DelrayS2K

I just purchased my first S2K. I take delivery in two weeks.
The car will be my daily dirver. I live in south Florida and have to leave the car outside everyday while at work.

I could use some advice on car covers, wax (or polymers) and protectants.

From reading previous postings, it sounds like Raggtopp is the preferred protectant; however, likely I will find it only online.

Feels like the first time....

Ubetit

If I knew then what I knew now...

1. I wouldn't let the dealer prep my car.
2. I'd have clay, a swirl remover and my favorite wax/synthetic ready to go the day I bring my car home.
3. I'd buy microfiber towels and a sheepskin mit.
4. I'd buy a Porter Cable 7336 and Lake County/Sonus Pads.
5. I'd Keep up on the leather, rubber, vinyl and paint.

exceldetail

If I knew then what I knew now...

1. I wouldn't let the dealer prep my car. agreed...
2. I'd have clay, a swirl remover and my favorite wax/synthetic ready to go the day I bring my car home. It would be Four Star Ultimate Paint Cleaner, and Ultimate Paint Protectant, hands down....
3. I'd buy microfiber towels and a sheepskin mit. Agreed...
4. I'd buy a Porter Cable 7336 and use Propel Pads....
5. I'd Keep up on the leather, rubber, vinyl and paint.
6. Repeat sealant process every 3 months.....Except clay, twice a yr.

DelrayS2K

Thanks!

What does the clay do?
What part of dealer prep should I ask them to forego and do myself?

Any advice on brands/types of car covers for daily use? Is the OEM cover any good?

wanabe

clay is used to remove embedded particles (rail dust, etc on a new car if it came by rail, for example).
you do not want the dealer to wash the car-
for the cover, depends on what you need it for.
the honda cover is a great cover if you just need dust protection- i have two and my car is usually covered, even in the garage... they are soft enough and decent padding so that they keep most dings off the car too (and since my top is never up, they also protect the interior from wandering hands!)

DelrayS2K

Thanks. I am a newbie when it comes to detailing. I am used to washing a car with soap and water and then slapping on some "wax" polymer.

Anyway, with respect to the cover, I will have to store the car outside under extreme sun or a tree that exudes some goey crap in the 100 + heat and so it is to protect the car from UV and crap while I am at work. Oh ya, and it rains a lot down here in south florida during the summer and there is always a film of something on cars afterwars.

wanabe

hey delrays2k- we all started there!!

check out the links at the top of the wash & wax forum- i think you should keep it simple...
and it really depends on how much time you have as to what products you use.
you have some good tips for exterior care above-
let us know what you decide to do and we can give you our thoughts.

and here is a cover co that might be what you are looking for:
http://www.covercraft.com/cover_fabrics.htm

DelrayS2K

Thanks again for your advise.
So far, I purchased a Weathershild HD car cover, the clay and the suggested four star products as well as the RaggTopp care kit.

On the polisher, I was wondering what the difference was between the two models of porter cable orbital polishers, the 7424 and the 7336? (The 7336 is recommended above)

Ubetit

exceldetail,

Why did you change my quote when you quoted it? I wouldn't recommend Four Star products and Propel pads but you made it look that way.

DelrayS2K

All well; no harm done. It's better than the crap I would have put on the car if it were not for everyone's help.

As it stands, the dealer will peel off the protective white coverings that come on the hood, hose the car down and vacume the interior. The rest is up to me.

Which brings me to my outstanding question:
Q: what's the difference was between the two models of porter cable orbital polishers, the 7424 and the 7336? (The 7336 is recommended above)

Thanks again for everyone's help.

I think I might practice on my Protege5 before I go to it on the S2000.