| Author |
Message |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 6:35 pm: | |
Believe it or not. I used WD-40 to remove really stubborn scuff marks on the lower section of the car(from knocking down a cone at the track). Just spray a bit into a towel and apply to the spot. Rub gently to loosen and quickly followed by a spritz of water to wipe off. Works like a charm.
For tree saps, I just use a liberal amount of Griot's Speed Shine on the spot and wipe it off. I pretty much have to do this after every driving session.
It's weird but my grocery getter, a red Nissan Maxima that I leave outside, doesn't attract tree saps like the black Modena. The Maxima get a dusting of pollen but that's about it. |
Torai Madjid (Countach83)
| | Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 4:11 pm: | |
I do the wash and drive thing when I feel lazy, like before going to work. A quick 100 mph shot down the exit ramp onto the freeway gets most of it.
I have black cars, but just got a yellow one. The pollen doesn't show; the black stuff on the back moves the topic to setting up the carbs.
My mad scientist opinion is that different materials to include coatings, like wax, and the anti-stat used in the electronics industry, have different static charge buildup characteristics. Static attracts dirt.
I did some spot repairs in my Q-Porte. Invisible, until the spots repairs attracted dirt differently. This lasted for a few weeks.
Tip: Use a corner of a towel saturated with methanol (not isoproponal) type gas drier to get the big sap globs from pine trees. Rub gently, no need to use any pressure, let the sap dissolve. Wipe off the liquid before it drys. Use a clean cloth with more methanol, and wipe dry to get any white haze (sap remainder). Much more gentle than abrasive type products.
Don't use any other gasoline additives, they may eat your paint. |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 10:22 am: | |
David,
It was nice meeting you too.
Actually, that leaf blower idea isn't insane at all. They use air blowers at drive-through car washes, don't they? Air-drying the car might leave water spots, so I'm rather hesitant about trying it.
I use a California Water Blade to get most of the water off the car. I still have to chamois in a few odd corners though. It only takes a couple of minutes total to dry the entire car. So far, I haven't found any scratches caused by the Water Blade.
Hope to see you again at the Italian Concours on Sept. 2nd.
Willis |
david schirmer (David)
| | Posted on Monday, August 13, 2001 - 9:24 am: | |
Hey Willis, enjoyed meeting you and seeing your car this weekend. I thought of another tip for minimizing scratches on your car. My fanatic neighbor showed me this one. When you are drying your car, don't use a cloth or a chamois. Instead get a good portable leaf blower and air dry the car instead. I know this works, because his car is like glass. I haven't done this to my car because I am not completely insane (yet).
David |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2001 - 11:42 am: | |
Hello KH,
No, I don't go off-roading in the Modena. It just feels like it on our rough and poorly maintained roads in the Seattle area. Also, because we have these beautiful, tall trees everywhere, I get a nice amount of tree sap and other plant materials to go along with the dings and scratches.
Willis |
KH (H00kem)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2001 - 9:51 am: | |
I am headed to New Orleans next week...think I can find a Vodoo Priestess to work up a chant to dispell the negative ions? Now that's way out there. Seems to me the best way to keep a black car clean is to wash it regularly and use a Calif. duster in between. Seems old fashion but it works! Hey Willis, you doing any off road'n in that thing? |
Herbert Edward Gault (Irfgt)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2001 - 5:35 am: | |
I have to rank that way up there in the all time dumbest things I have ever heard. |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2001 - 1:07 am: | |
Try placing one of those '60's mood-rings anywhere on the body to see if it picks up those negative ions J. |
Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 12, 2001 - 12:14 am: | |
Well, I got to say that black is the presence of all colors. But I don't see how negative ions would attract dust. If in fact this is true. regardless you still have to polish , clean, wash and whatever. It's not going to change, because it is black. I have my doubts. Any mad scientists out there with a opinion. |
Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
| | Posted on Saturday, August 11, 2001 - 9:23 pm: | |
I was at a concourse a few weeks ago, and a well-known collector told me that black cars attract more dust because the color black is a producer of negative ions which create a large static charge around the car, and attract more dust than cars of other colors. I own a black Ferrari and have the same trouble keeping it clean.
Any physicists out there to confirm or refute this "negative ion" story? |
Torai Madjid (Countach83)
| | Posted on Saturday, August 11, 2001 - 5:14 am: | |
I liked "Liquid Glass" It comes in a rectangular metal pint can. It costs $15-$20 and looks like something left on the shelf from the 1960's. It is not common. I would not buy it from the looks of the package.
It is easy to apply, seemed to last long, and looked good on black cars. It did not bake on even if used in the sun. I felt it helped with dirt problems.
Wish I could get it here in Europe. Anybody have a favorite in Europe?
I also use hand glazing compound if I really want the fine scratches out. |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 12:19 am: | |
Martin,
The paint isn't in such a shape that warrants a new paint job. If new paint is required, I would probably consider getting it painted with a more durable finish and maybe in a different color (not red). |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 12:10 am: | |
Lance, I think there will always be some particles that are missed by the pre-covering dusting. Also, I found that the felt material on the inside of the OEM cover leave my car much "dirtier" than if I leave the car uncovered overnight. So covering the car isn't worth the trouble for me.
The main problem I have is the back end of the car from the air intakes back. The front of the car and the sides stays relatively clean. Particles like to bounce off the tops of the rear quarter panel and leave scratches.
I'm using Griot's Garage products at home (my detailer uses Blue Coral and a few others). The scratches are noticeable when you get really close to the car and if you know where to look. The good news is that most people tend to just notice how shiny the car is (even with a thin layer of road dust). |
Lance Reeve (Lance)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 8:53 pm: | |
I've owned a few black Ferrari's (328, TR, F355) and have tried several differnt products and combinations of products to keep it clean, swirl free, dust free, and clean (did I say clean?). Basically, as many of you have indicated, you can't win - although you can reduce the swirls and it will usually remain clean until immediately after you finish cleaning it.
Products tried include: Meguiars, Zymol Carbon and ItalGlaze, A Professional polish (Name I can't remember), Pinnacle, Griot, Zaino, and a few others. The only time I have received compliments is with the Professional Polish + Pinnacle combination.
Zaino says that their Gloss Enhancer #6 features an antistatic formula which repels dust. It may on non-black cars and may be effective on all colors for a short time (minutes). But, if dust particles represent the S end of any magnet then a black Ferrari will always represent the N end of another adjacent magnet. And, in this case, opposites do attract. And, yes, black has the unfortunate characteristic of showing everything.
The OEM cover is a good bet to put on a clean car. Personally, I put a felt cover on all my cars which leaves the car almost as "dirty" as with no cover - dust size pieces of felt are everywhere but the cover is very soft and not scratchy.
I have gone on and I could go on and on. |
martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 4:58 pm: | |
Willis,
Have you considered a trip to Earl Schreib (?spelling?)for a $129 paint job ?? |
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 10:17 am: | |
I saw a black 360 Sunday in Bedford, TX. It's a gorgeous looking work of art. |
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 10:15 am: | |
The duster and covering the car all the time works the best for me. I only detail every 6-9 months. |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 8:56 am: | |
Bob,
That thought had occurred to me once or twice. But the car just look so cool in black! |
BobD (Bobd)
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 07, 2001 - 8:09 am: | |
Willis, sounds to me like the only way to resolve your problem is to trade it in on a lighter colored Spider.
:-) |
HEATH VAUGHN (Heath)
| | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 10:46 pm: | |
WELL, I NEVER SAID I COULD SPELL,
HEATH |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 10:46 pm: | |
David, I used the red cover that came with the car. It's a nylon type material on the outside and felt on the inside. |
david handa (Davehanda)
| | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 10:41 pm: | |
Willis,
What was it made from? I occaisionally use a cotton cover that is very soft on the inside w/o problem. It is strictly for indoor or dry weather use only...
Dave |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 10:38 pm: | |
Well,covering the car was not a good idea. I found 2 new scratches on the roof this morning. |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 1:44 am: | |
Dispite my misgivings about car covers, I've decided to cover the car starting today. That should take care of any dust floating in the garage. Hopefully, the cover will not scratch the newly cleaned paint (fingers crossed). |
Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
| | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 1:01 am: | |
Martin M.D., I was hoping the same thing. |
Daniel B Reese MD (Dbr328gtb)
| | Posted on Monday, August 06, 2001 - 12:33 am: | |
Calif duster is great! I use the big one for the paint and a small one for the wheels. Assuming the car doesnt get rained on, I can now go many weeks between washes and the car Always looks great! No swirl marks. (and I am picky) |
martin J weiner,M.D. (Mw360)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 11:34 pm: | |
Could it be possible Heath means white PANTS????? |
Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 10:53 pm: | |
Heath, You want to run that by us again? |
HEATH VAUGHN (Heath)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 10:43 pm: | |
SIMPLE RULE OF LIFE. I CAN'T HAVE WHITE PAINTS OR BLACK CARS... |
Stewart Chung (Navygakman)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 7:01 pm: | |
I used to have a black Mercedes SL with chromed AMG 17" wheels and low profile tires that looked great when it was clean. But the upkeep was too much for us so we sold it. The color was the main reason. Loved it but cannot keep one (like woman :-) |
david handa (Davehanda)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 3:51 pm: | |
Willis,
My friend with the Daytona swears by something called Liquid Ebony. Not sure of the maker or where he gets it. I'll find out.
Dave |
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 1:11 pm: | |
Hi Willis,
Congrats on the 360, a terrific automobiles.
Just so you will know your clean/detail on your car is much simplier that a 348/355/Testarossa. your body surfaces are much smoother overall.
We have all of the slats and louvers to deal with. For me to do a really good job just the rear deck lid can take several hours. There are when counted actually hundreds of little corners to Q-tip with. Then again I really am supperfussy about this. I scrub the inner wheel wheels, lay underneath the car even dissemble parts of the car to clean. I just can't help it.
I really think of it as a large diecast car that does not fit in my curio cabinet and as a bonus I also get to drive.
Enjoy driving & cleaning
>> Larry |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 12:23 pm: | |
One thing I've noticed is that the design of the cars really affect how dirty it gets.
The Modena has a lot of horizontal surfaces in the back that attract dust. The rear quarter panels are especially troublesome. The big, flat areas just behind the upper air intakes collect the most dust and get a lot of scratches. The vertical sides of the car, though, stays pretty clean even on extended drives.
The worst surface is the engine cover piece near the little lip at the end. While the advanced aerodynamics works great to keep the car planted to the ground, it does so at the expense of wear and tear on certain sections. There's a vast amount of air flowing and collecting near the foot of that lip and any dust get caught makes nice lines parallel to that area. The situation gets more desparate as the area in question is nestled snuggly between the lip and the Ferrari logo . This makes polishing and scratch removal in that area an all afternoon chore(cotton swabs and dental tools, anyone?).
I think that the early cars like the 308 to 355 series don't have that sort of problem because of smaller horizontal surfaces. Testarossa owners might have similar problems though. |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 11:38 am: | |
Thanks for all the responses.
I use the California Duster religiously. However, it doesn't get all the dust off the car. Usually, I rinse the car down when the dust get too fine and stick to the surface. Also, I use a professional detailer every other month to really get it cleaned and remove most scratches.
Meguiar's Quick Detailer worked pretty good for general cleaning between washes. However, I tried out Griot's Speed Shine recently. Man oh Man, the stuff really clear up the finish optically and leaves an unbelievable slick, glossy surface.
Of course, the dust and fine scratches comes back as soon as I drive the car. So the cycle starts again. The neighbors are looking at me funny because I work on the car all the time.
I don't use the car cover now because I heard that residual dust (on the car and possibly in the cover) might rub against the cover and scratch the paint.
I will post a picture when I'm able to scan one into the computer. |
David Albright (Dalbright)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 6:57 am: | |
Make sure you wash the car frequently (maybe once a week) so that the dust doesn't begin scratch the surface. Also, try to keep it covered while in the garage. My car is also black and it is definitely a chore. Everytime I look at my baby when she's dirty, I think to myself this will be the last black car I buy. Then I wash the car, and when it's clean, nothing compares (my opinion).
BTW - I use all Meguires products. I recently had her professionaly detailed and they use 3M products. Has anyone had experience with Griots products? Sounds like a good deal of people on this chat like Zianos products.
One last thing: Post some pictures of you car, at least on your profile. |
Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 5:22 am: | |
I've found that since I've started using Zaino, there seems to be less static and therefore less dust buildup. I still use my California duster now and then, instead of after every drive. |
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 1:49 am: | |
I've given up totally on my car. If I keep waxing it, I'll rub the paint off. I use Meguires Swirl Remover and follow with Autoglym Super Resin Polish. After that, whatever happens, c'est la vie! |
Erik Jonsson (Gamester)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 1:44 am: | |
The famous California car duster to the rescue. Believe it or not, it is used on the finest finishes, and the dirtier it gets the better it works. |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2001 - 1:38 am: | |
David,
This is my first black car. I knew that it will be a chore to keep it clean when I ordered it. I didn't realize how big a chore it had become. I don't mind the work, but I would like to minimize it so I don't have to worry about it all the time.
Special waxes? What brand? Can you find out for me? |
Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
| | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 11:49 pm: | |
P.S. It doesn't attract any more dirt than any other color. It just stands out more on black. |
Warren E. Smith (Magoo)
| | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 11:47 pm: | |
A black car is historicaly known for showing dust, dirt, water spots etc. A very beautiful color,made up of all colors,but shows everything. |
david handa (Davehanda)
| | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 11:26 pm: | |
Willis,
Have you had a black car before? I think it is the nature of the beast. My buddy has a black 348 spider and another has a black Daytona. Beautiful cars, but you are right, the dust shows up almost immediately. They really have to work at it with special waxes to minimize swirls in the paint as well... |
Willis Huang (Willis360)
| | Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2001 - 11:09 pm: | |
Hello,
I have a black 2001 360 Modena F1. It looks great when it's just cleaned. Problem is that, even on a short drive, it attract dirt and dust like you would not believe. Anyone have a tip or two for me?
Willis |
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