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YOUR RESEARCHFreshly detailed. Two words, CLAY BAR!
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Clean surface asap
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I agree with the suggestion to apply a polymer sealant tot he newly-cleaned surface ASAP.
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I went ahead and used a clay bar kit from Macguires ($25 bucks) and it was worth it.
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FYI: From what I've seen online, there is a Synthetic Clay glove mit that has been used with similar results to the clay bar:
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Suggestion · Original poster
Do I need to clay it again, polish then wax" I will go to BMW and let you know how I make out, its in the same lot as the Porsche dealer so maybe I will test drive a new one
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Hey guys,
I just spent about 4 hours detailing the car and man was it needed. You never really realize how dirty a car is until you start scrubbing. I went ahead and used a clay bar kit from Macguires ($25 bucks) and it was worth it. You can see the dirt just coming off from the car. Its really amazing to feel how "rough" the paint is when starting, and how smooth when done. Its like going from 80 grit sand paper to the smoothest piece of glass, everyone should try this. These cars are so small its really not that daunting of a task. I remember waxing my '70 Chevelle years back and it was literally an all day affair. Anyway this puppy shines like it is brand new, you can't tell she's 17 years old. Please add input and tips on cleaning, especially wheels, they are my nemesis.
For $25 you will get clay bars and some instant detailer. Mother's has a similar kit. At the end of the process you will likely have some of the detailer left over
Are those 997 or 987 wheels? They look fantastic on that car. The detail looks like it went well too. I recommend (if you haven't already) polishing the car prior to applying the wax. The clay bar removes a ton of deposits but causes micro scratches. Adding the polishing step will add a ton of depth to the end result. As far as wheels if you go to your local BMW center and buy a bottle of their "wheel cleaner gel". It works awesome on our cars because it actually pulls iron deposits out of the wheels and cleans with minimal effort.
Great job!
Now, clay those wheels, inside and out!
If you run out of the detail spray, just put a cap full of good car wash soap and water in the bottle. This works BETTER than the detailer spray as a lubricant.
Like thrustonpowers3 says, you should polish, then wax.
I recommend you getting this from Amazon to wax/coat the car after you've polished. Read the reviews, it's the next best thing to paying a professional $300 for a polymer sealant -
Car Guys Premium Liquid Wax and High Gloss Synthetic Paint Sealant
Car Guys Premium Liquid Wax and High Gloss Synthetic Paint Sealant
I am unsure of the origin of the wheel, they were on the car when I bought it but I love them. I am not a fan of the wheels these cars originally came with. So since I've already clayed and waxed, is it too late to polish? Do I need to clay it again, polish then wax" I will go to BMW and let you know how I make out, its in the same lot as the Porsche dealer so maybe I will test drive a new one
Clay the wheels? The same way I did the car? This won't hurt the finish on them? Ill get on Amazon and order that stuff ASAP. Thank you for the input!!
Yes, it was nice to cut out of work early and go to town on it. I feel like white doesn't show the shine too well in photos, but when done this car looked like it was fresh out of the showroom. Took it to a local car show last night and people were amazed at the condition for its age.
Thanks man! It took about 4 years to find a white cab that didn't have tan interior. Wife only wanted white, had to be convertible, and couldn't have tan inside, that was easy (enter sarcasm) LMAO. I lucked out though, reached the whole country for years and ended up getting it just over an hour from my house. Not bad...
"Any suggestions on the best way???"
There are several kits available, between $30-$50. Be sure to get one that has a sealant/UV protection or they'll yellow out in short order and all your work will be in vain (or you could just clear coat or expel them)! Good luck
I recommend that you remove the headlights (special tool should be in your toolkit) before sanding and buffing them.
That way you don't have to worry about accidentally damaging your paint if the drill/buffer gets away from you.
Also you can then do the work on a workbench.
996 headlight removal is one of the easiest things to do on the car.
Other car manufactures should take notice and copy their design!!!
I use the $30 Meguiar's headlight kit.
https://www.autozone.com/wash-cleane...kit/379532_0_0
(buffing pad, polish, UV protectant, 1000 & 3000 grit sanding pads)
I just purchased two spare headlights recently and they were extremely yellowed.
I got them cheaply because of that fact, and because one was advertised as having a cracked lens.
(It was just the normal 996.2 line across, but when yellowed it looked like a crack)
I grabbed my Meguiar's kit and 10 minutes later they looked a LOT better.
I'll probably redo them(spending more time to get better results) before using them.
I just need to go buy a new kit.
My one kit has restored the headlights of at least 15 cars.
I'm now out of polish, and both sanding sheets have disintegrated. (I replaced the 1000 grit with a sanding block)
Good stuff.
I discovered clay bars in the 90's and they can be bought in different grades. The off the shelf stuff is pretty soft but there are more aggressive compounds available if needed.
Very nicely done!! I used a Zaino clay bar for the 1st time last weekend to remove some schmutz on the drivers' side door. I was so happy wit the results I clay barred the hood before I ran out of daylight.
It is, for me, a very Zen thing to detail the car.
I agree with the suggestion to apply a polymer sealant tot he newly-cleaned surface ASAP. On the blue car I then add a top coat of wax for more depth, knowing the wax will last at max 3 months. I don't bother with wax for the great car as you can't tell it is there.
I think those might be Carrera Classic wheels for the 997. Used on the 911 and possibly also Cayman?
Example:
https://www.ebay.ie/itm/GENUINE-PORS...-/302089333072
Another example
Love the looks of these on the 996. I've got the "Turbo Look" on my '99 C4 and have been looking for a good replacement. After seeing the OP's car with these I am liking the simple style.
Personally I do not like the turbo wheels, I feel it really gives it the Boxster look. I just checked out the link and that seems like a small price to pay to upgrade the look if the car.
You are making me really wish I'd held out for a white one....beautiful.
Sorta the opposite of my driveway....mine has a white Silverado and blue Porsche...
HAHA My better half made me search the country and wait for white and I am glad she did! I would have bought one a long time ago if color wasn't a factor...
HAHA you would think.... The Porsche was her idea for sure, I never considered owning one. I am a muscle car guy through and thorough. "65 GTO with a 389 tri power is my car. I will say I am glad she wanted one because I love it, the power is awesome and the handling is even better. But it was definitely her who wanted this car ONLY IN WHITE HAHHHAHHAH
Looks awesome, these cars do look great in white! I did the exact same thing the first week i had mine as it was the first of many steps towards making it "mine." I have the same wheels too!
I went into AutoZone earlier to pick up a few items to detail my car with and couldn't decide between a normal clay bar or Griot's synthetic clay bar. I went with the synthetic clay bar and just tested it out using some speed shine. Holy crap. This thing is amazing! I could probably clay bar my entire car in half an hour. I only did one door, but it took just a few minutes and I examined the surface afterwards with a flashlight and couldn't see a single scratch or swirl mark from the clay bar and the finish is smooth as glass now. You don't have to keep folding it over or throw it out if you drop it or any of that stuff. Just rinse it off and keep going.
It's worth mentioning that claying without following up with a paint correction will leave swirl marks. Swirl marks aren't very noticeable on white paint, but they're especially noticeable on dark colors. Example:
Nice job! Thanks for sharing! I have the complete kit from Griot garage and bought it following members advises! Cant wait to try the clay bar!
For the headlights cleaning here what I did.
It change the look completely when they are clean.
https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...storation.html
I would recommend using a different piece of clay for the wheels. Synthetic clay is nice, my routine is usually to wash the car, rinse and then soap it again and it the big flat panels with the synthetic towel. I usually use clay bars around the lower fender and quarter areas, under the skirts, front bumper.
I've been watching different detailing videos with the intent to do this to my 996 sooner or later.
Legit Street Cars on Youtube has a whole series on how pro shops do it vs how to DIY. Avalon Kings Ceramic Coating seems to be the perfect final step but my body has all types of imperfections that need to be ironed out first. I figured I'd start with a wash, claybar, paint correction etc on the hood and go from there.
Should be a fun learning experience.
FYI: From what I've seen online, there is a Synthetic Clay glove mit that has been used with similar results to the clay bar:
https://www.chemicalguys.com/surface...SAAEgKed_D_BwE
It becomes addicting, part of me wishes I never got into it to make money because now I dread cleaning my own cars. I've been putting off polishing and ceramic coating my wife's car for months now lol.
Does AutoZone carry Griots products now? That would be welcome news.
Mothers used to to be my favorite clay. I've tried Zaino (too gummy), Blackfire (leaves residue), Meguires, and Mothers had always been the best, but I think they changed formulas at some point and new Mothers bars are no longer great like the old stuff. I may give Griots a try, especially if the are now available at AutoZone.
Can you even buy Modest products as a consumer? Any time a ceramic coating is applied a proper wash, decon, clay, and at least a finishing polish should be used to prep the paint.
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