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Detailing a Car

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Anyasmom, Jun 13, 2007.

  1. Anyasmom

    Anyasmom New Member

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    I've never owned a car before that rated more than the ordinary car wash stuff Now I have acquired a 2005 Prius Tideland Pearl. Not in bad shape but definitely needs a cleaning. I came across the names Mothers and Zaino in reading through posts. Also refrences to "claying" Do I buy the good car wash stuff use that and then the clay bar or the other way around. I noticed that Zaino doesn't list a clay bar. Is there car wash going to do the same thing. So before I go out shopping, what is my shopping list?
     
    #1 Anyasmom, Jun 13, 2007
  2. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Anya @ Jun 13 2007, 03:52 PM) [snapback]461186[/snapback]</div>
    Zaino does have clay bar. If you have a lot of little spots of road tar, you may want to clay bar it.
    What I got from Zaino is:
    Show car car wash
    AIO (all in one)
    Polish Z2 (for clear coat paint)
    If it has little scratches, get the polish Z5, too
    Clear seal
    Super accelerator stuff.
    Get at least 4 polish applicators, plus the free one they'll send.

    Then, go to a good store (like Linen n Things or JC Penney) and buy 100% cotton white bath towels. Bring them home, run them through the wash with soap, NO fabric softener (I use white vinegar), and dry with NO softener sheet.
    Take good scissors, and cut off the hems, and then cut the towels into manageable pieces. I cut one into four, and another one into 8 pieces. These will be absolutely invaluable when it comes to drying, buffing, etc.

    You will end up spending about $160 here. Yes, that's a lot. However, from what I can tell, so far, this will last you about 5 YEARS! (based on how much of the stuff it takes to do my Prius)
     
    #2 Rae Vynn, Jun 13, 2007
  3. Green Hokie

    Green Hokie Member

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    Good advice. However, I'd stay away from the bath towels and get any good quality microfiber towel(s). They are very inexpensive and probably the most gentle (& recommended) type of towel on the market. You can find them at almost any store (like Target, Walmart, etc...).

    I also suggest spending some time on a detailing forum (like autopia.org). There's tons of good information over there on the proper techniques for detailing your vehicle.

    Good luck!
     
    #3 Green Hokie, Jun 13, 2007
    Coopers ST likes this.
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Anya @ Jun 13 2007, 03:52 PM) [snapback]461186[/snapback]</div>
    I would read my Sticky over at the "Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting" forum. It has a nice writeup by someone else in another Toyota forum regarding detailing your vehicle.


    In general, follow these steps (of course each brand has their own name esp. Zaino)

    1. wash with a good car soap
    2. dry with microfibre towels
    3. claybar (most will come with a detailing spray)
    4. pre-wax cleaner to get the paint clean and remove some fine scratches (optional step)
    5. sealant & glaze to remove oxidation and bring that shine (optional step)
    6. wax with good carnuba wax (*MUST use pure carnuba if you're using a sealant.)


    Of course you can replace #4 with polishing with a buffer and good polishing compound to remove fine scratches.
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Jun 13, 2007
  5. Platypus

    Platypus New Member

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    http://www.autopia-carcare.com/

    Lots of good information and good products too. I'm not affiliated with them I just buy their stuff more than I should :lol:
     
    #5 Platypus, Jun 14, 2007
  6. priusenvy

    priusenvy Senior Member

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    I suggest you read the sticky posts over at detailcity.org, roadfly.org, and autopia.org, rather than take advice from the clueless newbs here whose entire knowledge of detailing is limited to wiping on a couple coats of Zaino once a year.
     
    #6 priusenvy, Jun 14, 2007
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