what are you guys using for washing/waxing/wheels/tips on blk L? wash/drying cloths? time of day? would you let car wash joint do it? thanks.

 

Congrats, You are now an official member of the PITA color club. Nothing compares IMHO when clean; problem is it lasts about 1 drive-around.

First you have to decide how **** you want to be and what is it about the finish you want. I'm pretty **** and I want to minimize swirl marks. I don't think they can ever be completely eliminated.

First you have to prep the finish. Depending on the condition of your paint I would at least clay bar it then see how many swirls you have. I use Zaino products mostly but their swirl remover may not be effective on even moderate swirl marks on a black finish. If that is the case you may need someone to professionally compound your finish. I do it myself but I have had alot of experience and the right equipment. You can fluck you paint in a hurry even if you are careful.

I never go to a car wash except in the winter when I have to. I only do a completely touchless wash. (My L is not a daily driver and I really only have dust and road splatters to get off.) To dry, I use a California water blade and a 100% cotton american-made towe. Go to the website [URL=http://griotsgarage.com]. They have great towels and other nice stuff.

I would not wash or dry in the sun or when the paint is hot. If you really really want more info you can e-mail me.

P.S. You guys that say "Trucks are meant to be driven and Blah Blah Blah, save it. To each his own.

 

I bring mine to the car wash it is a new like yours black 2002 I did notice you have to watch at some car washes if they have that rotating bruch that cleans the sidewalls it will put fine scratches on the rims (very fine) so I just tell them not to run that part of it
I also use Meguires #34 final inspection spray Instant detailer after each wash as far as wax I try to use zymol but it is to cold to wax here in NJ but I will in the spring also just watch the tire wet stuff on black those f1's sidewalls fling that crap all over the truck wipe it before you drive it
slick
Black is the best color when it is clean

 

 

Zaino is the ****! Follow their application suggestions. It takes some time and effort, but it's worth it.

 

can you pick Zaino up at your local wal-mart?

 

Nope, gotta order from their site, or a local distributor if you can find one. Call Zaino, they'll tell you if someone local sells it.

 

Never ever wash your truck in the sunlight or it will spot. Try to do it in the early morning or at sunsetif the body of the truck is not to hot. Rinse repeatedly while you so the truck does not dry until you are ready to dry it. I too use the California Blade to dry. You can get a good deal on these at Costco. I also use Zaino products and recomend them highly . Good luck ! Wax on, wax off!!

 

One other minor detail, helps with the swirl marks...

Try to always dry or wash in only vertical or horizontal strokes, that includes waxing or anything else that touches the paint. Had a black Expy for five years before the L, no swirl marks. The fine scratches would be almost invisible using Meguiar's Gold Class Clear coat finish.

Good Luck, the reason I own a black one is because I am so **** about every event with my vehcle.

BTW, Unless it is touchless and brushless, a car wash will never see my L unless I am crippled in a wheelchair and I will sell it first.

 

any recommendations for washing liquid/wash cloth for blk L? i think everyone seems to think Zaino is the way to go for waxing. what about wheels and tip also?

 

I use Blue Coral Spotless car wash. It minimizes surface water, kinda like the old Dura wash idea that sucked. This Blue Coral does a good job. I use Cherry Wet wax. I got it because Zaney Bros weren't shipping when I was ready to order. I'm NOT sorry. This is easy to use and leaves almost no dust. Gives a wet looking shine. Zaino is good too. Either way it takes a lot more work than other colors. For the wheels the same thing use wash the body with works for me 'cause mine don't get very dirty. The exhaust tips Ceramibrite(SP) from Lowe's or Home Depot does the trick.

 

Mine just stays dirty 90% of the time. I don't have time to wash it myself, so typically one professional detail a year (clay bar treatment/wax/polish,etc...), with touchless car washes in between and the occasional wipedown with Meguiar's Quick Detailer. Most of the time I'm dealing with dust and sand, not rain.

 

I got my Zaino Bros. from the Camaro club!!!!!!!!!
The corvette clubs also seem to have it.

 

I used Zaino for about a year and a half till a detail shop used Cherry Wet Wax getting my truck ready for a car show. Haven't used anything since then. It really does have a wetter looking shine than the Zaino. You can buy the wax at :

American Detail Supply
361-854-9303
Another good product they sell is the Super Dressal. Good for interior, engine and tire detailing. Dries and won't sling off and is water soluble.

 

Have used everything including Wet Cherry Wax ............. Zaino is the best IMHO. Doesn't turn plastic white, easy off, lasts longer than anything Ive used.

99L Black