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Claybar and polish

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by efusco, Sep 1, 2009.

  1. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    It has been a really long time (gotta be over 2 years) since I last really did a nice exterior detail on my Prius. That new car love affair wears off a bit, it's easier to run through the car wash. I did have them do a "detail" one day at the Jiffy Lube wash..but it was a pretty cheaply done job.

    I finally had a great day of weather, time, and inspiration and took advantage. It sure looks beautiful once done.

    I have a lot of tiny pits/chips, esp. on the front edge of the hood and the front bumper that I could not really get smoothed out even with scratch remover, but all in all it looks quite good.

    I topped off the job with a little tire black on the tires and Rain-X on the windshield. My kids probably won't recognize it when I pick them up from school!
     
    #1 efusco, Sep 1, 2009
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I should have you come over to my place and show me how it's done one of these days.
     
    #2 TonyPSchaefer, Sep 1, 2009
  3. FireEngineer

    FireEngineer Active Member

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    Did you want to see if a 2010 will turn out the same? I'll bring my car by.

    Wayne
     
    #3 FireEngineer, Sep 1, 2009
  4. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    Do you think you could get the spots off mine?
     
    #4 Rae Vynn, Sep 1, 2009
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    you gotta have the pics, doc!
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Sep 1, 2009
  6. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Pics of shininess don't usually translate too well. But it looks nice. The door handles are actually slippery to hold onto when opening the door!
     
    #6 efusco, Sep 1, 2009
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    mmmm...... Seaside Pearl does respond well to wax though. The best part is that subsequent washes will be super easy to dry!
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, Sep 1, 2009
  8. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    And this morning...it's raining...:(:rain:
     
    #8 efusco, Sep 2, 2009
  9. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    And you caused it by detailing your car. That's why I rarely even wash mine. :madgrin:
     
    #9 dogfriend, Sep 2, 2009
  10. uclabruins

    uclabruins Member

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    we need rain here in southern california, but i hope it doesn't rain on my prius that i just washed and waxed this past weekend.
     
    #10 uclabruins, Sep 2, 2009
  11. PriusRos

    PriusRos A Fairly Senior Member - 2016 Prius Owner

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    Must get a little frustrating when your fingers keep slipping off the handle before you get it open!
     
    #11 PriusRos, Sep 2, 2009
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Mine 6-day Prius is covered in dust with au jus of insects. I would wash it but there's a good chance we'll get a good thunderstorm. If there's no hail, I'll leave the car outside lol.
     
    #12 Tideland Prius, Sep 3, 2009
  13. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    A good chance? Aren't you supposed to know?
     
    #13 TonyPSchaefer, Sep 3, 2009
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Sure. But it never works out the way you want it to. Anyway, we did get hit with some thunderstorms. Just heavy rain, a few strikes of lightning and no hail (kinda surprised actually). The best thing was walking into Olive Garden with a rain jacket and hearing someone comment "well somebody's prepared." Haha!!
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Sep 4, 2009
  15. rickcrna

    rickcrna Junior Member

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    I have not done either the claybar or polish since I bought my 2007 Prius. Just the occasional wash. What claybar product and technique would you recommend for the neophyte? Also what polish would you recommend as well?

    Rick
     
    #15 rickcrna, Sep 8, 2009
  16. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    There's a thread here somewhere called something like "My favorite Detailing products" and another called "Detailing tips" or something like that. I strongly recommend you take a look at those threads for great information from people who actually know what they're talking about.

    I am not an expert nor am I compulsive enough to spend the money on top end products. Meguier's sells some very accessible and reasonably priced products for detailing. I bought an "all in one" box at Wal-mart from them that included 2 claybars, the detailing spray, a microfiber cloth, and even a small bottle of wax/polish...probably enough for a Prius.

    It seems adequate for the job considering the age and pain damage I have. If this were a show car or brand new and I had more OCD than I do I might look at some higher end products.

    I use Nu Finish polish only b/c John1701a recommended it when I got the car. I have no idea if there are superior products out there (I'm sure there are), but it seems quite good.

    BTW, I used a Mequier's scratch remover as well for some of the shallow scratches and other pain mars I had.
     
    #16 efusco, Sep 8, 2009
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