I need some help selecting a "surface prep" for my black Prelude. I tried various waxes before so I plan to wash it in Dawn to strip the old wax off. Next I plan to clay bar the entire car to smooth it out. What product (available at most stores....very important) is the easiest to apply and remove that would serve as a surface prep? After that I plan to use Meguairs Scratch X on my major swirls (I threw away their "Crystal 3 Step" line since it didn't produce the results I wanted). Finally I'd like to put some type of sealant over my work for the winter. What would you guys recommend. My only requirements are that it is available at most major stores (Wal-Mart, Target, Advanced Auto, AutoZone) and that it be relatively easy to apply and remove by hand.
29 classic cars for sale, idk if i can post this or not?
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ISLANDSBEST
New member
Hello and welcome.
I suggest you search the archives for the answers . . . a lot has been written and the answers to your questions are there.
As to sealant, I suggest you not limit yourself to those available from major stores. Some of the great sealants are only available through small distributors or through mail order. But, this is no problem. Just order them now, and you will have them by the time you finish your surface prep. As you will have noticed, Zaino and Klasse are popular here. Blackfire has been out for a very short time, but will probably take its place along side Zaino and Klasse. There are other good products, including waxes (which have advantages and disadvantages). Most here shy away from using wax, only, because of the need to reapply frequently, but, to each his own and there is nothing dishonorable about using products other than Klasse or Zaino.
Best wishes.
I suggest you search the archives for the answers . . . a lot has been written and the answers to your questions are there.
As to sealant, I suggest you not limit yourself to those available from major stores. Some of the great sealants are only available through small distributors or through mail order. But, this is no problem. Just order them now, and you will have them by the time you finish your surface prep. As you will have noticed, Zaino and Klasse are popular here. Blackfire has been out for a very short time, but will probably take its place along side Zaino and Klasse. There are other good products, including waxes (which have advantages and disadvantages). Most here shy away from using wax, only, because of the need to reapply frequently, but, to each his own and there is nothing dishonorable about using products other than Klasse or Zaino.
Best wishes.
DETAILKING
New member
I would say the best you could do in a retail store with sealants is liquid glass. You will get much better results with a higher end product, and it won't necessarily cost that much more. Especially on a black car, I wouldn't take any short cuts. Where are you located? Zaino has distributers all over and you might be able to meet up with one for delivery / demo...........
As for surface prep....I like 3M SMR for dark colored cars. I have never used scratchX, but I have heard good reviews on it here. If you are going to use abrasives, you might be able to skip the claying if the car is very clean. Once you get the swirls out, dawn wash, and apply your favorite sealant. How bad are your swirls?
As for surface prep....I like 3M SMR for dark colored cars. I have never used scratchX, but I have heard good reviews on it here. If you are going to use abrasives, you might be able to skip the claying if the car is very clean. Once you get the swirls out, dawn wash, and apply your favorite sealant. How bad are your swirls?
The swirls are on a scale of 1-10 (1 being non-existant and 10 being horrible) I'd say they are a 7. I've seen worse on older cars, but they do bother me everytime I see them. Thats a good idea about a Zaino demo. I might e-mail them this afternoon to see if they could set up something like that.
As far as the clay bar is concerned, I thought I would do that to strip the old wax after washing in Dawn. I just want to make sure the suraface is properly prepped. Back to my original question....what exactly is "surface prep" defined as? Is it using some type of 'paint cleaner' or is it swirl removing?
As far as the clay bar is concerned, I thought I would do that to strip the old wax after washing in Dawn. I just want to make sure the suraface is properly prepped. Back to my original question....what exactly is "surface prep" defined as? Is it using some type of 'paint cleaner' or is it swirl removing?
Preachers Sheets
New member
If they are a seven, I would prob try out:
3M Perfect It-II (to remove the heavy swirls)
and
3M Swirl Mark Remover (to clean up he smaller swirls).
Prepping the surface is a matter of removing swirls, removing old residue such as tar, bugs, sap, industrial fallout as they call it, water spots.
When everything is said and done, your paint looks CLEAN, not a cover up shiny look from wax or glaze but a clean fresh look. It almost becomes very slick if done correctly.
3M Perfect It-II (to remove the heavy swirls)
and
3M Swirl Mark Remover (to clean up he smaller swirls).
Prepping the surface is a matter of removing swirls, removing old residue such as tar, bugs, sap, industrial fallout as they call it, water spots.
When everything is said and done, your paint looks CLEAN, not a cover up shiny look from wax or glaze but a clean fresh look. It almost becomes very slick if done correctly.
ISLANDSBEST
New member
joed1228 is right. If you are a seven, you are way beyond using a chemical-type cleaner. You are going to have to use an abbrasive -- often called a "polish" (though Sal Zaino calls his Z2 and Z5 "polishes" though they have no abbraisives.
As I touched on, the answers to your questions are in the archives (an enormous amount has been written on handling our dreaded enemy, swirls). I'd suggest reading the archives and if you have remaining questions, ask us and the people on this site will be happy to help.
As I touched on, the answers to your questions are in the archives (an enormous amount has been written on handling our dreaded enemy, swirls). I'd suggest reading the archives and if you have remaining questions, ask us and the people on this site will be happy to help.
A few sealants available in retail outlets are NuFinish, Liquid Glass, and Meguiars #20. Some people here claim to love Meguiars #20 but I have never used it nor seen a picture of a car using it. NuFinish is really durable, but does not bring the shine out and is pretty loaded with harsh solvents/abrasives (I've never smelled anything so strong for use on a car!). Now, Liquid Glass....some here say that you can get better results with a higher end product. Well, without using the product personally, I have to disagree. Some of the board members here use Liquid Glass and have posted some of the most amazing pictures we have seen. I would not write it off...some here are just more biased than others.
I personally use Zaino, and have had good luck. But, unless you have a distributor nearby, you will have to mailorder it. Some people here have mentioned that smaller auto parts stores in their area may carry Klasse, but again, most likely you will have to mailorder it.
I dunno...based on the results that some here have received by using Liquid Glass (with good technique, no doubt), I may try it at some point in the future!
I personally use Zaino, and have had good luck. But, unless you have a distributor nearby, you will have to mailorder it. Some people here have mentioned that smaller auto parts stores in their area may carry Klasse, but again, most likely you will have to mailorder it.
I dunno...based on the results that some here have received by using Liquid Glass (with good technique, no doubt), I may try it at some point in the future!
Mikescustomdetail
New member
I found Klasse at a Mercedes dealer. The first dealer I went to only had AIO, but I found another dealer that carried KSG also. You may want to check the dealers in the area. Good luck fellow Prelude owner. Diane
mikeyg402
New member
Mods if this isnt ok to post here just delete it and drop me a pm thanks!
i will be going to a small town in Iowa to work on 40 classic cars 29 of which are for sale. I know people here know a lot of people that have $$ so I thought I would post them up, but didnt know since we dont have an actual for sale section if it would be ok or not
But anyways here it is:
On Monday I will get a detailed description of each car for sale with 15-20 detailed pics of each car. There are a few extremely rare cars for sale and unique ones as well.
Pics:
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album194?page=6
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album194?page=7
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album194?page=8
List:
1. 1967 Corvette L89 Coupe
1 of 16 made, only one in the world with this color scheme. Has one awards at every show it has been placed in. Only 6 of these cars remain in the world.
2. 1967 Corvette Convertible
350-327 4 speed, 2 tops
3. 1967 Corvette Coupe
427-435hp 4 speed
4. Corvette Coupe
327-365hp 4-speed
5. Corvette Convertible
327-375hp fuel injected 4 speed 2 tops
6. 1965 Corvette coupe
327-375hp fuel injected 4 speed
7. 1966 Corvette Coupe
427- 425hp 4 speed
8. 20002 Corvette Z06
All stock
400 Miles
6 speed
9. 1968 Corvette Convertible
327-350hp 4speed 2 tops
10. 1968 Corvette Coupe
427-435hp 4 speed
11. 1968 Corvette Convertible
327-350hp 4speed 2 tops
12. 1969 Corvette Convertible
350-350hp 4speed 2 tops loaded, A/C
13. 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe
Fuel Injected
14. 1963 Corvette Convertible
340hp, 4sp, original paint
15. 1972 Corvette Coupe L55
454hp, 4speed, A/C
16. 1969 Corvette Coupe
327-350hp, 4 speed
17. 1969 Corvette Coupe
350 4 speed
18. 1996 Corvette Grand Sport coupe
330hp 6 speed
19. 1996 Corvette Grand Sport coupe
330hp 6 speed
20. 1965 Coronet A990
426 Hemi Race car
21. 1965 Coronet A990
426 Hemi Race car
22. Plymouth Belvedere A990
426 Hemi Race Car
23. 1969 Chevrolet Nova
350-300hp 2dr 4speed
24. 1965 Chevelle SS
327 2dr hard top 4 speed
25. 1965 Plymouth Satellite
383 4-speed
26. 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury
426 4 speed
27. 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury
383 Automatic
26. 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II
440 4 speed
27. 1973 Camaro Split bumper
427 with blower
28. 1935 Buick
4 door, dual side mounts
29. 1965 Ford Truck F100
460, 4x4, 5 speed
Pics of the cars start on page 6 and run thru till page 9. Once again i will have a detailed description of all the vehicles listed plus a few more added on Monday. But if you are interested in any of the ones above I can get more info to you before Monday. All of these cars will be detailed inside and out by me before they are sold. PM me for more information.
Mike
i will be going to a small town in Iowa to work on 40 classic cars 29 of which are for sale. I know people here know a lot of people that have $$ so I thought I would post them up, but didnt know since we dont have an actual for sale section if it would be ok or not
But anyways here it is:On Monday I will get a detailed description of each car for sale with 15-20 detailed pics of each car. There are a few extremely rare cars for sale and unique ones as well.
Pics:
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album194?page=6
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album194?page=7
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album194?page=8
List:
1. 1967 Corvette L89 Coupe
1 of 16 made, only one in the world with this color scheme. Has one awards at every show it has been placed in. Only 6 of these cars remain in the world.
2. 1967 Corvette Convertible
350-327 4 speed, 2 tops
3. 1967 Corvette Coupe
427-435hp 4 speed
4. Corvette Coupe
327-365hp 4-speed
5. Corvette Convertible
327-375hp fuel injected 4 speed 2 tops
6. 1965 Corvette coupe
327-375hp fuel injected 4 speed
7. 1966 Corvette Coupe
427- 425hp 4 speed
8. 20002 Corvette Z06
All stock
400 Miles
6 speed
9. 1968 Corvette Convertible
327-350hp 4speed 2 tops
10. 1968 Corvette Coupe
427-435hp 4 speed
11. 1968 Corvette Convertible
327-350hp 4speed 2 tops
12. 1969 Corvette Convertible
350-350hp 4speed 2 tops loaded, A/C
13. 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe
Fuel Injected
14. 1963 Corvette Convertible
340hp, 4sp, original paint
15. 1972 Corvette Coupe L55
454hp, 4speed, A/C
16. 1969 Corvette Coupe
327-350hp, 4 speed
17. 1969 Corvette Coupe
350 4 speed
18. 1996 Corvette Grand Sport coupe
330hp 6 speed
19. 1996 Corvette Grand Sport coupe
330hp 6 speed
20. 1965 Coronet A990
426 Hemi Race car
21. 1965 Coronet A990
426 Hemi Race car
22. Plymouth Belvedere A990
426 Hemi Race Car
23. 1969 Chevrolet Nova
350-300hp 2dr 4speed
24. 1965 Chevelle SS
327 2dr hard top 4 speed
25. 1965 Plymouth Satellite
383 4-speed
26. 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury
426 4 speed
27. 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury
383 Automatic
26. 1965 Plymouth Belvedere II
440 4 speed
27. 1973 Camaro Split bumper
427 with blower
28. 1935 Buick
4 door, dual side mounts
29. 1965 Ford Truck F100
460, 4x4, 5 speed
Pics of the cars start on page 6 and run thru till page 9. Once again i will have a detailed description of all the vehicles listed plus a few more added on Monday. But if you are interested in any of the ones above I can get more info to you before Monday. All of these cars will be detailed inside and out by me before they are sold. PM me for more information.
Mike
imported_Flash Gordon
New member
How could someone ever even consider selling a 63 Split Window 
ut:
ut:imported_Luster
New member
How could someone ever even consider selling a 63 Split Window
Not only is it a split window, but it's a FUELIE! How rare is that?!!!! That's some money sittin right there.:thumbup:
Probably the highest dollar car there is the '67 L89 Coupe. 1 of 16. :drool5:$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
RED JEWELL SS
New member
How could someone ever even consider selling a 63 Split Window
A true story.....
My best friend that I grew up with bought a 56 vette without the engine for $450.00......needed a little fiberglass work too.....his dad was a body man by trade.....John still has the car today......it has a 327/331 , runs in the mid 10s....a ball to drive.
He also had a 63 split window for years that he also acquired when we were kids.....traded it to a good friend a few years ago title for title for a 62 bubble top bel-air chevy....409 dual quad 425hp.....a very rare car as well.
They argued back and forth about price and boot on the trade for hours,they got tired of fighting and just decided to trade cars....I remember one day when we went to chevrolet and bought the side exhaust and shrouds for the vette......if I remember right the pipes were 60 bucks a side and the shrouds were 35 a side....John was tight,he complained to the parts man about the price....:rofl:
mikeyg402
New member
i will get you more info on 9 and 11 when I meet with him to discuss what we will actually be doing to all of the cars. This is only about half of his collection too! I beleive he has around 40 cars and his son has 60+. I wont even get started on how many motorcycles he owns :biggrin: he owns 4 or 5 Harley Davidson dealerships here in the Midwest. he is selling that one split window because he has four ut: So to get rid of just one wont be to big of a deal....
Also if you guys want prices, I have those just drop me a pm.
Thanks
Mike
ut: So to get rid of just one wont be to big of a deal....Also if you guys want prices, I have those just drop me a pm.
Thanks
Mike
mikeyg402
New member
plans changed a little bit I will be going up Wednesday evening instead now. Pulled a for side projects to do around here that need to be done asap. So Wed when i meet with the owner i'll get descriptions and a few pics of each car for sale and post them up late night. Then the fun begins on detailing each one of these bad boys :clap:
I will be going up Wednesday evening instead now. Pulled a for side projects to do around here that need to be done asap. So Wed when i meet with the owner i'll get descriptions and a few pics of each car for sale and post them up late night. Then the fun begins on detailing each one of these bad boys :clap:imported_glfahlc
New member
thats sounds like it'll be a blast to work on all these rare beauties... if only i could win the lottery.. the L89 would be mine...
mikeyg402
New member
The L80 is probably going to Barrett-Jackson along with a few other cars. since Ive told him we can probably catch a few higher $$$ at a world class auto auction like that. Unless someone here *Luster* wants it......
Same with this bad boy the A990 will go to BJ as well
Old Pirate
AMG Classic Car Detailing
Bill would be :drool5: for that one!
mikeyg402
New member
I was being a bone head and didnt get more before pics of this car. But in the first picture you can really tell the difference in the two sides of the hood. I did the drivers side and left the passenger side untouched. The paint had horrible oxidation everywhere. The previous owner did a BODY OFF RESTORATION but didnt paint the f##king thing :huh: its a 427/365hp car too. Now it looks fairly presentable. Its an all matching numbers car and should mid 50's if any one is interested
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album257
before i started:
Here are albums of a few other cars I did:
red on red 64
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album254
57 bel air
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album251
06 Z06 with 254 miles
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album249
Some other cars of interest:
02 Z06 with 400 miles
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album250
Blown 427 split bumper Camaro
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album252
Lowest mileage 1964 fuel injected Corvette on the planet at 8,xxx miles
You dont even want to know the asking price....
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album253
My favorite one of 3 A990 Factory Hemi race cars he owns. I love this one. Out of the box they were pulling low 9's at 130+ in the 60's!!
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album255
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album257
before i started:
Here are albums of a few other cars I did:
red on red 64
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album254
57 bel air
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album251
06 Z06 with 254 miles
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album249
Some other cars of interest:
02 Z06 with 400 miles
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album250
Blown 427 split bumper Camaro
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album252
Lowest mileage 1964 fuel injected Corvette on the planet at 8,xxx miles
You dont even want to know the asking price....
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album253
My favorite one of 3 A990 Factory Hemi race cars he owns. I love this one. Out of the box they were pulling low 9's at 130+ in the 60's!!
http://www.1320video.com/gallery/album255