alright, after seeing the two threads of D&D's completed detail jobs on the lexus and cobra im completely blown away. AMAZING work bro.

if got this problem though. i drive a black '02 GT with silver stripe package (vinyl). i love how the black looks, but its definately a pain to keep it looking sharp. well, i park outside, and my sprinklers spray on the driver's side of the car nightly. what would you recommend to eliminate the water marks. its pretty hard water, ive tried using some turtle wax rubbing compound but i dont think it was quite abrassive enough to really get it all.

second, im afraid if i go with something with a heavier cutting agent im going to damage my clear coat, or contribute more to swirl marks or hazing. so basically question is this, what do you suggest for getting rid of the water marks, and swirl marks/haze, and what should i do for a preventative measure since the car gets sprayed nightly with the damn sprinklers. any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

also, suggestion for a good leather cleaner and conditioner if you dont mind.

thanks again, and keep up the amazing work!!

 

I too, have a black 'Stang and I park it outside, so I know how you feel. One thing you can do to keep the water off if you live in a dry area is to buy a good water repellant cover. I usually cover mine, but since I live in Florida and it rains all the time, I haven't been able to do that lately.

I don't know about the water spots, swirl marks, or haze, but I'm sure someone else (Dan) will.

I use Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner for my seats. You can get it at any Advanced Auto Parts store. It works great and leaves the leather feeling like it should; soft, supple and clean.

 

Is there anywhere else to park your car. maby farther away from the sprinklers. Ohh yeah and a waterproof car cover will work, they really dont take but a min or 2 to take on and off then just stick it in your trunk. Thats what i do...Good luck man

 

Thanks for the compliments!

Those rubbing compounds are extremely aggressive and will marr the paint up pretty good. Itll require that you go over the paint with a mild polish to remove the compounding marks, then once again with a finishing polish to restore gloss. So unless you're prepared to do all of that, dont use those rubbing compounds.

When water dries on your car, the mineral deposits it leaves behind start to etch into the clear coat. Sometimes they etch the paint too much and cannot be removed. Other times they can be removed with simple polishing or maybe even a clay bar.

I recommend you get this kit, http://www.autoint.com/autostore/pc/...&idproduct=225 and wash the car down with it. After that, I would simply apply a sealant like DG 105 to protect the paint. I also recommend you get a CR Spotless system and wash your car at least once a week.

I have no idea how much you're looking to spend, how much time you're willing to invest, or what your abilities are, so you should at least do those things. I recommended those things because its a non abrasive way to remove the water spots, and its preventative maintenance.

 

alright, thanks for the feedback. however this brings up a couple more new questions, lol. first, what are the advantages of the clay bar? i used one a loooooong time ago on a different car to get some tree sap residue off a car, but i wasnt aware it would help with hard water deposits. also, if i recall correctly, clay bar needs to be used with a cleaner/lubricant to be effective??

What are the DG 105 protectant and CR spotless system?? sorry for sounding like a total noob but i dont think ive ever heard of either of those, and i worked in an auto-parts retailer for 11 years as a lead counterman. hahaha

Lastly, as for how much im looking to spend, and how much time im willing to invest.....
time, as much as it takes. im doing it myself, so as long as i can do any of this by hand im fine, i dont have a machine polisher of any kind so all i can do is get in there and get my hands dirty myself. money, well....i still get a pretty good hook-up on materials, parts, etc, but cant really afford the 500-1000 dollar detail jobs. once again, thanks for the feedback!!

 

hey man, thanks for the input! the car cover wil prolly be one of my next investments. also, the lexol is what ive been using, i was told it was about the best you could buy, i just wanted to be sure. thanks again!

 

No problem, but I am a girl!

You'd really be doing yourself and your car a favor if you purchased a good cover. I purchased one for about $80 at a local auto parts store and it works great (when I actually use it).

 

A clay bar can remove deposits/ debris embedded into the paint which regular washing cant remove. Heres a little visual for you, http://site.wolfgangcarcare.com/images/clayfinal3.jpg But like I said, it may or may not be effective. Yes, it does need to be used with a lubricant. I just use regular car soap.

DG 105 is a paint sealant, http://autogeek.net/duragloss-total-...ce-polish.html Its cheap which is why I recommended it, but people have reported very good results. The CR Spotless system is a de- ionized water filtration system. It will virtually eliminate any water spots you get while washing the car. http://crspotless.com/

What I would do is buy that decontamination kit and follow the directions exactly. Id also buy the CR Spotless system and use it with the kit, and for maintenance washes. After you finish the chemical wash, apply your sealant for protection.

 

alright, awsome tips and links, thank you sooo much. now all i gottta do is order all this stuff and get my elbow grease working its mojo! youve been a huge help. awsome having you and guys like you around to help us out with less experience. again, thank you!

 

sorry, noticed the avatar and comment this time. lol

yeah, im gonna be ordering one when i order the other things dan suggested. after i go through all this work i want to keep it looking good, the cover should be a huge help in keeping the water off the car in the first place.

 

No problem. Just keep in mind that these are just recommendations to help fix the water spot problem and protect the paint. Whether or not it will fix your water spots 100% I cannot say because I havent seen the car. BUT, this is a huge step in the right direction.

 

i suggest turning the damn sprinklers off and give me the water so i can actually wash my car without having to worry about getting a ticket...in NC still on water restrictions....

 

im in central cali, ag capital of the world. weve got water restrictions here too. im just yet to be fined even though i water nightly. *crosses fingers and knocks on wood*