2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

[audiophile64]

I have a black 2008 chevy cobalt ss and I am going to detail it in a day or 2 when the weather clears here in NJ.My question is I was going to do cleaner wax as first step and then nxt 2.0 and last gold class.What do you think of these steps? When I first got the car 6 months ago I have put 2 coats of NXT 1.0 on it and I am dying to try the new 2.0 on it that I got.But is the gold class hard to remove from black paint? I ahd used it on another car years ago and I thought it was alittle hard to remove.

[Murr1525]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaner/Wax - It is a nice mild cleaner, and would give the first coat of wax for you.
4. Wax - Personally, I would stick with a coat or two of Nxt 2.0, so that it is on top. I mean, if you want the hydrophobic properties and the looks, then it really should be on top.

If a wax was hard to remove, it likely either was applied to thick, or not left to dry long enough. (and of course thicker coats take longer to dry as well)

[audiophile64]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

Should I really clay the car first? wouldnt the cleaner wax be enough for the first step in a six month old car? Its a garage kept car and kept under a covered parking facility at work

[Tuck91]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

How about this?

Wash - Gold Class Shampoo and Conditioner
Clay- Smooth Surface Clay Kit
Cleaner Wax- Color X or Cleaner Wax
Wax - 2 coat of NXT followed by a coat of Gold Class
Maintain- Ultimate Quik Detailer and Ultimate Quik Wax

That should make your Cobalt look great!

[Murr1525]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

Well, the claying or not is up to you... I would if you havent before, but that's just me.

[Tuck91]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

it seems every time i clay i manage to pull something out, and i usually clay every 3 months or so.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

Cleaner waxes do not replace clay bars- they compliment them. I think the best process for you would be to wash, dry, CLAY, cleaner wax, followed by 2 coats of NXT 2.0.

No real need for the Gold Class.

[audiophile64]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

After I wash it I will have to see if the paint is in need of the clay if not too many problems I will forgo the clay and do cleaner wax first.I do have scratch x and the new 2.0 scratch x as well as swirl x that I bought.The car has seen dirty for the last month from the lousy snows we have been getting in north jersey and its been too cold for me to wash by hand and finally we have warmer temps for this weekend I think

[audiophile64]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

Now you are going to convince me to clay first.I used some clay years ago on another car and it did help but now they have 2 grades of clay right? I would definitely want the less abrasive ,Right?

[Tuck91]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

if want to you could include Swirl X in your detail

i

[Murr1525]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

You would the Smooth Surface Clay Kit.

With what you have on hand, I would probably do either:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Cleaner/Wax
4. Nxt 2.0

OR:
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. SwirlX
4. Nxt 2.0
5. Nxt 2.0

Including SwirlX would give you a bit stronger of a cleaner, but adds an extra step.

[audiophile64]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

Do you think I should swirlx the whole car or just in badly swirled areas? Is it too abrasive for use over the entire surface if not swirled badly?

[Murr1525]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

The thing with the SwirlX/ScratchX/UC is that you really only need to work them in as much as you need to do the job.

So if you just want to remove some grime, they dont need worked in with as much passion, or for as long, as if you were trying to remove swirls/scratches.

You certainly could just SwirlX/ScratchX the trouble spots, then cleaner/wax everything, and move on to wax. That would be ok too.

[Tuck91]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

Since your Cobalt is small enough you could do the whole car in about one day if your working by hand. Swirl X would work great for this

if you decide to take this route then read this thread for some tips:

Tips for removing swirls by hand with SMA Technology

[audiophile64]

Re: 2oo8 chevy cobalt ss

Thanks to all for your help. Dont want to go to auto store again this week to get clay because money is alittle tight this week(union dues) I have everything else ready to go.