I finally decided to pick up a clay bar to see what I've been missing. After spending 4.5 hours on my dad's '98 Altima, I can safely say that this is THE BEST thing you can do for your car! The difference is unbelievable between pre-clay and post-clay. The surface feels like glass.

I did the whole treatment. Dawn wash, clay, dawn wash again, AIO, then 4 coast of SG. The car is like new again (minus paint chips). Next up is my mom's car. But I'll wait til I get my PC.

 

Just remember to put a coat of wax after you clay your car; otherwise, it's meaningless.

 

Can you write the whole process in detail? Why dawn?

Dave

 

There is a very good write-up in the FAQ section written by Neil (NSXNEXT) on how to detail your car. I just adapted what he wrote to what I have in my cleaning box at the moment. So here goes:
[list=1][*]Start early!!! 6:30-7am.[*]Pour about an ounce of dawn blue dishwashing liquid into a bucket and spray with hose to get suds. Then soak your wash mitt/sponge in it (I love the sea sponge).[*]Clean your rims and tires however you like to clean them.[*]Soak the whole car to get rid of loose dirt.[*]Wash from top to bottom with the dawn.[*]Rinse and dry.[*]Start claying. Wet a small area with lubricant and then gently slide the claybar back and forth until the area is smooth. Then proceed to another area.[*]Wash again with either dawn or your favorite car wash to remove any residual clay/debris[*]Dry. Then drive your car slowly around the block. Dry again.[*]If you're using Klasse here, apply a nickel-sized amount to your applicator sponge. Fold the sponge in half to spread it. Then apply in circular motion. Wipe off with microfiber cloth.[*]Next apply sealant glaze, but use a back and forth motion. Wait for half an hour. Then wipe off with microfiber.[*]Do a final wipe down with a finishing microfiber cloth.[*]Put on some latex gloves and apply tire gel to protect your tires.[*]Grab a beer and enjoy.[/list=1]

The number of coats of AIO and SG is up to you. I did 1x4, although I think 1x3, or 2x2 will give satisfactory results as well.

Oh... pray to God that birds don't sh1t all over your car while you're working. I heard all these birds chirping in the tree next to my car and I was so nervous all morning long.

 

ok, not quite famillar with steps 10-12? Also what does AIO and SG stand for?

thanks a lot
Dave

 

Read the FAQ on this site for a more detailed explanation about steps 10-12. AIO stands for Klasse All-In-One polish. SG stands for Klasse Sealant Glaze paint protectant.

 

I went out and got all the zaino products and the claybar too. I did the clay bar and it didnt feel like it was doing anything, but to say the least when I was done with the whole car it looked crazy slick! and the depth the car had was great, its black, but black cars look great when they are all waxed out!!

 

To answer your question... We use the Dawn dishwashing liquid *only* when we want to strip off the old layers of wax or polish on the car. Do not use Dawn on a weekly basis! Just use it when you want to start /restart with the first coat.

V.