First time using a clay bar..any advice?

[sepher]

Just purchased a 2006 Pilot and have been reading posts in the forums as well as searching the net in regard to using a clay bar. I don't know how long it's been since it was polished and waxed and having not much experience, the information fellow "piloteers" have posted is much appreciated. I am going to attempt to use a clay bar for the first time, follow with a hand polish and then a hand wax. I don't trust myself using an electric polisher. Maybe once I get more comfortable I will take that plunge. Any advice for a very nervous newbie?

Thanks for your replys.

Sepher

[jestmaty]

Nuttin to it!

Just wash her well, try to find some shade and work small sections at a time. Use the included spray liberally... it allows the clay to glide over the surface. Fold the clay over frequently. And by all means if you drop the clay bar on the ground, throw it away!

If you get one grain of sand or abrasive junk on the clay, it could scratch the paint.

I'd suggest picking the most important surfaces ( to you ) and do those first. Claying, then waxing a suv as large as the Pilot will take a couple of days to do right. You might have a change of heart as you get into it, claying a car is a LOT of work.

[RSQ Pilot]

On an older car or a really filthy finish i've used Meguires cleaner, clay bar and carnuba wax plus time and a lot of old fashioned elbow grease and walla...shiney!

I try not to ever let a finish get extremely dirty, it helps minimize the need for extra elbow grease.

[samc]

Whichever brand you get buy an extra bottle of that instant shine spray (the solution included). And use it liberately, don't try to save any. As said after you spray a section the bar will glide across the surface. Less if there are alot of contaminants that need to be removed.

Yes it will take a while to clay your whole car but it's worth it considering you might do this once a year or two.

Make sure to wash your car before and after and follow up with your waxes.

And yeah if that things falls to the ground throw it out and buy a new one.

[humanoid]

Don't be stingy with the detail spray as lube for the clay bar. Be sure to fold over the clay every now and again.

[humanoid]

Here's some exceptional vids on car detailing.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/t-videos.aspx

[byscott]

Originally posted by sepher
I am going to attempt to use a clay bar for the first time, follow with a hand polish and then a hand wax. I don't trust myself using an electric polisher. Maybe once I get more comfortable I will take that plunge.

Claying a Pilot will definitely take some time ... I haven't clayed anything bigger than a 350Z, and wash/clay/wax on that was an all-day proposition. FWIW, you can use a *very* dilute solution of car wash soap as a "slip" solution with your clay bar. Here's a page on claying:

http://www.topoftheline.com/auto-detail-clay.html

I usually use a Porter Cable polisher to apply wax and do final buffing, and it seems fairly idiot-proof. Google "Porter Cable 7424" and you'll find out more than you ever wanted to know.

[sepher]

Thanks for all the great feedback. Question - is it safe to clay over the factory pinstriping?

[humanoid]

Originally posted by sepher
Thanks for all the great feedback. Question - is it safe to clay over the factory pinstriping?

Wasn't aware that pinstriping came from the factory? And yes it is safe.

[sepher]

My fault about the pinstiping but glad to hear it's safe to clay bar. Still nervous about it but I'm committed to try it.

Thanks for the replys.

Sepher

[sepher]

Byscott, thank you for the link to the Porter Cable 7424. It certainly does look idiot proof --- right up my alley.

Thanks for the replys.

Sepher

[moda_way]

Originally posted by sepher
Byscott, thank you for the link to the Porter Cable 7424. It certainly does look idiot proof --- right up my alley.

Thanks for the replys.

Sepher

It is nearly idiot proof. Also highly recommend the diluted car wash solution. Again, small patches, no sun and a good thorough wash afterwards. Don't forget to continually need (did I spell that right?) the clay to get fresh clay against the paint. The largest detail I've done, with a buddy, is a GMC dually; 8 hours spent on it. Quality polish, cutting pads and topper (used to protect lower coats) help a lot. We used a mix of Meguiars and Poorboys (Natty's rocks as a topper).

[jcantanixon]

Originally posted by moda_way


Don't forget to continually knead the clay to get fresh clay against the paint.

Fixed it

[tripleheetheet]

is it necessary to clay bar a new pilot? how long should you wait? i started waxing as soon as i got mine. will clay strip the wax? i wax twice a year but use the spray stuff every month after a good wash.

[diversegsr]

DONT DROP THE CLAY BAR