I got a problem......

[Andy M.]

Hey All,
I had planned on detailing my mother's 2003 Malibu over the weekend. However, when she bought it ,it was used, about 20000 miles, GM certified. The dealer talked her into this paint protection thing which I advised against, but its her car. So after plunking down her 300 dollars to the dealer, I planned to show her what I could do for free this weekend. She didn't want me to use clay, because she didn't want me to strip off the protection that the Dealer had put on. To my surprise, whatever the dealer put on is pretty good, water just rolls off of this car, it's pretty awesome actually. BUT......The dealer didn't clean the paint b/4 putting this protection on. After a good washing and drying I noticed alot of dirt in the paint, underneath this protection. I don't even know if claying would help. The car is silver, I've had success with the wifes silver car, but I'm lost here. Any Suggestions?

TIA
101impala

[Vandelete]

well 101impala,

I think that dealer just put on something that has silicon based products in it wich makes that water slide of easily.. but don't get tricked about that. it`s beneath that coat that matters and you can do anything about that and achief the neccesary steps to get that same result even better.

Yes start wash that vehicle.. and give it a good clay job.. it cannot be harmfull if you do that. as a matter of fact i would do that as a good start for making sure you have a good clean underground, and follow up with whatever it takes to protect and easily maintain that car.

I guarantee if you do a full detail job with all the Meguiar's products you have.. that she will be more amazed then that stuff that dealer tricked her off with.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey 101impala

Well...I got a hold of a few different dealer "coatings" to play around with. To say that I am unimpressed is an understatement! They may leave a decent coating, but I have found that they lack depth and gloss to the paint. It makes the paint shine, but IMHO, you can do a LOT better!

I would clay the car. Look for imperfections. Start off with something like Meguiar's #9 Swirl Remover or #80 Speed Glaze. Personally, I would start off with the #80 Speed Glaze. Look at the result. If you need something more aggressive, move on to #83 DACP. You may need to step back down to the #80 after the #83. Seal the paint with 2 coats of NXT.

I know that the car WILL look a LOT better!!

Tim