Cleaning and Detailing

After discovering such marks on my 2 year old daily driver, a red Dodge Charger I am wondering what I've done wrong[?] Improper use of the clay bar and not being able to power wash off as much dirt as I'd like to with a simple garden hose attachment before taking a soft, soapy brush to the paint come to mind based on what I've read recently. In fact a recent article claimed - based on microscopic examinations - car washes are actually better because they power wash off more dirt prior to taking a brush to the paint!

Since I can not feel these scratches I believe they can be removed but not sure how or if I should turn to a pro - obviously this concerns all my cars, it's just that this one is easier to see as I've had it since new and I (though I was) paying close attention to it. I used the factory Mopar "cleaner wax" which claims to be the solution to surface scratches but no worky [:(]. I'll be certain to wash all brushes and towels between uses.

Anyone have the solution and advice regarding clay bars, fixes, etc...?

Francis E. Abate

Best way to avoid is the use the two bucket method for washing so that you're not dunking the sponge in water that's full of grit. You can use a product like Meguires machine glaze by hand which will remove swirl marks.


With best regards

Al

I'm a big fan of products by Adams Polishes. Have look at their website - lots of videos showing how it can be done.

They have a color-coordinated system of products. White polishes go with white pads, pink with pink, grey with grey, etc.

Recently, they came out with a set of foam pads that have a terry-cloth like face that is great for removing swirls and scratches.

I have an expensive random-orbit gear-driven polisher that I use (Flex is the brand), plus a set of smaller pads that attach to a mandrel that fits in a drill. The drill gives a more aggressive result because of the speed.

On my daily driver, a charcoal-grey Lexus I recently got a scratch along the top of the right front fender (wing) when a rock thrown by something ahead of me on the road bounced and skipped like a rubber ball before glancing off the fender. Left a scratch that you could easily see (dark colors with clear-coat are notorious for this), and was deep enough to barely catch a fingernail.

I used some 1000grit sandpaper to VERY carefully sand the scratch out. From there, it was just patience and the proper application of Adams products and you'd never know there was ever a scratch there.

Check them out. They have good stuff.

Regards

W. Brian Fogarty

'07 Lexus LS460L
'76 450SEL 6.9 Euro #521
'02 S55 AMG (W220) - sold
'92 300SE (W140) - sold
'76 450SEL 6.9 Euro #1164 - parted & gone

"Bond reflected that good Americans were fine people, and most of them seemed to come from Texas..." Casino Royale, Chapter VII

I appreciate this guys and will have a look. Al, I do use that 2 bucket method and the Maguires product looks like a plan as well, thanks.

Francis E. Abate