New Z06 - Getting started & Zaino?

[punchz06]

Hey guys-

Just picked up my new BLACK Z this weekend and want to get off on the right foot. The car only has 55 miles on it and I'm considering getting started with Zaino right away as this seems to be the way to go based on all the forums I've read.

Here's my situation-

Car was treated with Simoniz 5 system but I can already see fine scratches in the clearcoat. This has to be the softest paint ever! The Simoniz will supposedly protect against bird droppings, acid rain etc so I don't want to strip it off since I spent the cash, so I want to skip the Dawn step and the Clay can't be necessary since the car is so new. But clearly it did not strengthen the clear coat. The scratches are nothing major but I want to get Zaino on asap.

What do you guys recommend to begin building a good Zaino base considering where I currently stand??

Some questions that come to mind...

What products should I order based on my situation?

What order and process should I use?

Do I need the No. 5 already since I have very light spider scratches or is that for more serious issues and swirls?

I was considering a sheepskin mit and chammy for washing/drying. Thoughts?

I'm also using a Dustop Cover from Ecklers. I don't think it will scratch the paint but who knows? The paint is so sensitive. I was considering flannel but it sounds like it leaves alot of lint.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

PunchZ06

[smook]

Also get the Mr. Clean AUTODRY Carwash Kit.

Wash the car, rinse and no drying... Great for our BLACK cars.
In 5 minutes.. it's dry. No towels, nothing!!

Bill.

[Slythetove]

First you have a couple of misconceptions that you need to let go of.

1. Do the dawn wash. If you paid for a protectant you wasted your money. Just move on and do it right.

2. Clay bars work especially well on new cars, and are the foundation of a great wax job regardless of the product. Rail dust and chemical debris are present on your new car finish. You can use the "celophane glove" test to see for yourself, or you can just take my word for it.


Here is what you should do:

Purchase Z2, Z5, ZFX, Z6

The ZFX makes the Z2 and Z5 cure faster and without the need for Z1. Follow the mix instructions 3 - 4 drops per 1 oz of Z2 or Z5.

1. Dawn wash
2. Clay bar ( I use Clay Magic, Zaino and Mother's are also both just as good)
3. Car wash (I use Zaino, but any good car was soap will work, Zymol, Meguiars)
4. Z5 with ZFX (this is more to hide the scratches)
5. Z6 (this is the gloss enhancer spray it's not required, but does help)
6. Z2 with ZFX (Z2 is the very durable very crystal one that should always be your top coat)

If you have time one more Z6 and one more Z2 with ZFX

Thereafter you use Z2 and Z6 or occaisionally Z5 if you have slight scratches.

With car finishing, you get what you put in. If you want to take the easy way out you will pay the price in the long run. Many people will tell you that Zaino is more difficult than other products. This is simply untrue. It's exactly the same process if you do it right. Comparing to Meguiars for example Z5 is the polish, Z2 is the carnuba, and Z6 is the Quick Detailer spray. The difference is Zaino lasts 5 times as long and is better for your paint.

If you want to do it right, set aside 6 to 8 hours for the first set up. After that it's just about 1 to 2 hours with wash and wax time. You will see progressive results up to about 6 coats of Z2.

If you do it right you won't be disappointed. Enjoy the time with your car.

[eviLS6]

Yeah good advice with the zaino slythetove. I tried the zaino and Im sure others have had better results as they probably did the full 10 coatings of Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z8, Z9, and Z10. But after 3 hours of waxing I had enough and ended up with a shine very close to McGuaiars Gold Class wax.

Needless to say I never used the stuff again....I like a nice looking car but Its not that high on my priority list. If I was gonna compete in a show maybe, actually even then no. I did enter a show a few years back with my TA and If I remember correctly I was one of the few that actually drove his car into the auditorium. Everyone else trailored their cars to the event. I had a single coat of McGuaiars...

[gsjack]

Strip what you have with dawn and start over new with the complete Zaino pack. The only difference i use is the Z-1 lok instead of the accerator. You put the lok on and apply the Z-2 right on top and let both dry. You then have to wait 24 hrs. to apply your next coat of Z-2. I have found the Z-1 Z-2 process and then waiting curing period gives a deeper and longer bonding protection and shine. After each coat of Z-2 give a quik mist of enhancher and wipe to a gloss. But i would definitely clay it first, you will be surprised what the clay picks up. After the initial step i can put on a coat Z-2 followed by enhancer in about an hour. Good luck with your new Z and post some pics, Jack.

[punchz06]

Thanks guys. I more less figured I wasted my $ on the Simoniz. I should have done some more research prior to having it done.

I can handle the dawn wash. My only real concern is the Clay Bar. I've heard horror stories from other people using them. Any special tips I should know about? I'm sure I could search the boards as well. Maybe I'll practice the process on my wife's Maxima first to have some first hand experience ;-) Thanks for your advice.

[Falcon12]

The clay is pretty easy to use, Zaino recommends that u use the Z6 gloss enhancer as the lubricate for the clay, or if you have a shady spot to wash your car in you can go right into the claying process while the car is still wet following your dawn washing. The important thing to remember is no matter which method you choose, is to keep the surface that your working on as well lubricated as possible, DO NOT run the claybar over any dry areas on your paint! I would also recommend a good wash with the Z7 car wash after the clay. One more thing also, try some good quality microfiber towels for applying and removing all your products, and use a very gentle touch when doing so.

As far as the light scratches and micro marring go, which is so much more prominent on black, the only real way to remove them is with a true polish and an orbital buffer which may be the way to go, but without seeing it in person would be impossible to judge, because of the amazing shine and clarity provided by zaino can sometimes make the marring more apparent. Good luck with your new ride and most of all have fun

[jimshepp1]

My family owns 6 dealerships, and I can say without reservation that Simoniz System 5 is one of our best and most popular products. It may not give the swirl protection and supergloss that a multi-hour stripping and waxing process provides, but it does protect against acid rain, bird sh.t, tree sap and other unmetionables (including eggs!) and unlike Zaino and everything else, it comes with a full warranty, and we've never made a paint or interior claim to Simoniz that they didn't pay for in full with a high degree of professionalism. I bought my z to drive, and while I believe strongly in keeping my car spotless, I'll be driving it while others are waxing/polishing/etc.
PS this is by no means a slam on Zaino, Maguires, etc and the people who use them; I love driving to car shows and seeing perfect examples of my favorite cars.

[DWS]

Originally posted by Falcon12
The clay is pretty easy to use, Zaino recommends that u use the Z6 gloss enhancer as the lubricate for the clay, or if you have a shady spot to wash your car in you can go right into the claying process while the car is still wet following your dawn washing. The important thing to remember is no matter which method you choose, is to keep the surface that your working on as well lubricated as possible, DO NOT run the claybar over any dry areas on your paint! I would also recommend a good wash with the Z7 car wash after the clay.

....I use ~ a 10 to 1 water/Z6 mix as the lubricant (go a little higher on the Z6 if you wish)......even with a new car, you will be surprised at the surface contaiminants....1st time total process does take some time, but it is worth it.....after that, polish application & removal take only 30-45 minutes unless you have extremely high humidity....

[Slythetove]

Originally posted by Falcon12
The important thing to remember is no matter which method you choose, is to keep the surface that your working on as well lubricated as possible, DO NOT run the claybar over any dry areas on your paint!

Yes. Also, fold the clay in on itself frequently as the section you are using becomes discolored.

[z06vettect]

I used Zaino for the first time this past weekend. A+

Started with Dawn.
Z1 treatment followed by Z2, the results are great. I bought the whole package so I'm seeing what this stuff can do. I'm ordering some more products today from Zainobros.com and trying them out as well. Going to experiment with the Clay Bar next...

Easy to apply and remove. Ultra consentraited so I didn't have to use much product, definately a great deal for the money.


Alan

2002 QS Z06

[gsjack]

Just use the enhancer with the clay and do small area at a time to make sure you keep it lubricated. As mentioned, keep folding the clay, as it will pick up a lot of contaminents. then wash the Z with the Zaino wash and begin the process.
Good Luck, Jack