[Nat Brown]

Maybe Ripsnort or another experienced expert can analyze my plan for my new Jet Black 330i.

My cars for the last five years have been white or silver, and I thought I had my detailing down pat, but all this Jet Black hysteria has made me completely re-think my strategy.

The plan starts with a call to my salesman telling him NOT to detail the car. I will call him back a few days before the car is supposed to arrive and remind him.

Next, I made the decision to go Zaino. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

There's washing: Who knows what's been put on this new car, so Dawn is my first step. Washing will be accomplished with sheepskin wash mits using a two bucket system; one for cold soapy water and the other for cold rinse water. I've got several mits in case they get dirty.

Drying will be performed with a California Water Blade and synthetic car-friendly towels that I just ordered from Griot's Garage (my first order from them). Cotton suddenly seemed innapropriate.

Following Dawn and a thorough rinsing, I'll head straight for the clay bar, in the form of the Zaino Z-18 (can't these guys come up with names?), with Z-6 gloss enhancer spray as a lubricant. I'm assuming the bottles of McGuires Quick Detailer would be fine, but hey, I've got new Zaino on the way.

After the clay, another wash wouldn't hurt. This time I'll be using the Zaino car wash.

Then it's through the Zaino system, with Polish LOK (Z1) and show car polish (Z2). The drill is a little complex, but not impossible, and there are plenty of other sources for Zaino advice. Repeat as desired. I figure 2-days of down time wouldn't be unreasonable with this system, at least the first time.

Zaino application will be performed with 3M disposable micro-fiber applicators.

Besides telling me I'm being completely obsesive, does anyone have any recommendations for avoiding scratches and swirls? I've got the Z5 for swirl marks (and 3M IHG), but I'm not expecting any problems.

I'm hoping for a month or two of having an impeccable new car before entropy rears her ugly head.

--gary

 

[GTI]

Check out this thread. Please be extra careful with the CWB.
http://www.autopia-carport.com/forum/showthread.php3?threadid=7179

Your plan sounds good. Rememer to Zaino the wheel too. Much much easier to clean those brake dust.

Which Sheepskin mitts you got??

 

[Dr. Phil]

Sounds like a plan Rip and Al would both be proud of.

 

[Nat Brown]

Which Sheepskin mitts you got??

I've got the ones from Costco, which I'm hoping are good enough.

Check out this thread. Please be extra careful with the CWB.

I'll be careful. These guys sound kind of silly, quoting the definition of a towel and the word "absorb."

Funny.

--gary

 

[Plaz]

Wouldn't claybarring a brand new car be a little excessive, and actually wear down the clearcoat before it's necessary?

 

[Nat Brown]

Clay baring new car

Wouldn't claybarring a brand new car be a little excessive, and actually wear down the clearcoat before it's necessary?

Here's a quote from the Zaino web site:

"Zaino Z-18 ClayBar was designed to remove airborne contaminants, paint overspray, water spots, rail dust, industrial fallout, diesel fuel & catalytic converter residue and any other bonded surface contaminants from paint. All cars even brand new factory paint has airborne contaminants... Here's the deal. The non-abrasive Z-18 ClayBar will remove any surface contaminants from the paint finish and not hurt the clear-coat. The ClayBar will get that paint finish smooth as glass. Now remember waterspots, bird droppings and bug guts if left on the paint finish for any length of time. Will etch into the paint finish. The ClayBar will also remove any store bought waxes...."

Also, my car isn't entirely new -- it's got about 1000 miles on it.

--gary

 

[Plaz]

Re: Clay baring new car

Here's a quote from the Zaino web site:

"Zaino Z-18 ClayBar was designed to remove airborne contaminants, paint overspray, water spots, rail dust, industrial fallout, diesel fuel & catalytic converter residue and any other bonded surface contaminants from paint. All cars even brand new factory paint has airborne contaminants... Here's the deal. The non-abrasive Z-18 ClayBar will remove any surface contaminants from the paint finish and not hurt the clear-coat. The ClayBar will get that paint finish smooth as glass. Now remember waterspots, bird droppings and bug guts if left on the paint finish for any length of time. Will etch into the paint finish. The ClayBar will also remove any store bought waxes...."

Also, my car isn't entirely new -- it's got about 1000 miles on it.

--gary

Okay, fair enough. I think I'll wait till my waxing about three months into ownership before I claybar, tho.