OK, i'll probably get slated for this but will someone quickly explain what claybar is and does please...

I used to fanatically clean and polish my old cars every weekend with endless amounts of Autoglym... Now i guess ive got a little less time and more cars (currently own 3) i use a mobile valeter... Have heard the term claybar recently but dont have the first idea (keep having visions of my FF with a facepack like the Mrs)

Still use countless bottles of armorall though as them tyres must be shiney! Old habits n all...


Craig

The Wiki is your friend http://www.fullfatrr.com/wiki/Detailing

I've been using the Turtlewax Platinum Extra Gloss for a while (easy to apply and buff), but some people seem to suggest that two coats are better (not tried that) - but since the rest of the stuff I use is Autoglym, I suppose that I should bite the bullet and try the HD polish next time.

It's a way to get all the contaminants off your paint, to ensure its super clean before you start polishing.

Here is a demo from the tube...

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It's something I know I should do on mine.

Just not sure how much clay I'll need to do the FF.

I have seen demos where a car has been washed, waxed, looked ace, and then a claybar has removed even more dirt. 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

I used 25g out of a 200g clay bar at the weekend (eBay "Bilt Hamber Auto/Car Clay Bar") to do all the bodywork and windows and then another 25g to do the wheels (huge amounts of tar).

Go to Halfords and buy either AG or Meguiars clay bar kit. Once bar is more than enough to do many cars, many times.

Its SO easy to do and makes the paint so smooth, which means the wax finish and beading lasts longer. (I need to do the Defender in Spring) Discovery 4 HSE
1998 110 TUM HS FFR Hard Top XD WOLF
1982 Series 3 Hard Top

*Gone:L462 D5 HSE LUX, L663 Defender 110 HSE, Discovery 3 HSE, 2014MY Range Rover Sport 5.0 Supercharged AB Dynamic; L405 Exec Vogue SE 4.4, 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography, Defender TDCi XS CSW, Defender TD5 HT, Vogue SE TDV8, Vogue TD6, RRSport SC 4.2V8, Classic 3.9 Vogue Auto, Land Rover Series 3 SWB

Ahhh, right thank you guys time to buy some then i guess... I want to make time one weekend to properly clean and mop the SC as when its in the garage it shows lots of carwashing type scratches in the surface...




Craig

Here's a photo of my first clay session on my old Discovery V8.

The muck on the bar was after a few seconds on a small area of the bonnet. This was after two waxes.

It's a Meguiars clay bar. As RRUK says, they last ages.

Click image to enlarge

I have to say I had never heard of claying, so I was skeptical. However when my sons dark blue Ford Focus got spatters of white paint on it (from some jerk painting the wall of the house he was parked next to) claying brought it off easily, so did thinners, rubbing compound and white spirit (all my initial solutions) but as claying isn't a chemical or abrasive attack I preferred it even though it was his idea (after all what do 21 year olds know compared to my encylopediaic knowledge )

Since then I have clayed a couple of the families cars and been astounded by the amount of stuff it lifts off apparently spotless paintwork, although some of it is definitely the old wax.

My last two tricks with the stuff - you can tell I'm a fan now - involved claying the alloys on my RR to get rid of those last few stubborn spots that Wonder Wheels can't shift - worked fine. Recently I did the glass on my FF, again it worked fine, shifted a lot of muck but still I'm looking for the magic bullet with glass that finishes it off perfectly.

When I ran out of the fluid that lubricates the clay on the paint I just used soapy water, because the shops were shut. Obviously finish off with washing and waxing using your preferred methods after claying.

HTH Geoff

RRUK - clay bar a Defender - wow!

My 110's been clayed as well.

They look rather good when nice and shiny. Si. <This is my name.

I eat rat poison.

A man ain't truly been insulted until he stands buck naked in front of a woman and she didn't even notice. Or care.