Interior Exterior
Q:
Thanks for the call. We'll get you all squared away. Very sorry about the omission.
A:
DP, I'm stocked on MF towels and stuff so I'm going to pass on one of the bundles for now. I do have a couple questions though which in advance thank you, this is a great thread and you are always quick to answer.
The top: what do we use? I know the owners manual says just water, but I'm assuming it will need something more than that over time and we can't use car wash soap. So what do you have to clean it and protect it from UV, and what do you have to restore waterproofness once that starts to fade? I plan to Lexol the leather as I've always been very happy with that, good? no? Anything special to avoid build up in the perf? So 303 for the dash- is that non greasy or is it like the old armor all? Good UV protection? And also, do you carry or ever plan to carry Zaino? All's I ever hear on every message board is zaino zaino zaino, but I've never yet tried it (or Klasse, aio, or P21S for that matter) and was hoping to pick some up for the Lotus but would rather support someone that helps out. (as a side note posting where products are available cheaper, and pimping the guy that is helping us is not super cool. Advice and service is worth money) No problem if you don't carry it, perhaps I'll look into one of the others that you do. I certainly don't want to throw rocks on your game in your own thread.
Vantage gave you good advice about the top. I have found that when protected, a good rinsing is about all it needs. About one in four washes, I will use soap on the top.
I think you will be fine with Lexol. If you drive mostly with the top off, I would consider a leather protectant like the Leather Master Leather Protection Cream. It will make soiling much easier to clean.
Zaino is a great product. I'm sure you will be happy if you decide to give it a try. Personally, I like the look, feel and usability of Four Star better. It goes on easy, comes off easy and is super slick to the touch.
A:
It all started when i parked my AR outside a friend's place for the second time since i had it for almost 3 mths.
Somehow, the sprinkles were not aimed properly and was spraying water, 'hard' water, all over my elise. To make it worst, i didnt leave until noon the next day and so the water from the sprinkles were 'baked' under the texas sun. Now there's serious water spot all over my elise. Was going to wash it later that day but there was a thunder storm and got a 'free rinse' by mother nature. Which i didnt think was any help.
However, i got to wash it the next day and after i dried it, the spots were still there. Not as bad as b4 but still there. Seems like the spots were baked into the fragile clear coat that we have. Never had this kinda problem with my other cars. Also, while inspection the paint, i noticed more scratches. They werent there the last time i washed it, but i did sent it in for service and the dealer washed it.
To make the whole story short, i need help/advice on what/how to use to fix the water spots, buff marks and scratches. Any help will be greatly appreciated. any chance i can get it to flawless again? not that it was when i took delivery.
I would very much like to try the lotus bundle package from Nick's site, but not really sure if the stuff's gonna help with my situation now. What would be better for UV and 'hard' water stains (sprinkles and rain), UPP or Klasse AIO? Already have the P21s from b4 but havent use it on the elise yet.
Really need to prevent this from happening again.
Thanks again for all the help.
A:
If the water spots are mild, you can try something like AIO or a mild polish. Out of the three, AIO is the only one with chemical cleaners, so I'd place my bet on that. Also try vinegar. These methods will remove the left over minerals.
For water spots left over from washing, usually quick detailer spray works.
But if the water spots are etched into the surface, then you will need to use an appropriately strong polish to level the surface out.
A:
If the water spots are mild, you can try something like AIO or a mild polish. Out of the three, AIO is the only one with chemical cleaners, so I'd place my bet on that. Also try vinegar. These methods will remove the left over minerals.
For water spots left over from washing, usually quick detailer spray works.
But if the water spots are etched into the surface, then you will need to use an appropriately strong polish to level the surface out.
Vantage,
thought of using vinegar, just wasn't sure if it was safe to use on the clear coat that's on the car now. will give that a try first.
fortunately, do not have water spot problems after each wash. just can't seem to get the 'baked' in water spots off.
how well does nick's product work on buff swirls and scratches? thx.
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Klasse AIO is very mild. It does a good job at cleaning the paint chemically, but doesn't have much in the form of physical abrasives, which are the only way to remove small scratches and swirls.
Nick sells a swirl remover from Platinum, but I don't know much about it, or what other polishes he plans to be carrying in the future.
- J
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Dang Vantage, you are a speedy replyer. Good job.
Fusion, as Vantage said, go the least agressive method first. In this case, it would be a chemical cleaner such as Klasse AIO or Four Star Paintwork Cleanser.
For the swirls and scratches, you will need an abrasive to smoothen the clear coat. The work is best done with a machine, but by hand works too.
A:
Dang Vantage, you are a speedy replyer. Good job.
Fusion, as Vantage said, go the least agressive method first. In this case, it would be a chemical cleaner such as Klasse AIO or Four Star Paintwork Cleanser.
For the swirls and scratches, you will need an abrasive to smoothen the clear coat. The work is best done with a machine, but by hand works too.
so w/ the package u r offering, which would u recommend, UPP or Klasse AIO for my case? thx.
i'm sure both r just as good btw.
p.s. since this question is directed to u, no one will be more speedy than u.
A:
Ha! I am quick on the draw. In your case, I suggest the AIO. Don't be afraid to work it in a bit to get rid of the spots.
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got it, Nick. thx.
will order it right now. btw, how long does it usually take for delivery?
reason why i'm asking is cos i'll be leaving for asia monday 08/15. so no one will be home, for 15 days at least, to receive the package.
so can it be delivered by saturday or should i arrange to have it deliver after i get back on 08/28. thx.
A:
Thanks for the info and link............I just ordered a BUNCH of stuff to keep my new baby car looking great. I will report back after it arrives and I get a chance to use the products.
We just sold a "showcar" vette....so, my hubby is VERY particular about what is used on the cars. He likes the website and the product descriptions in this thread. We never went the "Zaino route" because we didn't want to apply eleventy billion coats to the car. LOL The Vette won Nopi Nationals before we got it, so we went with what the previous owner recommended.
The Elise is a different thing......I'm going with what was recommended in this thread. Ok, keep it quiet, I prolly ordered more that what he needs to know about.
A:
Thank you! I was wondering who ordered all that stuff. I mean, the correct amount of critical detailing products.
In case you missed it when you ordered, the mesh brush is on backorder. We opened our last case and they were all bent up. As soon as the replacements arrive, we'll get it out to you.
A:
Which top protectant will I need for my new Elise? Is this a fabric or vinyl top? Can I use my existing 303 Fabric Guard or Aerospace Protectant depending on the answer?
No car wash soap on the top? What do I use? Just water before I fill my bucket with soap?
Have people tried 303 Protectant on the seats? Label says it's supposed to be good for vinyl and leather and blocks UV. I like it on vinyl and have occasionally used it on leather.
How do I treat the Starshield? Treat it like paint?
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Another question. When I wash my terry towels, should I use liquid fabric softener?
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The top is fabric, so any protectant made for fabric will work well. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is one, and Raggtopp is another.
I usually just rinse my top, but I also wash top with soap. As long as you are using a car wash soap, you don't have to worry.
If you use the 303 Aerospace Protectant, you may want to let it sit for 15 minutes or so, then wipe it down. It will be less slick if you do.
No! Do not use any fabric softener. It will leave a residue in your towels which will smear on the paint. They will also be less absorbant.
Wash anything that touches your paint in liquid detergent. If you have the option, select something like "Tide Free" which doesn't have any perfumes or dye. The less you get on your towels, the better.
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Bump
Hey Nick,
Just got my car back from the body shop. New front clam. Have used Malms carnuba wax and cotton terry towels for many years and always been happy but figure if I'm going to change or try something new, nows the time.
Also have BRP as you. Any particular suggestions for wax?? Ever used Zymol rouge on your car?
Thanks for the reply.
Jim A.
A:
Check with your body shop, but you may need to wait before you wax the car.
I've used most of the Zymol stuff (Atlantique is my fav), but not the rouge. The waxes look so nice. They really bring out the black flake in the paint, but I've stopped using them as I was having trouble with them hazing up in the sun. No matter what I do, I would get haze as soon as the car saw sun.
I've switched to Four Star and although the paint doesn't look as rich, I am probably the only person that notices. To get some of the look back, I have been following with Prima Slick.
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My mechanic recently gave me a SnapOn blow gun with a removable rubber tip. It works great for a number of things, but especially for removing water from jams, wheels, lenses, grills, engine, weatherstripping, etc. Also works great post wax to blow off all the wax residue.
A few words of caution, wear ear protection (especially when drying wheels) and always have enough slack on your airhose.
Gun
Tip Set
A:
In another thread I was asked about which products an expecting owner should purchase to treat the new car properly.
I decided to put together a special bundle for the enthusiasts waiting on cars. The package includes the basics you need to get started maintaining the finish of your new Elise. Please click the link for a full description.
Lotus Starter Bundle
The link no longer works... any update?
A:
I am updating the bundles. They should be back up on the site in a week or two.