I just joined the league of g35 owners a few weeks ago, and already looking to keep her in pristine condition (especially getting the black on graphite) combo. My roommate just got zaino and hasn't started yet so I am still lost with all the Z# this and that, so I'd like some recommendation on what I should do since I figured starting early will help in the long run. As far as I gather I may need:

car sat in dealer lot was not covered, paint seems good not sure if I need to claybar
Z1 or ZFX?
Z2
Z6 to touch up
Z7 to wash?

I read the instructions on the website but seems like use a dish detergent wash (does it have to be dawn?) to nuke the detailing wax from the dealer off. If needed claybar the whole car down while washing. Then apply Z1 otherwise if I use zfx rewash then apply z2 wait z2 etc, then when finished z7 and use z6 as needed. I used to just use turtle wax on the volvo occasionally and turtle wax wash, so easy, but everyone I've ever talked to says its garbage. Also for the drying / buffing the site metions 100% cotton towels any recommendations of places online? I have some crappy microfibers from walmart and terry, but everyone seems to recommend white (I got blue microfiber, white terry) bath towels. I'm new to this whole "real" detailing thing.

and then leather stuff I was looking at leatherique (recommended by my volvo buddies - still got my 850 and may zaino it) or zaino leather any comments here.

I appreciate your help and look forward to being active here, when I get some $$ its time for some upgrades on the car (cold air, maybe supercharger hahaha) :-D

--Erik

 

You're fired.

 

You can just get the Zaino Total Protection Car Kit, it has everything you need, and it's cheaper than buying it individually.
Scroll down to the last couple post, I posted a question asking the Zaino pro's, and Diesel1 gave me full directions on how to use the Zaino stuff. It worked real well for me, I just Zaino-ed my car last weekend. The Zaino numbers are very confusing sometimes.
Basically, the basic steps are:
1. Wash with Dawn (get rid of all old wax and impurities)
2. Clay bar the car (get rid of water spots)
3. Wash with Z7 Car Wash Detergent
4. Dry the car
5. Use either Z2 or Z5, either one with ZFX(curing agent to help polish dry faster) to polish, then dry off. Repeat 3 times.
6. Spray with Z6 to make car shiny.

If you buy the total protection kit, you'll have everything I mentioned, including the sponges to use for waxing. All you need to buy then is microfiber cloth to wash your car, and to wax off your car. Give yourself 5-6 hours for the whole process.
Good luck.


Lynn

 

Thanks, do you think its necessary to clay bar the car if i just got it a cpl weeks ago? Otherwise I'll use it on my old car.

--Erik

 

Dude, clay the sucker! The car was probably sitting at the dealer and contaminants will still get into the finish. One word of advice: it gets tiring but don't just go over your car once and say "I'm done". As you're claying and wiping, feel the spots you just did to see if there are any more little "bumps". I really hate it when after claying the whole car and I think I'm done, I run my hand across the surface only to find that I didn't get everything (or at least more than I should). Have fun and plan to spend 4-5 hours on the whole washing, drying, claying, Zaino-ing!