Hello...our first Porsche

[tqtran]

Welcome to the board.
And I would have to agree, a 987 is a better choice than the MX5

[Rail26]

Great looking 987! After seeing your color wheel caps I think I am going to purchase a set. Thanks!

[Perfectlap]

I recently drove that new Miata and that is one spectacular vehicle. A bit too pricey now but what a world of potential on that platform. Add in some Tein shocks and springs with the latest Falken Azenis and its a cornering monster.

I also departed with my 1.8 Miata for the BoxsterS. I knew it would take a great vehicle to make me forget about a great vehicle.

[SD987]

Nice pickup...congrats !

A couple of observations:

I agree that the color wheel caps are a must, but I think the clear side markers are even more of an improvement for dark colored 987s.

I wouldn't be in a rush to treat the top. Factory protectant is better than anything you're going to put on there. Interestingly I find that water on the top "beads" better five months later than it did when new. From the numerous net posts I've read there seem to be an equal number of testimonials of how "my top still looks great" between people who use conditioners versus people who just wet the top down. I think the problem with the Boxster top isn't wear per se, it's the pressure circles that appear (posted on this board as well) that have also been "engineered" into the 987 despite having a redesigned top. However the "spot" cleaning that Limoncello mentions is key.

I also wouldn't be in a hurry to clay your car, although it seems you have a prescribed regimen you like to follow. I'm extremely a-rententive about my car too and also a huge fan of the benefits of claying, but clay is a "restoration" agent and you aren't restoring at this point. I have a dark 987 myself and from personal experience would agree with those who suggest that you touch the paint as little as possible.

[KShep]

Originally Posted by SD987

Nice pickup...congrats !

A couple of observations:

I agree that the color wheel caps are a must, but I think the clear side markers are even more of an improvement for dark colored 987s.

I wouldn't be in a rush to treat the top. Factory protectant is better than anything you're going to put on there. Interestingly I find that water on the top "beads" better five months later than it did when new. From the numerous net posts I've read there seem to be an equal number of testimonials of how "my top still looks great" between people who use conditioners versus people who just wet the top down. I think the problem with the Boxster top isn't wear per se, it's the pressure circles that appear (posted on this board as well) that have also been "engineered" into the 987 despite having a redesigned top. However the "spot" cleaning that Limoncello mentions is key.

I also wouldn't be in a hurry to clay your car, although it seems you have a prescribed regimen you like to follow. I'm extremely a-rententive about my car too and also a huge fan of the benefits of claying, but clay is a "restoration" agent and you aren't restoring at this point. I have a dark 987 myself and from personal experience would agree with those who suggest that you touch the paint as little as possible.

I agree on the clear side markers.

The top is not beading water at all...is this normal? I mean it looks saturated, even though a pass with the waffle weave towel did a good job drying it off. I don't intend to treat of wash the top any more than necessary...but this saturated look has me puzzled.

The surface of the paint feels rough to the touch. Before starting the Zaino process I really need to remove any surface contaiminants so they are not sealed in with the polymer layers...and claying is the only way I know how to accomplish this. I only clay once a year or if there is a bug or other stain that is stubborn.

If the paint felt really smooth I would agree that claying was not needed. I'll do a small section and see what the clay pulls out. If it's clean then maybe a good wash willl do the trick.

Thanks for the info...I do appreciate any input. I'm no expert on paint and have read that German clear coat is "softer" that what US and other automakers apply, so special care is called for. I'll ease into the process and report any unusual or helpful findings.

edit: here is a link to a free guide on detailing from autopia that I find helpful. Just download onto your desktop. (If a mod knows of a better place for this please move, or if it is against the rules to post such links please pm)

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/freeguide.html

[KShep]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I recently drove that new Miata and that is one spectacular vehicle. A bit too pricey now but what a world of potential on that platform. Add in some Tein shocks and springs with the latest Falken Azenis and its a cornering monster.

I also departed with my 1.8 Miata for the BoxsterS. I knew it would take a great vehicle to make me forget about a great vehicle.

The east coast Mazda dealerships are not discounting the MX-5 much if at all. I expect this to change once the agressive looking Solstice starts showing up...I know it's a Pontiac but corporate did the right thing by allowing this design to reach the consumer mostly unchanged from the concept. It is a unique looking vehicle.

The Porsche dealership had an almost identical "S" on the lot...but was not budging too much on the price. Angie wouldn't make use of the additional performance and preferred the Cocoa Leather. I am enamored of the exhaust note and the sound of the motor....and a bit envious I must admit.