My 05 Prius is like NEW again

When they learn to detail the traction battery, ICE, and Hybrid Synergy Drive, and make them "like NEW" . . . be sure to let me know.

 

Thats good to hear. I've always wondered that about my '05 prius when I see '07's on the road and wonder if mine was ever that nice. I used to detail cars, but it wasn't anything professional. More of just good cleaning inside and out when people bought the $30 car wash.
Kind of gives me motivation to look into detail shops in my area.

 

We have a guy in our club (Orange County) who does detail the engine- in fact he has a Prius with the engine being ENAMELED in a Maroon sparkley color- he takes it to car shows also- it has dual pipes, etc.

Actually we were going to have a Megeuirs day this fall -for Prius-- for their free training class (Irvine ,CA).

They did sort of scratch their heads last time we did it - now they are seeing more of them!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(inventor00 @ Aug 1 2007, 02:36 PM) [snapback]488775[/snapback]</div>

Mike should be very familiar with Prii. I attended one of their days in Fall of 2005. Both the PriusClubSD and Orange County Prius Club were there. They had a parking lot full of Prii. I learned a lot and got some great deals on Meguiar's products. I'd be interested in going again for a brush up and a nice day. The drive up was great.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paprius4030 @ Aug 1 2007, 02:39 PM) [snapback]488734[/snapback]</div>

Godiva turned me on to Meguirs products. The clay bar and spray lubricant (I forget the name) do an amazing job. Any number of members will tell you the same thing.

 

So speaking of detailing cars, what does everyone use to combat swirl marks and scratches? I have a pretty much brand new black Prius, and I put some wax on it within a few weeks of purchase. However, the paint looks worse now than it did when I drove it off the lot! I think that my clay bar maybe had some minerals in it because I noticed the scratches when I was 3/4 of the way through claying the car. I figured it just pulled up the stock wax and exposed what was already there. However, I put on four coats of Zaino wax - Z2, Z2, then Z5 and Z5, each coat with Z6 spray in between - and it still didn't get rid of the scratches.

Any recommendations for when I wax again before winter starts?

Thanks!
- alexg

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(alexg @ Aug 2 2007, 11:27 AM) [snapback]489280[/snapback]</div>

ScratchX has helped my clearcoat damaged. I would think it will probably help you as long as the scratch isn't down to the primer.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(alexg @ Aug 2 2007, 11:27 AM) [snapback]489280[/snapback]</div>

Try the Z5 first next time after using claybar. I used the Z18 claybar Zaino product on mine. The Z2 has no cleaning ability as the Z5 is supposed to be great for removing swirils and light scratches. Any chance you dropped your claybar or got something really bad imbedded in it??? My car was blinging today as I did Z2 with ZFX and the Z8 grand finale finish. Topped it off with 303 aerospace on all the vinyl/rubber inside and out.....OMG it is awesome. See attached picture. 05 pkg 5
[attachmentid=10465]

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(alexg @ Aug 2 2007, 11:27 AM) [snapback]489280[/snapback]</div>

The problem is that you aren't doing anything to remove the swirlmarks. Zaino won't do it, Z5 may hide them (poorly) for a couple weeks, but unless you polish the surface with an abrasive polish to remove them, they'll never go anywhere. Scratch X works, but its a spot check product. You really need to procure and learn how to use a polisher yourself or have a pro do it.

Once thats done you have to learn proper washing and claying techniques to keep them from coming back as often. I say as often because with a black car thats driven daily and washed weekly, you will ALWAYS have SOME swirls no matter how careful you are. Proper washing technique can keep it to where nobody notices but you.

The main reason why your cars don't look as good as new ones a couple years down the road is maintenance. If you wash them thoroughly and clean inside weekly, wax 2-4 times a year, they will look like new for years to come.

 

What is this clay you speak of? Excuse my Aussie ignorance.

 

Detailing clay is used, along with a lubricant, to remove imbedded contaminants from the paint surface.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paprius4030 @ Aug 2 2007, 02:39 AM) [snapback]488734[/snapback]</div>

What did it cost?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SW03ES @ Aug 8 2007, 08:33 PM) [snapback]492812[/snapback]</div>

Hmm, I thought Z5 was meant to "fill in" very light scratches and swirl marks. It also says on their website to not use a machine polisher with the Zaino wax system. I was going to pick up the Porter Cable double-action polisher that I've read so much about and try it with the Z5 again despite that, but you don't think that will do the trick? The marks aren't bad, so I don't think I need to use any abrasive polishing action or harsh products to remove them. And if not Scratch X, since it's a spot polish, what would you recommend?

Thanks guys!
- alexg

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(alexg @ Aug 2 2007, 11:27 AM) [snapback]489280[/snapback]</div>

Consumers rates Quixx ($21) best, followed by Motherss and NuFinish.