What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

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zain_c
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What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by zain_c »

So i'm sure many of you are just as serious about car care as i am...in fact i'm pretty much obsessive when it comes to how clean my ride is. I plan on buying myself a few goodies as a bday prezzie to myself. :grin: I registered on Crazy Detailer a few minutes ago to get a better idea of whats on offer. I've heard from many that AutoGlym products are the shizz.

Any suggestions on which AutoGlym products are the best? I wana detail (exterior, interior, engine bay etc.) my car myself...the prices guys charge are a bit ridiculous. There's so many autoglym products that i'm somewhat confused to make a final decision on what to purchase. I had no idea that a simple item such as a cloth could be such a high-involvement product in the decision making process. :bang:

I'd like to purchase a clay bar as well...is there a certain way of using it?? :???: my car has quite a bit of swirl marks, spots etc on close inspection and age is starting to show its effects.

Thanks guys. Hopefully someone can help me out.
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by Sinbad »

pay someone else to do it...
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by lawrence »

+1 - correct washing/drying method to prevent futher swirls FTW

Remember too that a clay bar will not remove scratches or swirls... it is designed to remove surface contaminants from the paint.

If you want to remove swirls or scratches, then you will need something like Meguiars Swirl X or Scratch X or Ultimate Compound. Removing these imperfections by hand is not impossible, but a machine would help (if you know how to use it)

Why not check out www.meguiars.co.za - they have some useful tips and tricks etc.
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by onyx »

zainyboymk1 wrote:So i'm sure many of you are just as serious about car care as i am...in fact i'm pretty much obsessive when it comes to how clean my ride is. I plan on buying myself a few goodies as a bday prezzie to myself. :grin: I registered on Crazy Detailer a few minutes ago to get a better idea of whats on offer. I've heard from many that AutoGlym products are the shizz.

Any suggestions on which AutoGlym products are the best? I wana detail (exterior, interior, engine bay etc.) my car myself...the prices guys charge are a bit ridiculous. There's so many autoglym products that i'm somewhat confused to make a final decision on what to purchase. I had no idea that a simple item such as a cloth could be such a high-involvement product in the decision making process. :bang:

I'd like to purchase a clay bar as well...is there a certain way of using it?? :???: my car has quite a bit of swirl marks, spots etc on close inspection and age is starting to show its effects.

Thanks guys. Hopefully someone can help me out.

You've registered... So now make your way along to the forum and read through the posts (just by doing that, you'll pick up a wealth of knowledge)

Also if you're going to be correcting the paintwork by hand, be prepared for some serious aches and pains :lol:

As for Autoglym - whilst i do rate some of their products (SRP in particular), you'll find that other brands would/could do a better job...
Its a mix and match game and before you know it, you've spent thousands and you're struggling to find space for everything :eek:

Ask me, i know :crazy:
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by poloplayaWP »

zainyboymk1 wrote:So i'm sure many of you are just as serious about car care as i am...in fact i'm pretty much obsessive when it comes to how clean my ride is. I plan on buying myself a few goodies as a bday prezzie to myself. :grin: I registered on Crazy Detailer a few minutes ago to get a better idea of whats on offer. I've heard from many that AutoGlym products are the shizz.

Any suggestions on which AutoGlym products are the best? I wana detail (exterior, interior, engine bay etc.) my car myself...the prices guys charge are a bit ridiculous. There's so many autoglym products that i'm somewhat confused to make a final decision on what to purchase. I had no idea that a simple item such as a cloth could be such a high-involvement product in the decision making process. :bang:

I'd like to purchase a clay bar as well...is there a certain way of using it?? :???: my car has quite a bit of swirl marks, spots etc on close inspection and age is starting to show its effects.

Thanks guys. Hopefully someone can help me out.
Hi dude Builders warehouse has a Autoglym "Clay& Spray" kit which includes the clay bar and lubricant/detailer for less than R200 when last I checked.This was Tokai Builders btw.They also stock Megiars Swirl x....awsome product and does a good job but you need to do a 3 stage to do a proper job.BTW I found some1 that does a wash,vac,tyre shine,dash and trim,paint correction & polish/wax/sealent for a good price.PM me for details.

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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by dood786 »

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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by rodga »

poloplayaWP wrote:
zainyboymk1 wrote:So i'm sure many of you are just as serious about car care as i am...in fact i'm pretty much obsessive when it comes to how clean my ride is. I plan on buying myself a few goodies as a bday prezzie to myself. :grin: I registered on Crazy Detailer a few minutes ago to get a better idea of whats on offer. I've heard from many that AutoGlym products are the shizz.

Any suggestions on which AutoGlym products are the best? I wana detail (exterior, interior, engine bay etc.) my car myself...the prices guys charge are a bit ridiculous. There's so many autoglym products that i'm somewhat confused to make a final decision on what to purchase. I had no idea that a simple item such as a cloth could be such a high-involvement product in the decision making process. :bang:

I'd like to purchase a clay bar as well...is there a certain way of using it?? :???: my car has quite a bit of swirl marks, spots etc on close inspection and age is starting to show its effects.

Thanks guys. Hopefully someone can help me out.
Hi dude Builders warehouse has a Autoglym "Clay& Spray" kit which includes the clay bar and lubricant/detailer for less than R200 when last I checked.This was Tokai Builders btw.They also stock Megiars Swirl x....awsome product and does a good job but you need to do a 3 stage to do a proper job.BTW I found some1 that does a wash,vac,tyre shine,dash and trim,paint correction & polish/wax/sealent for a good price.PM me for details.
its SONAX spray and clay
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by Dub 33 »

here is a good video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI

this will be the start of becoming obsessive about cleaning.
you thought you were bad before you just wait.
Happy cleaning mate :wink:
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by 16vnut »

Interesting topic this, I need to do the S.O's car as she just doesnt give a f&%K :mad: :lol:
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by xion »

IF your an autoglym fan, then this kit will be the best value for money
Autoglym - Surface Detailing Clay Kit
It has all you need, Detail Clay + Detail Spray + polishing cloths + Super resin polish to protect after the clay.

As mst-05 mentioned the best is to start off with proper wash kit as well to keep the swirls to a minimum.
Heres a good guide Washing and Drying Guide

For engine detailing, Id recomend some all purpose cleaner , and then some Autoglym Vinyl and rubber care, sprayed on after the engine is rinsed and still wet , its a "spray and walk away" solution that leaves the black plastics and rubber looking brand new with no effort.

also have a look here at this "where do i start guide ?" it will give you a good idea of the routine and the products that go with it.

If you need any other advice drop me a pm or mail and i'd be glad to help.
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by poloplayaWP »

rodga wrote:
poloplayaWP wrote:
zainyboymk1 wrote:So i'm sure many of you are just as serious about car care as i am...in fact i'm pretty much obsessive when it comes to how clean my ride is. I plan on buying myself a few goodies as a bday prezzie to myself. :grin: I registered on Crazy Detailer a few minutes ago to get a better idea of whats on offer. I've heard from many that AutoGlym products are the shizz.

Any suggestions on which AutoGlym products are the best? I wana detail (exterior, interior, engine bay etc.) my car myself...the prices guys charge are a bit ridiculous. There's so many autoglym products that i'm somewhat confused to make a final decision on what to purchase. I had no idea that a simple item such as a cloth could be such a high-involvement product in the decision making process. :bang:

I'd like to purchase a clay bar as well...is there a certain way of using it?? :???: my car has quite a bit of swirl marks, spots etc on close inspection and age is starting to show its effects.

Thanks guys. Hopefully someone can help me out.
Hi dude Builders warehouse has a Autoglym "Clay& Spray" kit which includes the clay bar and lubricant/detailer for less than R200 when last I checked.This was Tokai Builders btw.They also stock Megiars Swirl x....awsome product and does a good job but you need to do a 3 stage to do a proper job.BTW I found some1 that does a wash,vac,tyre shine,dash and trim,paint correction & polish/wax/sealent for a good price.PM me for details.
its SONAX spray and clay
Sorry yip thats correct ,I heard good things about Sonax too.

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2009 Ford Bantam 1.3 Rocam
2008 CRG Road Rebel Shifter with TM Racing 125cc 2 Stroke 6 Speed Sequential


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ex 2005 Polo 1.9 TDI Sportline
ex 1978 Beetle 1.6 Twinport
ex 1998 Original VW Motorsport Polo Classic 2.0 8v
ex 1984 Golf 1.3
ex 1998 Polo Playa 1.6>2.0
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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by dood786 »

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Re: What is the correct way of using a clay bar?

Post by zain_c »

Thanks for the tips guys...those swirl marks are driving me crazy. :crazy:

I'm definitely gona have a look at Builder Warehouse PoloPlaya. Thanks

I've read all the links you've posted and it very interesting...i need to take extra care of my car coz she parks outside. NO GARAGE FTL. :bang:
1992 MK2 Jetta CSi 3.2
1982 MK1 Caddy
2011 4x4 Tuna

ex:
86 MK2 Jetta CLX
88 MK2 Golf CSL
14 6R Polo
97 Caddy
83 MK1 GTi
04 Citi 14.7 s2s Killarney
06 MK5 Golf
92 MK2 2.0 16v GTi Exec
88 MK2 CLi 1.9 16v 15.0 Killarney
96 MK3 GTS
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