Step 1 Wash, Step 2 Clay Bar, Step 3...it got dark

jpup · 05-07-2005, 09:05 PM

So today was the day that I sat aside to really give the "tank" it's first hand wash and wax. I started off by washing with Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash and actually washed it about 3 times. I then started step 2 by using Mother's California Gold Clay Bar System. This is the first time I have ever used a clay bar and it worked pretty well. I knew I would be really pushing it if I tried to wax, I am going to use Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax (liquid), since the sun was doing down. I decided to hold off on the wax and try to start on it early in the morning.

Here is my question, can I just head out in the morning and start waxing my truck or do I need to wash it again? It will be sitting outside all night, but shouldn't get very dirty at all. I would prefer not to wash it again, it looks great right now, but I will if it would be the best way to go.

I also took a few pictures after the clay bar, but for some reason my card reader in the printer isn't working so i'll get them up later.

Thanks guys.

btw, my back is totally burnt due to the very nice day we had today. I am hoping for more of the same tommorrow.

*BAT1* · 05-07-2005, 09:20 PM

No need to wash again...however, I would invest in a "california duster" I believe is what they are called. That way you can remove all the pollen (depending on where you live) before you wash.

jpup · 05-07-2005, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAT1

No need to wash again...however, I would invest in a "california duster" I believe is what they are called. That way you can remove all the pollen (depending on where you live) before you wash.

you mean before I wax?

*jhromy* · 05-07-2005, 09:26 PM

i have to admit it does take a long time to wash and wax this truck...i usually start early in the day

Bear Hunter · 05-07-2005, 09:28 PM

I agree with Bat,

Yes dust the truck off before you wax it. All that pollen will settle all over your truck. Dust her off with a Kalifornia duster...you can pick one up at Autozone, Pep-Boys..etc..

If you really want to take it one step further you can dust it then wipe it down with Armorall Car wipes (its a detail wipe for your paint) to make sure there is nothing on there that will swirl your paint when you wax.

*BAT1* · 05-07-2005, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpup

you mean before I wax?

My mistake...yes, before you WAX.

QShip · 05-08-2005, 06:00 AM

Wash the truck. You have to wash after claying.

Bear Hunter · 05-08-2005, 06:25 AM

Not if you are using detail spray for lubricant

http://www.adamspolishes.com/site/faqs.cfm?dsp=faq&id=8

rjspitz · 05-08-2005, 12:58 PM

Unless you want spiderwebs all over the paint, you should wash first. Pollen and dust will ruin your clearcoat if you rub it in. You already plan on spending that much time on it anyway, might as well be safe, not sorry.

Also, I read what your link said, but I would wash after clay, unless you are using that exact product.

jpup · 05-08-2005, 11:41 PM

I didn't wash it again before I waxed it and it turned out pretty good. The NXT wax was easy to use, but I don't think it's any better than the Gold Class that I have been using for years. The ease of use is worth the price difference, but the clay bar helped a whole lot more than the wax. I couldn't even hardly tell I waxed it after doing the clay bar.

The only problem I have now is that fingerprints show up really easily when the sun or lights shine on the area. The pic in my sig was when the sun was going down after I clay barred. I took some pics right after waxing, but they didn't turn out to well.