buff & polish tips and tricks?

[HOOHA]

We picked up an ’04 CE recently (still can’t believe it’s in the driveway), she only had 15k on her and looks like she just came off the factory line.

The plan is to keep her looking that way so I was hoping all the seasoned veterans out there could advise a new/rookie C5 owner the best tools or products to maintain the paint, leather, the rubber and chrome… I am thinking the days of Armor All the entire car are long gone … J

 

[MsSchroder]

HOOHA,

Welcome to the Corvette Action Center.
I'm going to move this over to the Care and Detailing section, where you will find lots of purists to help out

For leather, I like Lexol products... and for the weatherstripping, I've just purchased some of this stuff (which I haven't used yet):

I haven't stayed on top of the latest and greatest in washing and waxing, but I think if you look around, you'll see some interesting threads. There's a big Zaino following here, as well as followers of other products.

Tammy

 

[mqqn]

Hi HOOHA -

I use silicone grease on the rubber weatherstrips and sealing surfaces - that is what Ms. Schroder (Tammy) showed you a pic of -

Wipe this on and then wipe it off, leaving a thin film on the rubber.

I use Malms products for waxing the exterior - www.malms.com -

I have put it up against any other wax and time and time again, it is the best for me. It lasts a long time, it's relatively easy to appy and remove, and it outshines all others in my experience. I use the liquid yellow carnauba and the pink pre-wax polish when needed.

Those who know me know how picky I am about swirl marks - and if you ave seen my Z06, I think you will agree that Malms and I have been able to put 37k miles on it with hardly any swirls (chips, yea, but swirls, no!)

If you wax and detail the car very well a couple of times a year, then simple spray-washing can be very effective in keeping the car looking good - and without rubbiing on the surface. I only bucket wash (using rain dance car wash) when it has enough bugs or other soil on it to warrant it. This minimizes the amount of rubbing on the finish, and subsequently, the chances of putting swirl marks in the paint.

I use Meguires Shine on the interior. Irrespective of the name of the product, it leaves a natural "new vinyl" sheen rather than an Armor-All "greasy kid -stuff" shine. Lexol products are also very good - you can buy these at saddle and tack stores - and Tractor Supply (TSC) at a good price.

I like the new DuPont wheel Cleaner with Teflon - it seems to be even better than Meguires Hot Wheels (very good also) at removing the voracious brake-dust buildup on my Z06.

congrats on the new CE - and best regards -

mqqn

 

[Aurora40]

I've found that if you plan on keeping up with the trim, silicone grease isn't necessary. Hit it with some vinyl and rubber protectant a couple times a year. Silicone grease is useful if the car is outside, or driven in the cold, though. But it is really greasy and greases everything up, dust sticks to it, it gets on your and your cloths if you bump against the rubber, etc. But it works well if you don't have those problems or the car is outdoors a lot.

 

[mqqn]

I've found that if you plan on keeping up with the trim, silicone grease isn't necessary. Hit it with some vinyl and rubber protectant a couple times a year. Silicone grease is useful if the car is outside, or driven in the cold, though. But it is really greasy and greases everything up, dust sticks to it, it gets on your and your cloths if you bump against the rubber, etc. But it works well if you don't have those problems or the car is outdoors a lot.

Hi Aurora40 -

The grease I use is clear - and I wipe it off after it is applied so that there is no residue.

Whatever works for folks, at least we know it is very important to take good care of that rubber - it's more expensive to replace than you might think!

best regards -

mqqn