Cayman S

[Perfectlap]

terryB,
p.s. tell your son to use the Klasse stash sparingly because they have changed/diluted the formula recently to comply with some new eco standards.
I'll be trying some new alternatives probably one of the following Menzerma Intensive Polish (German), Werkstatt Prime (German) or Vanilla Moose Wax (U.S., just on the name alone).

[fab]

Hi Perfectlap-

p.s. tell your son to use the Klasse stash sparingly because they have changed/diluted the formula recently to comply with some new eco standards.

When did this take place? I've own my Klasse products for about 1 year now.
Have you tried it yet?

On a differnet note, since your are the man on waxing/polishing.
How often should someone clay their car? once a year, once every 6 months or more frequent.

Thanks-

[Perfectlap]

I'm not sure but since about January I've noticed Klasse has started to comply with VOC standards. One vendor told me that if you are a non-Californian and tell them so they would send you the old version. I'm a big fan of Klasse VLRP on black plastic chased by 1Z Vinyl and Rubber for UV protection. The new VLRP is nothing at all like the old so I'm guessing the new eco standards are tough.

I don't think I know anyone who clays enough. Probably a good thing becasue not turning the clay enough can do more harm to the clear coat than help it. I often keep a soapy bucket nearby to wipe off the debris and only then turn the clay. not doing this is crazy to me, some bit of sand/sediments could press through from the center and you've made your own sand paper .

If your car is driven daily I would use a mild clay like SOnus Green every other wash. The softer compound will remove the crap without stripping your sealant and dressings. I often do this during a wash when the car is thoroughly lubricated with suds. I think SOnus has the only mild clay (on Autopiacarcare.com).

Before using a cleaning polish every 4 months like Klasse All In ONe or Menzerna Intensive Polish (and or a swirl remover) use a harder more traditional clay like the inexpensive Bluge Magic or Mothers, Megs etc. This is where you want to strip everything down to the clear coat.
Either way if you any paste wax dressings or cleaning polishes you should alway clay first.

Claying is always a noticeable improvement mostly because of the pollution you can't feel on the paint but is dulling the shine.

[SD987]

Perfectlap, how often do you wash your car?

Question 2, how much do you reckon that you spend a year on car washing supplies?

Signed,

Curious in San Diego

[Perfectlap]

well I only wash it myself, I think I've been to drive thru car wash twice in two years. Since using No Rinse I haven't "washed" my car in months. Probably twice a month now. It takes no more than ten minutes with No Rinse and I'm getting qiucker at it. Probably takes longer to bring the bucket and towels to the drive way then actually cleaning the car. And since I only use quick sprays now and have dumped paste waxes that detailing part only takes another 15 minutes.
25 minutes twice a month is pretty good me thinks.

I don't detail between washes mostly to avoid swirling and because FK do such a good job at neutralizing dust. If it rains its actually a good thing because all that dust runs off the paint on its own. And of course the car is silver!!! very low maintenace When I had my black car that was a real PITA at least 5 washes a month and several hours of monthly torture.

As far as budget I buy by the gallon whenver possible. A gallon of FK 146 quick detailer is $25 each. Spray Wax by Duragloss is also $25. This will easily last six months. Polishes and sealants and Leather cleaner/conditioners are only used 4 times a year and one $15 bottle will last at least two years. The products that go quicker are tire dressing, Plexus, and 1Z interior sprays like cockpit premium and Vinyl and Rubber care Probably $50 every six months. Again I spend no more than 10 minutes on the interior by doing it often like twice a week. Red is a great color to keep clean you never really see dirt and always a nice shine. My friend who used to detail for a living is buying his VW convertible in silver red out of spite.

The expensive part really is buying all this detailing stuff for the first time: PC buffer & pads, half dozen different brushes, Towels, etc. but then your good for years.
I'll end up spending $500 for everything but after selling my last car for twice the private party blue book value I definintely see the advantage of catering to a future enthusiast owner of my BoxsterS. Not unlike selling a well maintained house.

[TerryB]

Update on my Boxster and Cayman:

My son just found out that he is being transferred to Boston. He travels there a lot and knows that he can do without a car. I guess the "Big Dig" is quite a problem.

SO...he is going to sell my beloved Boxster S AND his BMW. Somebody is going to get a gem: 2004 Boxster S with about 3000 miles. I wish I had a bigger garage....I would buy it back.

Can you believe these kids!!! Of course I'm glad he is so successful in his career.

[98Boxster98]

Hey Dad, can I have the Boxster S at the family rate?

Sincerely,
Your other favorite son

Originally Posted by TerryB

Update on my Boxster and Cayman:

My son just found out that he is being transferred to Boston. He travels there a lot and knows that he can do without a car. I guess the "Big Dig" is quite a problem.

SO...he is going to sell my beloved Boxster S AND his BMW. Somebody is going to get a gem: 2004 Boxster S with about 3000 miles. I wish I had a bigger garage....I would buy it back.

Can you believe these kids!!! Of course I'm glad he is so successful in his career.