hey people ! I'm kinda new to this site but I need someone's opinion on something. I just bought my black CL-S about 2 1/2 weeks ago and recently noticed, after having it hand washed for its first time, that the car has excessive amounts of swirl/buff marks on the paint. Now is this normal ? I know black is a killer color to keep up, but I'm noticing the marks at ALL angles and it's making me a bit nervous. I'm planing on taking the car back to the dealer to have it looked at, but am worried that they'll question why I've waited 2 weeks to let them know this. I was out of town all last week and I just got it nicely washed yesterday, and now I can clearly see a few scratches and many swirl marks all over the body... HELP ! Any of the black CL-S owners notice this upon delivery of the car? Is it normal ? I'm a bit disappointed that I picked black if this is the way its going to look What can I do other than complain to the dealer and hope they volunteer to buff it all out ??? Should I escalate that to TLC if the dealer just dismisses it as normalfor black cars? Thanks in advance for any suggestions !!!

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2001 CL-Type S Black, Ebony interior w/Bowling Ball Trim, Spoiler, 35% Tint, Polarg M6 Lamps soon!
Ahhh, I'm in love!

 

I have a black on black CLS too! I think you'll drive your self crazy trying to prevent swirls. I gave up after about the 6th month of trying to prevent it. Oh sure Zaino, Meguairs, Turtle wax, and may more all have products that'll hide it for a month or two, but it'll always come back when they wear off. And they will wear off! I say jut revel in how beautiful the car is after you give it a normal waxing and accept the flaws. My .02 cents.

 

maybe it's your car wash materials... don't use a wool mit because it will cause fine scratches... what you dry it may cause fine scratches too. i use cannon bath towels (with the embroidery cut off)...

when i washed my dad's car (black rx300) it had swirls EVERYWHERE, due to it not having a wax in awhile. your car is brand new so that shouldn't be the prob. hope this helps you some.

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'01 cl type-S black/black
mods (in order):
35% neutral smoke tint... cleared out headlights replaced with polarg m-14's and piaa 19169's... piaa 19169's in roadlamps, doorlights, maplights, trunk light, license plate light... mini-max hyperwhite domelight... comptech headers, springs, swaybars, and drop-in filter... infinity basslink subwoofer

 

I also have huge scratches and swirl marks all over on my black CL-S I have taken it back about 3 times now to have other scratches removed. But I got the car in Nov, and I don't think I can take it back anymore now (it's too late). I guess i'll just have to live with them!

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Why buy a special edition car and not drive it like it was meant to be driven

 

Want a product that works ? Go to www.finishfirst.com. I've been using it for the past 4 years and I have NO swirl marks. DON'T LET YOUR DEALERSHIP TOUCH/WASH/WAX/VACUM YOUR CAR! They are the culprits !

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2001 CL Type S Black/Ebony w/NAVI, PIAA bulbs, Tinted windows, JL Sub-woofer/Fosgate 250 watt amp, otherwise pure stock
1998 Accord Coupe EX-V6
Black Currant Pearl, PIAA bulbs, tinted windows, Fosgate 500 watt amp, Eclipes 6X9's,JL Sub-woofer, otherwise PURE stock !

 

I've had the same experience. Unless you do all the washing yourself, which is pretty impractical in the NE, you will get surface scratched. You can eliminate them in the spring by giving your car the clay bar treatment, followed by any number of wax treatments. If you use a rotating buffer (not an orbital one) you will also increase the chance of swirls. There are a number of products that will help remove swirl marks but unless you are a pro with a buffer, it's best left to the pros. I had an accident early on with mine and the body shop did it when they "buffed" it out. It's not unlivable though.

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01 CL-S NightHawk Black/Ebony Bowling Ball Interior

 

Don't let anyone else touch your car period. They may have hand washed it but what did they dry it with? Anything but the softest chamois or towels will leave fine swirls on a black car.

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Black/black CLS
Comptech headers, springs, swaybars
Koni yellows
PIAA 19169 road lamps
Solaris Hi beams
Potenza RE730 225/45/17
35% tint/CAI next

 

Also, anyone else with a black CL-S notice the very heavy tint of blue?

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Why buy a special edition car and not drive it like it was meant to be driven

 

thanks for the suggestions ! u guys are great ! yeah, I doubt I will be detailing my car by myself anytime soon since i live in an apartment in Brrrr Chicago and don't really have access to a hose for water, etc... Besides, I can be a bit lazy.. hehe.. Anyhow, the people I go to I've gone to for about 2 years now and they did a great job on my other previous cars ('99 Jetta, '98 Z28) and never had any problems. And, they do use really fine cotton towels that have a smooth texture. But I guess the smallest roughness or particles in a towel will cause swirl marks on a black car.. I guess I'll see what the dealer has to say since there are some obvious scratches that came with the car that they need to tend to. I guess that's what I get for wanting a color like black... high maintenance


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2001 CL-Type S Black, Ebony interior w/Bowling Ball Trim, Spoiler, 35% Tint, Polarg M6 Lamps soon!
Ahhh, I'm in love!

 

a tint of blue ? yeah totally ! i saw that the other day on my car and thought that was REALLY cool !! interesting how its blue up close but dark black when you step away... that's some pretty neat paint ! too bad i'll be missing out on the supposed release of the blue Type S for 2002 maybe when i'm done with this black car in 2004 !

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2001 CL-Type S Black, Ebony interior w/Bowling Ball Trim, Spoiler, 35% Tint, Polarg M6 Lamps soon!
Ahhh, I'm in love!

 

I too have a black CL-S and have given up on the swirl marks. However, "The Wax Shop" and "Mothers" each make a great spray gloss product. I use "Slick Stuff" by The Wax Shop.
Simply wash and dry the car, spray on and wipe off. Makes the car look like the day it came off the lot. You will have to do it everytime but it is very easy, cheap, and VERY effective. I was able to find it at Kragens. For you east coast guys it may be Checkers or something like that. It is my little miracle in a bottle.

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01 CL-S Black/Tan
Comptech Springs, V1

 

Another great invention is the "California Water Blade". It's about $20 at Wal-Mart and is also available on line. It's made of surgical silicone and is very soft and pliable. It will cut the drying time of your down to minutes. Some owners on this forum claim their cars were scratched by this device but I have not had that experience. To minimize that possibility, put the blade in a bucket of hot water before using. That makes it even more pliable.

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01 CL-S NightHawk Black/Ebony Bowling Ball Interior

 

Excuse my french: Fuck that California Blade, it will screw up your paint job. That is for totally lazy people. Go buy the Absorber, it is awesome ! Buy the California duster too, but NOT THE BLADE !

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2001 CL Type S Black/Ebony w/NAVI, PIAA bulbs, Tinted windows, JL Sub-woofer/Fosgate 250 watt amp, otherwise pure stock
1998 Accord Coupe EX-V6
Black Currant Pearl, PIAA bulbs, tinted windows, Fosgate 500 watt amp, Eclipes 6X9's,JL Sub-woofer, otherwise PURE stock !

 

What is the absorber? Give us a photo or at least a link....

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Black, Eboney, 3.2 CL Type-S.
- Acura NAV.
- 3M clear bra (full front bumper, and side mirros)
- Wheels locks.
- Mooonroof visor
- Splash guards,
- Winter mats,
- Trunk liner,
- Acura Spoiler.
- Valentine V1 Radar Locator.
- PIAA 19169 road lamps.

 

Nashua.....
Product name: The Absorber. Sold at K-mart, Your Acura Dealership (rip off price, 19.99). I got mine a Pep boys for 4.99 ea. They come in several colors. Comes in a plastic 3" tube contaniner about 12" long. THE BEST INVENTION so far, who else the Japanese ! They have no web site, just call around and go get it, you will no be disappointed, but do read the washing instructions etc...you can use on everything, dash, car, house and so on.....let me know if you need more information.

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2001 CL Type S Black/Ebony w/NAVI, PIAA bulbs, Tinted windows, JL Sub-woofer/Fosgate 250 watt amp, otherwise pure stock
1998 Accord Coupe EX-V6
Black Currant Pearl, PIAA bulbs, tinted windows, Fosgate 500 watt amp, Eclipes 6X9's,JL Sub-woofer, otherwise PURE stock !

 

check out griots garage. I've been using them since i was a little tike getting paid to wax daddy's cars. So i have abuot 10-12 years of experience w/ there stuff. It's all i use. Only there tools though, i haven't used there actual waxes, but have used there car wash. For wax i use meguiars.

check out this shine after 2 years!!



not the best camera, but you'll get the idea.

 

OK I will check it out in my next visit to the BigK(mart)!

Thakns for the info.

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Black, Eboney, 3.2 CL Type-S.
- Acura NAV.
- 3M clear bra (full front bumper, and side mirros)
- Wheels locks.
- Mooonroof visor
- Splash guards,
- Winter mats,
- Trunk liner,
- Acura Spoiler.
- Valentine V1 Radar Locator.
- PIAA 19169 road lamps.

 

Yeah, the Absorber is the best. You can pick it up at Target or Walmart for $10 I believe.

http://www.theabsorber.com/



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'01 CLS San Marino Red/Ebony
Spoiler
Comptech Springs

 

Gents, It's not just your black finishes that reflect some unfortunate short coming of Acura's paint materials. San Marino red has the same problem. My Acura's finish is the hardest to maintain of any car I've ever owned; American, German, or Japanese.
Has anyone tried an acrylic or lacquer paint shop clear coat?

 

CarBoi,

Where exactly in Chicago are you at?

 

Hey there... I'm in the northwest suburbs, in the Arlington Heights area.... i've seen a few CL's in the area where I work out.. I've seen 1 white CL-S, 3black CL-S's... I'm feeling less special day by day... <sniff>
what about you ? where you at ?



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2001 CL-Type S Black, Ebony interior w/Bowling Ball Trim, Spoiler, 35% Tint, Polarg M6 Lamps soon!
Ahhh, I'm in love!

 

try going over the car with cornstarch.I also have a buick gnx.the paint still looks like it just came off the showroom floor.

 

YOU HAVE A GNX!!! drooooool

 

I've been using the Absorber to dry my car
and it never leave any swirl marks. You can
buy it at Grand Auto. Highly recommended.

 

I use "The Absorber" as well.

Shawn S



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Speed limits are for CARS and DRIVERS whose limits are easily exceeded !!!!!

2001 CL Type S - NAV - San Marino RED / Parchment - Spoiler - 35% Tint - Roof Visor - PIAA Lamps
GOLD Emblems & Grill - V1 w/remote - KICKER ZR-360 w/(2) 10" Alumapro Subs - Shine by ZAINO
For Pictures see: PAGE 1 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 V1 & SUBS

 

first tip do everything (washing, washing) in back and fourth lines, from front to back, scrathes reflect most up and down.
never use circles they reflect the most light

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2001 acura cl type-s
comming soon
2000 accord v6 sedan
1997 4runner
1992 camaro
1993 volvo 850
"Tell me kid, have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moon light"

 

yeah, great suggestions people.. thanks! I just took my car to the dealership yesterday and the service manager looked at it and was trying to give me some heat about bringing it back two weeks later..I explained that I was out of town, yada yada... He mentioned that its normal to see scratches like that on a black car and that I should've gotten a white or silver, so that kind of ticked me off since I didn't really appreciate that from him. Anyhow, all in all, they were willing to have the car detailed again as if they were delivering it NEW so that'll be cool.... In the meantime,I guess I'm just gonna have to deal with the nuances of surface marks on the paint and just get it waxed often ! ugh...


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2001 CL-Type S Black, Ebony interior w/Bowling Ball Trim, Spoiler, 35% Tint, Polarg M6 Lamps
Ahhh, I'm in love!

 

CarBoi,

I'm actually from Skokie. Not too far from you. I go by Arlington Heights, and Mt. Propspect a lot. I too have a black CL-S =) How many Chicago members do we have?

spiro

 

Hey spiro !

Cool! Yeah, I'm a suburan guy and like it out here so far, though I'm thinking of moving up a bit north, maybe Buffalo Grove/Palatine since its closer to where I work out in Deerfield. Anywhow, as I mentioned before, I've seen 2 black CLS' once in Arlington Hts. parked in a strip mall... maybe one of them was you ? one of them had tint, a sunroof visor, spoiler. pretty spiffy.. Half of me is glad I got the black since its GORGEOUS ! But the other half is nervous because of all the blemishes that are easily noticed.. oh well, who said everything in life is good ?
Well, its good to know that I'm not alone out here...

Oh, I'm not sure , but i think i saw one more chicago member. He has a black CL-S but in the city... Forgot his user name ?? He had some pics on here too !

Anyways, I will be out all next week on a trip so I wont be able to take part in all the interesting stuff on this site, but I'll catch up when I get back. Later !!!


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2001 3.2 CL-Type S Black/Ebony, Winter Package, Spoiler, 35% Tint, Polarg M6 Lamps
Ahhh, I'm in love!

[This message has been edited by CarBoi2 (edited 03-02-2001).]

[This message has been edited by CarBoi2 (edited 03-02-2001).]

 

So am I to assume that Z-5 does nothing for swirls and scratches? Zaino, its been a long time since I've heard that again.
The link below should bring you to Zaino's. Their Z-5 is supposed to remove swirls. I use many of their products, love them, and am in no way connected to them.

I cannot make any claim on Z-5 as luckily I haven't any visible swirls. Chalk one up for the color white.

http://www.zainobros.com/files/info.htm

Good Luck


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"01" CL Type-S
White\Black
Comptech Springs
Comptech Sways
Navigation System
Burlwood Shifter
Guards+Fenderwell Trim
Smokers Package
My Car

 

I use the blade on Jackie and love it. Never heard of the absorber??

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Hollywood is back, and so is...

Miss "Jackie Black" Black on Black 2001 CLS
Tint | airbox gutted - waiting for AEM CAI| resonator replaced by straightpipe | 12" JL Audio sub
PIAA 19170s | spoiler


14.6185 at 96.09mph 1/4 mile - Take that Car&Driver!!

 

1. You shouldn't have swirls in a new black car.

2. Once you do, you should seek a professional detailer to fix the problem. A good one will have a paint depth measuring guide. This device will allow an experienced detailer to measure the exact depth of clear coat and paint on the car. This is important -- if the swirls are bad, then a machine polish will be required. The person doing this better be a pro *and* have the right tools. They will know how deep to go to smooth out any imperfections. They will also tell you if they can't get rid of some or all of the swirls if they are too deep. (I just had a long talk with my detailer about this regarding clear coats and protectants).

3. I like Zaino, but there are other products out there. The car should only be washed with the ultimate care and should always have: Zaino; paint sealant (there are good ones like TS ClearCoat); or a good carnuba on it at all times.

4. There is nothing wrong with the California Water Blade (It is a tool like any other *and* can scratch if not used correctly). I know a number of detailers that use the product for drying cars. There is also a product that car care online caries that is called the P21 drying cloth. I love it

I've heard good things about some of these new microfiber drying towels, just haven't used them.

Finally, it may be too late now, but the dealer was responsible for giving you an unscratched car.

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2001 Satin Silver Cl-S w/ NAVI

• Mud Guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo 235/45ZR17-97W* T1S Proxies on Stock 17" CLS wheels
• Gtech 1/8th tank 40F ~=6.1
• Zaino magic

[This message has been edited by EricL (edited 03-03-2001).]