 99, it is a serious pain in the azz to keep clean. i go to the car wash twice a week. use a clean super soft rag o lambs skin to clean it with. what causes the swirls is the sand or dirt that you get in the rag from it being dirty and while you are wax the rag also picks tiny pieces of dirt and sand from the car. so use the whole rag when cleaning. sometimes i can go through 2 or 3 rags to wax.


tom
99 black L

 

Do what I did see sig below

 

Keep a black L clean....isn't that kind of an oxy moron lol.

 

Good idea, switch towels alot when washing it. I kinda figured that but always thought it wouldnt help because the fibers in the towel or shammy thing would scratch it. so, i guess ill be using my muscle, cleaning, making myself proud of my accomplishment of keep a black L "clean."

 

Did you buy your 2001 from Helfman? I called them and all they would do is MSRP! How did you do?

 

simple, dont get white, looks like a fridge. dont get silver, looks to quiet. get red, totally striking and you dont have to wash it every second.

 

I like black vehicles, but they are more difficult to keep clean. You have to be extremely **** about any wash mits, towels, or anything that comes into contact with your paint. When you are washing it with a mit and bucket, change the water whenever it becomes slightly discolored or murky. Only make a few motions before washing the mit in the bucket again. If there is any noticable dirt on the mit, wash it in the bucket. I wash everything afterwards in the washing machine. Even a part of a leaf can cause a significant amount of fine scratches.

Also, only wax or wash out of direct sun light. If a shaded car port isn't available, then only wash around dusk or dawn. Using a "sprayer" creates tiny droplets which will create more spotting, try to use low pressure water directly out of the hose. I then use "super soakers" to dry the car off. I know that these leave some fine scratches in the paint, but it's the only way to really eliminate water spots. Towels leave too much lint.

I only use Meguiar's professional products for waxing and use an orbital buffer. There is a #2 surface cleaner that will remove fine scratches.......but it is abrasive, so you don't want to sit in one place with the buffer. I use the #2 cleaner every six months. Keeping the truck waxed will help keep contaminants from hurting the paint, but nothing will help the scratches except being ****.

 

Having owned two black vehicles over the years (Trans Am and Suburban), I found the following helpful.

First, accept that the small scratches are unavoidable. Changing water and regularly cleaning your wash mitt will minimize but not eliminate them.

Secondly, when washing, drying and waxing, make a conscientous effort to only go in one direction- no circular motions. Again, you won't eliminate the scratches, but they are less noticible when viewed in the sun when they only run in one direction, as opposed to the circular pattern.

Third, use only a high quality real leather chamois for drying and rinse and wring it out often- once per fender, once per door, etc. Terry towels and other drying clothes hold more dirt in the fibers. Again, dry in one direction only.

Other suggestions include good quality 2 or 3 stage wax. Also, if you feel you must by an orbital buffer and try your hand at that, buy an air compressor as well. I've yet to see an electric buffer with the power and RPM necessary to go a good job. It's almost worth taking it to an accomplished bodyman or detail shop to have this done.

The night before I was to go to the dealer and sign all the paperwork for my new black Lightning, I had a flashback about the 6 to 8 hour Saturday wash sessions in the driveway. I ended up changing my mind and going with red. Not as sinister as black, but flashy enough and easier to keep clean (compared with black, anyway).

 

Ditto on the analness and clean towels. Also use back and forth motions, not circular. Up and down on the sides. Side to side on the hood. The California water Blade is a must for removing rinse water quickly. Follow up with a soft 100% cotton towel to get the few remaining drops.

For dust (not dirt) the California duster will pick the stuff off an not scratch.

Every so often I will pull out my porter cable random orbital polisher and the appropriate (for the job) compound and polish the swirls and scratches out.

Check out the website for Griot's Garage. They have some great products for detailing your car.

 

Andrew, The dealer probably used "glaze" on your truck. Pick up a bottle of "3M Hand Glaze" about 12 bucks a bottle available at most auto parts store. Or i believe you can order on carcareonline.com. I have a black 93 and the glaze is absolutely amazing. It takes out any swirl marks in a matter of seconds. The black paint has no swirl marks, even in direct sunlight. Follow the directions on the bottle. Just remember wax a few days after to protect.