Okay, got talked into buying this, but what does it really do? Do I need this? Can I make the finish worse with this?

Thanks,

SJ

_________________


Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.

http://umg.mn3s.org

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There are tiny little micro-scratches in your paint job. They invariably get lodged with little chunks of debris and contaminants. Also, pieces of metal or dust can lodge themselves into the clear coat of your paint.

Obviously, one micro-speck isn't going to do anything to your finish. But your entire car is covered with dust and crap and it makes the finish look dull. Claybar essentially rips all of those little micro-fibers and dust out of your clear coat. Then, when you're done claybarring, you can polish the clear-coat, and restore its shine. If you skip straight to the polish and wax, you'll basically be waxing a nice thick surface of goo on top of the crap that's still there (just washing the car does crap).

The difference between a car that's been claybarred and that hasn't is enormous. You can tell from a hundred feet away. The clay-barred car will be shinier by a long shot.

I don't have any experience with clay bars, but it scares me to think of what theat might do to my paint.

I say if it ain't broke don't fix it. Your car looks great SJ, so why risk it?

Personally, I have never heard of claybar hurting paint, only helping. I know up until about 5 years ago we were told to use claybar on our vehicles if you work at Kohler; due to the fallout of ash. Claybar was the only thing to take it off.

Anyway, here is a good write-up on how to use it... (with some interesting photos)

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-clay.html

In this article I see that if you use claybar constantly it can remove your polish because it is actually an abrasive.

My question is: Does it work the same as rubbing compound, which can take light scratches out?

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Superjfly
'92 VR4

No. Scratches are depressions or blemishes in the clear coat - cause an uneven paint surface.

I made a little thingie in paint for you bud:

http://s190.photobucket.com/albums/z13/ ... laybar.jpg

Sorry. Sometimes I get carried away.

So you can see from the diagram that claybar does not replace polishers/swirl removers. Claybar is an "extra step" that infinitely increases the level of shine you get after detailing your car. It is almost completely non-abrasive if you do it right, so you can do it fairly often, but you don't need to if you have a good sealant or wax.

Swirl removers/scratch removers tend to be aggressive and abrasive, and eventually wear away a good clear coat. You can get away with less abrasive agents if you claybar. Reason is, those scratches are devoid of the microdust and shavings or whatever, so your paint shines more brilliantly from beneath the clear coat.

Clay bar will not hurt your car, it will only help. The only "hitch" is that it's an extra step you have to go through when detailing your car.

Good luck!

So what you're saying is you want to come claybar my vehicles? lol

Just kidding, sounds like something I will have to try.

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Superjfly
'92 VR4

FWIW, after looking at all this, I am just going to return it and get the buffer back out.

Thanks everyone,

SJ

_________________


Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.

http://umg.mn3s.org

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I just used a claybar on my car for the first time last weekend, and jeettao is right, the difference is INCREDIBLE. You can actually feel the difference. Rub your hand over the paint in an area after washing the car, you'll hear a very slight scraping type sound. Claybar that area and rub your hand over it again, silence, and smooth as glass! I really was amazed at what a claybar can do. Granted, it is an abrasive, but according to the gurus at autopia.org, you only need to use it twice a year, esepcially if you're only driving your car in summer. So my final two cents is try it, if you don't notice the difference, then never use it again, but I guarantee you will feel and see the difference!

-Justin

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www.rockauto.com

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

I purchased and used the mothers clay bar a few weeks ago. I tried it the day before a car show to see just how good it works. What a long day, pulled the car into the driveway and washed it good. Pulled in the garage to dry it off with the absorber. Then I used the clay bar over the entire car, doing a small section at a time. You are then left with a slight oily clay film on the car so drive the car back into the driveway for another wash. Funny part is a few neighbors saw me washing the car the first time and then an hour later see me washing it again. (They must think I have some mental problem). I pull the car back into the garage to dry it off again. Then two coats of Meguires NXT wax followed by a coat of Meguires Carnuba wax. That was the best my car had ever looked. It had such a smooth feel and deep shine. I then detailed the engine bay. It was so clean you could almost eat off of it. The polished intake, valve cover and new Y-pipe looked great.

The next day I put it in a carshow an hour away from home. I just got there and it started to rain! Lucky it was not much so I could dry it off quick. It was parked next to a Covertte from almost the same year. There was no comparision.... the VR4 looked so much sleaker, better lines, etc....and the Black Albany Pearl paint was just a smokin!!! I had a nice display card I made with all the info on the car. Everyone was surprised about the 4 wheel drive and steer. Got a first place trophy so my hard work paid off. Its a small car show but I was glad to see just how many people really liked the car and had never seen or heard of one before.

Bunk

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93 3000 GT VR4

Use the clay bar. You'll like it.
I clay bar my car at least once a year.

_________________
'94 vr4- Now with extra slowness

Bunk:

Have you ever tried the Wizard's Wax?

How did you prep for NXT?

SJ

_________________


Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.

http://umg.mn3s.org

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OKAY, okay -- I'LL DO IT!

If I can, I'll even try it tonight.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for all your input,

SJ

_________________


Racing is life. Everything else is just waiting.

http://umg.mn3s.org

http://ummo.boards.net

I have never tried the Wizard's wax. Once I used NXT wax the first time I have never used any other wax. I was amazed at how good it was to make dark colors get a deep rich shine. I have heard of people using Zymol (sp?) with great results. Because my NXT bottle is almost empty I was thinking about getting a bottle of Zymol to try. But on the container it says cleaner wax and not sure if the "cleaner" actually is what I want. As far as prep for the NXT, the car was washed good, did the clay bar to the entire car and washed really good again. Then I put on two coats of the NXT. What I like about waxing the VR4 is that is goes so fast and is easy to do. Waxing the Expedition takes so much longer to do.

Bunk

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93 3000 GT VR4

Make sure you use quick detailer or water to lubricate the surface or the clay will stick to the paint. If you still scared I can show you how on Saturday. I won't do your hole car though.

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'94 vr4- Now with extra slowness