Re: car wash stuff

[Matthew Yip <mgyip@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

While I'll raise the ire of the Q-Tip crowd, I'll answer this one.

>
> Date: Tue, 17 Nov 1998 14:54:56 -0500
> From: David Beatty <dbeatty@domain.elided>
> Subject: car wash stuff
>
> I have a new //m roadster (imola red) and would like to keep the paint,
> etc in good condition as long as possible.  I've heard that dish
> detergent is too harsh.  On the other hand, I'd like something that
> doesn't require much scrubbing as I think this tends to scratch the
> finish.  Historically, I only wash my cars/motorcycles 3-4 times per
> year.  I'm trying to turn over a new leaf.
>

I can empathize here - I own two black vehicles - an '88 M5 and a '99 F350.

>
> Any recommendations on car wash soap?
>

I've been using Westley's Car Wash for years without any ill effects.  You can
usually find this at the local wholesale club for less money that at Western Auto.

>
> Any recommendations on whether I should go ahead and wax the car (3
> weeks old)?
>

As long as you use a non-abrasive, clear coat wax you shouldn't have any problems.
I waxed my black F350 within the first 3 weeks of ownership without any undue
dulling or scratching.

>
> Recommended wax?  I have a bottle of zymol in the garage.
>

Personally I think Zymol is over-priced and over-rated.  I've used Meguiars'
professional formulas with great results.  Their polish (#7 I think, maybe that's
the cleaner) is awesome on black.  Their yellow wax (#26) is also excellent - easy
on, easy off.  It keeps my M5 looking black even without a clear coat finish - it's
an old, tired car.

>
> Recommended leather treatment?  I seem to have a relatively open pore
> nappa leather, which is exposed to sun, wind, dust, moisture a lot
> because the top stays down.
>

I'm hearing good things about Hide Food.  I've tried Soffner in the past and liked
the softening effect but it doesn't seem to have done much to "restore" the finish.

>
> Recommended cleaners and treatments for dash?
>

A damp cloth is good for wiping off any dust and dirt.  If you want to use a
silicone protectant, spray some Armor-All or similar product onto a cloth and wipe
the cloth over the dash.  That saves on the overspray.

>
> Recommended treatments and cleaner for the ragtop?

Never lower the top when it's dirty or dusty - the abrasives will cut the life in
half.  If I recall, it's a fabric top not a smooth finish.  I can only imagine using
soap and water on it when you wash the car.
- --
Matthew Yip
mgyip@domain.elided

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