Hahahaha!! I can totally relate! And I'd never be happier!
Crystal Black Pearl finish - Wash and wax tips
21 - 40 of 63 Posts
Thank you for this, my friend. I started the thread with my swirl mark woes, and I have to say I was feeling pretty frustrated with my Honda's paint.
I took your advice, went and bought the Black Box and spent the weekend with my car. I did actually polish it because I believe my previous wax jobs had actually damaged the clear coat. Anyway, the result is amazing.
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It looks absolutely stunning.
Thanks again!
I took your advice, went and bought the Black Box and spent the weekend with my car. I did actually polish it because I believe my previous wax jobs had actually damaged the clear coat. Anyway, the result is amazing.
It looks absolutely stunning.
Thanks again!
When y'all are ready to take your paint to the next level, let me know.
I'll share the secrets.
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I'll share the secrets.
opcorn:Just say no, to trolls.
:rotfl:
opcorn:
I went ahead and took your advice and used the TW Black Box system last night. I had swirl marks all over my car before and a glassy black finish after I was finished. So impressed with this waxing system. Be sure to have lots of microfiber towels on hand. Once they clog up with wax they are completely useless, and you'll need to switch to a new cloth. (I learned the hard way and had to make it work with 4 cloths total for prewax and wax.... :wallbash
I have a problem with tips #3 and #4 under "what you'll need"
-cheap microfiber towels have a tag on them and when you read that tag it says 80% polyester, it wasn't cool when your pants were made of that in the 70's when you were dancing to ABBA and its NOT good on your paint either, especially BLACK!
-a sponge.....NO WAY IN HELL!
Car Care, Detail Supplies, Garage Organization, Car Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789
From here you'll see they've got QUALITY microfibers to use on your car,especially black. I have the huge microfiber towel from them that has pockets in them! They also sell the soft, microfiber wash mitts too.
Black is the biggest PITA, but with proper tools for the job, you can keep it looking its best for longer. As far as waxing too much, never heard of that. I've had my CR-Z for 3 weeks now and have 11 coats of Zaino on the car, would be more but its rained all this week but its getting a good hand carwashing today though.
I will say though that at some point you'll need the paint wheeled and for this task, Griots has you covered again. I bought both of their wheels this year and haven't looked back! I was scarred for the longest time to use the wheel and its really really easy, trust me, if I can get over it, anyone can. Swirl marks come out one way and one way only, using a random orbital is the easiest way to go! Griots sells an entire kit for doing the job. In closing I've been dealing with Griots since 2003 and their customer service is second to none as well as their products. Any questions, feel free to PM me, I love detailing cars and have experience with many products from them, as well as Klasse and Zaino too
-cheap microfiber towels have a tag on them and when you read that tag it says 80% polyester, it wasn't cool when your pants were made of that in the 70's when you were dancing to ABBA and its NOT good on your paint either, especially BLACK!
-a sponge.....NO WAY IN HELL!
Car Care, Detail Supplies, Garage Organization, Car Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789
From here you'll see they've got QUALITY microfibers to use on your car,especially black. I have the huge microfiber towel from them that has pockets in them! They also sell the soft, microfiber wash mitts too.
Black is the biggest PITA, but with proper tools for the job, you can keep it looking its best for longer. As far as waxing too much, never heard of that. I've had my CR-Z for 3 weeks now and have 11 coats of Zaino on the car, would be more but its rained all this week but its getting a good hand carwashing today though.
I will say though that at some point you'll need the paint wheeled and for this task, Griots has you covered again. I bought both of their wheels this year and haven't looked back! I was scarred for the longest time to use the wheel and its really really easy, trust me, if I can get over it, anyone can. Swirl marks come out one way and one way only, using a random orbital is the easiest way to go! Griots sells an entire kit for doing the job. In closing I've been dealing with Griots since 2003 and their customer service is second to none as well as their products. Any questions, feel free to PM me, I love detailing cars and have experience with many products from them, as well as Klasse and Zaino too
6
I guess your not familar with how Zaino works, pretty simple actually, hardly any effort in applying and even less with removal. Their new ZFX additive makes the product dry faster and harder, thus enabling you to add layer after layer and with each layer, you use less and less product. By adding the ZFX to the their Z-5 pro, the results are stunning to say the least. Then there's their newest product, Zaino Clear Seal and it doesn't get any easier than this stuff, you simply spray it onto the panel, wipe in and walk away and go the next panel, no wiping at all. Remember "wax on, wax off", well, this is "wax on and......"
As far as my arms hurting, nah, that's with the old waxes of yesteryear and I do mean YESTERYEAR! I don't think anyone uses the Mequiars in the burgendy bottles anymore, that's like someone still using/listening to cassette's:rotfl: Concerns of cost, well, the Z-CS isn't cheap at $30.00 per 6 oz bottle but it lasts a long time, the reason I use this product as well as the Z-5 pro/Z-CS so much is simple, I like my car looking its best at all times and when we get a week like we had here in Chicagoland area this week (7 days straight of rain), well its nice to know that all I've gotta do is wash the car and BAM!, it looks like it did the day I applied the product. Am I excessive when it comes to this, you betcha
Your last part about the only way to remove swirls couldn't be any further from the truth! I've wheels a couple cars this year alone with my new Griot's Garage random orbital w/ orange pads and their machine polish #2 and #3 with GREAT results, like my g/f's Mazda 6 for instance. When she got the car back in February it was pretty clean to look at, but I suspected it needed some cleaning for sure, but didn't know how much till I got to use my wheel on it, but first I had to clay.....DIRTIEST PIECE OF CLAY I EVER HAD, TOP SURFACES WERE BLACK!!! After that, I used the machine polish #3 on the car and finished with the Griots caranuba stick (didn't have the Zaino at the time) The results were NO swirls with the sun shining onto the paint and a finish to die for.............
My old Fit!
Back to the 6 again, looks like its "plugged in!"
This car had the result of years and years of not taking care of the car and then, with a good washing/clay barring/2 passes with the machine polish #2 and finishing with Griot's caranuba stick (33% caranuba content) it came out looking brand new, really amazed me! Since these pics were taken, I've been able to wheel a quick machine polish #2 on it (1 pass, quickly) and then finish with Klasse Sealant Glaze and about a month ago, 1 coat of Z-CS. In some of the pics you notice a MS3 in the pic, that's my buddy's ride and I wheeled his car too, it was never wheeled before, just waxed and when using the polish on the car, the silver metallic paint just POPPED out, finishing that car originally with Griots Best of Show but lately, 2 weeks ago, I applied 1 coat of Z-5 pro and 1 coat of Z-CS, its never looked better!
In closing its all about the prep work, you don't just apply wax over a surface that's dirty, claying the car when its never been done is MUST, PERIOD! I suggest claying real good coming out of winter and then again going into winter, followed by a wheeling with machine polish and your choice of caranuba, sealant glaze or something like Zaino. Maintence inbetween using a quality quick detailer is important as well, helps keep up the surface protection. Again, because of the ease of use, Zaino is a no-brainer for those whom don't have the time and want the product to last a good, long time as well as those who are fanatics about how their cars look, its just perfect!!!
Like I said, any questions, please feel free to drop me a PM
:yeahthat: except I use Adams.I guess your not familar with how Zaino works, pretty simple actually, hardly any effort in applying and even less with removal. Their new ZFX additive makes the product dry faster and harder, thus enabling you to add layer after layer and with each layer, you use less and less product. By adding the ZFX to the their Z-5 pro, the results are stunning to say the least. Then there's their newest product, Zaino Clear Seal and it doesn't get any easier than this stuff, you simply spray it onto the panel, wipe in and walk away and go the next panel, no wiping at all. Remember "wax on, wax off", well, this is "wax on and......"
As far as my arms hurting, nah, that's with the old waxes of yesteryear and I do mean YESTERYEAR! I don't think anyone uses the Mequiars in the burgendy bottles anymore, that's like someone still using/listening to cassette's:rotfl: Concerns of cost, well, the Z-CS isn't cheap at $30.00 per 6 oz bottle but it lasts a long time, the reason I use this product as well as the Z-5 pro/Z-CS so much is simple, I like my car looking its best at all times and when we get a week like we had here in Chicagoland area this week (7 days straight of rain), well its nice to know that all I've gotta do is wash the car and BAM!, it looks like it did the day I applied the product. Am I excessive when it comes to this, you betcha
Your last part about the only way to remove swirls couldn't be any further from the truth! I've wheels a couple cars this year alone with my new Griot's Garage random orbital w/ orange pads and their machine polish #2 and #3 with GREAT results, like my g/f's Mazda 6 for instance. When she got the car back in February it was pretty clean to look at, but I suspected it needed some cleaning for sure, but didn't know how much till I got to use my wheel on it, but first I had to clay.....DIRTIEST PIECE OF CLAY I EVER HAD, TOP SURFACES WERE BLACK!!! After that, I used the machine polish #3 on the car and finished with the Griots caranuba stick (didn't have the Zaino at the time) The results were NO swirls with the sun shining onto the paint and a finish to die for.............
![]()
![]()
![]()
My old Fit!
![]()
Back to the 6 again, looks like its "plugged in!"
![]()
![]()
This car had the result of years and years of not taking care of the car and then, with a good washing/clay barring/2 passes with the machine polish #2 and finishing with Griot's caranuba stick (33% caranuba content) it came out looking brand new, really amazed me! Since these pics were taken, I've been able to wheel a quick machine polish #2 on it (1 pass, quickly) and then finish with Klasse Sealant Glaze and about a month ago, 1 coat of Z-CS. In some of the pics you notice a MS3 in the pic, that's my buddy's ride and I wheeled his car too, it was never wheeled before, just waxed and when using the polish on the car, the silver metallic paint just POPPED out, finishing that car originally with Griots Best of Show but lately, 2 weeks ago, I applied 1 coat of Z-5 pro and 1 coat of Z-CS, its never looked better!
In closing its all about the prep work, you don't just apply wax over a surface that's dirty, claying the car when its never been done is MUST, PERIOD! I suggest claying real good coming out of winter and then again going into winter, followed by a wheeling with machine polish and your choice of caranuba, sealant glaze or something like Zaino. Maintence inbetween using a quality quick detailer is important as well, helps keep up the surface protection. Again, because of the ease of use, Zaino is a no-brainer for those whom don't have the time and want the product to last a good, long time as well as those who are fanatics about how their cars look, its just perfect!!!
Like I said, any questions, please feel free to drop me a PM
What type of "issue" could you possibly have with some wax
Now as far as customer service goes, Griots is VERY good! I had an issue with my wheel, the screw fell out of the handle and I asked them to send me a new screw (you loosen it up to put the handle down, I probably did it) and not only did they take care of me, they sent me an entire new handle and TWO new screws to go with it! I had a problem with an orange pad or two going bad, and they sent me out 2 new ones, I even told them I was using the highest setting on the wheel, like the video said but they said no more than 4.5 and they STILL TOOK CARE OF ME! Even the way they pack things its amazing, great care taken all the way around, I love them.....now they just need to make something like Zaino Clear Seal
It wasn't with the wax.What type of "issue" could you possibly have with some wax
At one of the detail clinics I went to, I asked the Adams Rep if I could use their vinyl protectant on the vinyl checkered roof decal on my MINI. She said "yes". That weekend I used it and where it had "pooled" in the vinyl over lap or where I didn't get all the excess off it turned brown and would not wash off. I immediately called Adams and the lady patched be straight through to Adam himself. After I explained to him what happened he told me "Get it fixed and have them send me the bill right away." I asked if he wanted to look at it, had any suggestions, or at least wanted me to Email him some pictures. He said, "Nope, I will be more than happy to just take care of it and get it fixed and make you happy." I was blown away by this. You don't find customer service like that anymore. After I got off the phone I got in touch with this professional detail guy I know and he came over. With some Q- tips and some sort of solution (he wouldn't tell me what it was) he worked the stains out. I called Adam back to let him know that everything was all good.
Not only is his product top notch but his customer service is beyond the average.
I'll keep that in mind
By the looks of your screen name I see you've got a "Frankenstein" Mini, any pics you'd like to share? I had an 07' R56 for 3 years and nothing but problems with it......still loved that damn car! I remember when I first got my Mini I went to a dyno to watch and there was a black VTEC MINI there with a plate reading FRANKENMINI (can't remember how it was spelled out though) That thing put down about 140 whp IIRC, nice car, fresh build too!
By the looks of your screen name I see you've got a "Frankenstein" Mini, any pics you'd like to share? I had an 07' R56 for 3 years and nothing but problems with it......still loved that damn car! I remember when I first got my Mini I went to a dyno to watch and there was a black VTEC MINI there with a plate reading FRANKENMINI (can't remember how it was spelled out though) That thing put down about 140 whp IIRC, nice car, fresh build too!
5
You are correct. I had a R53 '04 MINI and it was the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned but, like you, I loved that car and still miss it. When I sold it I bought my current 1971 Australian Austin Mini. This car has become more a member of the family rather than a car. Eventual plans are to put a Honda JDM D16 motor in it. With that kind of engine it will have the power to weight ratio of a Porsche Boxer. They do make kits all the way up to the JDM Type R B16 motors which give it a power to weight of a Z06 Vette. To me it is over kill because I have driven one of those and if the ground is wet or has sand/ gravel on it and you start out in first you might as well just hang it up because all you get is wheel spin. Then once moving and if you get on it and the VTEC kicks in it almost send you into the next lane! The D is much more civilized and more suited for driving. There is a company that makes kits for them. They even have an AWD version you can install! Here is there link;I'll keep that in mind
By the looks of your screen name I see you've got a "Frankenstein" Mini, any pics you'd like to share? I had an 07' R56 for 3 years and nothing but problems with it......still loved that damn car! I remember when I first got my Mini I went to a dyno to watch and there was a black VTEC MINI there with a plate reading FRANKENMINI (can't remember how it was spelled out though) That thing put down about 140 whp IIRC, nice car, fresh build too!
Mini Tec Home
I am still trying to source parts for mine. It's been hard to find Aussie Mini parts. The Aussie folk are not to friendly when it comes to exporting parts. Plus just when I start getting ahead something happens and I have to use the cash for other things. It will happen some day. Here are some pics of my Mini;
This was my show winning 04 MCS. (using Adams)
21 - 40 of 63 Posts
