Hello everyone!
After a long hiatus from the forum (I looked it up, its been 5 years since my last post!) I have returned to Autopia. Reason being? I bought myself a new car: an '08 White Saturn Sky Redline. Let me first say that I never thought I'd own a Saturn or a white car - but this car is a blast to drive and I actually think white is one of the better colors on this car.
After a 5 year break, I seem to be out of the loop on the detailing products out there. I have spent the last weeks searching the forum for tips only to become more confused. Or maybe that's just a side affect of me getting older.
Some things to consider: It is a white car with only 10K miles on it. Everything still looks practically brand new aside from a few minor scuffs on the interior and the standard swirl marks on the outside. This car is also garaged, it is not my daily driver. I estimate it will see about 500 miles a month. With that being said, here are my questions...
• Interior Trim: To be honest, I never really used anything other than Armor All type products, and I never was happy with the results. From what I've read, you can't go wrong with 1Z Deep Plastic. I've also read that I don't need to do anything really with the leather...is this true? It is a convertible and is exposed to the elements more than a standard car, if that makes any difference...
• Paint Protection: I used the Zaino line extensively. I'd start with Z-AIO, then top with Z-5 and Z-2. Followed by Z-CS or Z-8. No complaints here, I'm comfortable with the process and know exactly what I'm going to get out of the products. However, I am willing to try others if you guys think there is better out there for a white car...I'm out of Zaino so I'll be ordering new product anyways!
• Paint Correction: I have a PC 7424 and have become quite confident in my ability to use it over the years. The only products I used for "correction" were Merenza IP followed by Z-PC. Once again, no complains here but I have to order new product anyways and are open to suggestions. The white paint on the Sky is in good condition, aside from some minor to moderate swirling in some areas.
• Exterior trim/Weather stripping: Here's a place I need help in also. I always used an Armor All type product, which I was never too happy with. From what I've read, 1Z works pretty good on the trim also and Gummi Pflege works pretty good on the weather stripping.
• Tires: I'm pretty sure I used about 10 different products on my tires so I have no preference...from reading reviews on here I'm leaning towards Mothers FX. Any other suggestions?
• Towels: I started out using PakShak waffle weave towels, until they were stolen. I then switched over to towels from Kmart and was pleased with them. This is the area where I'm most open to suggestions...stick with the OTC Kmart towels for drying and detailing, or go with something else?
Thanks in advance for the help...this forum definitely helped me out in the past. My 1998 Trans Am convertible still looks the same as it did 5 years ago when I was here!
After a long hiatus from the forum (I looked it up, its been 5 years since my last post!) I have returned to Autopia. Reason being? I bought myself a new car: an '08 White Saturn Sky Redline. Let me first say that I never thought I'd own a Saturn or a white car - but this car is a blast to drive and I actually think white is one of the better colors on this car.
After a 5 year break, I seem to be out of the loop on the detailing products out there. I have spent the last weeks searching the forum for tips only to become more confused. Or maybe that's just a side affect of me getting older.
Some things to consider: It is a white car with only 10K miles on it. Everything still looks practically brand new aside from a few minor scuffs on the interior and the standard swirl marks on the outside. This car is also garaged, it is not my daily driver. I estimate it will see about 500 miles a month. With that being said, here are my questions...
• Interior Trim: To be honest, I never really used anything other than Armor All type products, and I never was happy with the results. From what I've read, you can't go wrong with 1Z Deep Plastic. I've also read that I don't need to do anything really with the leather...is this true? It is a convertible and is exposed to the elements more than a standard car, if that makes any difference...
• Paint Protection: I used the Zaino line extensively. I'd start with Z-AIO, then top with Z-5 and Z-2. Followed by Z-CS or Z-8. No complaints here, I'm comfortable with the process and know exactly what I'm going to get out of the products. However, I am willing to try others if you guys think there is better out there for a white car...I'm out of Zaino so I'll be ordering new product anyways!
• Paint Correction: I have a PC 7424 and have become quite confident in my ability to use it over the years. The only products I used for "correction" were Merenza IP followed by Z-PC. Once again, no complains here but I have to order new product anyways and are open to suggestions. The white paint on the Sky is in good condition, aside from some minor to moderate swirling in some areas.
• Exterior trim/Weather stripping: Here's a place I need help in also. I always used an Armor All type product, which I was never too happy with. From what I've read, 1Z works pretty good on the trim also and Gummi Pflege works pretty good on the weather stripping.
• Tires: I'm pretty sure I used about 10 different products on my tires so I have no preference...from reading reviews on here I'm leaning towards Mothers FX. Any other suggestions?
• Towels: I started out using PakShak waffle weave towels, until they were stolen. I then switched over to towels from Kmart and was pleased with them. This is the area where I'm most open to suggestions...stick with the OTC Kmart towels for drying and detailing, or go with something else?
Thanks in advance for the help...this forum definitely helped me out in the past. My 1998 Trans Am convertible still looks the same as it did 5 years ago when I was here!
It is soooo much fun to drive isn't it!?! Mine (08 Sky Redline) was what shoved me into detailing and nobody loves their ride more than I love my Sky