[crxfisher]

I've mentioned this on other boards, so some of you may have seen this already, but I have a couple of friends who own a high-end detailing business. They specialize in show cars, exotics, etc. Check out their site, especially the gallery. They've worked on some of the sweetest cars in the world and have some nice eye candy that will make you drool on your keyboard.

Also, you can buy Zymol wax (the good stuff, not the store-bought stuff) from their site. It's the stuff I use and love, and if you haven't tried it or heard about it, check it out. I know it's pricey but it makes my car look better than anything else, no question about it. And no, I don't get paid anything if you buy from them. I'm always telling people about Zymol because I'm constantly being asked why my 15-year old car looks so good.

Here's their site: http://www.concours-exteriors.com

 

[CrxCarl]

Wait a second, what is different between the Zymol store bought stuff and the real Zymol stuff? I use the store bought Zymol. Works great.

 

[CrxCarl]

Just checked out their site. That is impressive. Great looking shop too. Do they stay busy all the time? How long does it take for them to do the full 4 step first visit? What about the 2 step follow-up?
I don't know how they do it. When I wash and wax both my car and my wife's in the same day, I am always tired as crap and ready to be finished as soon as possible.

 

[crxfisher]

Just checked out their site. That is impressive. Great looking shop too. Do they stay busy all the time? How long does it take for them to do the full 4 step first visit? What about the 2 step follow-up?
I don't know how they do it. When I wash and wax both my car and my wife's in the same day, I am always tired as crap and ready to be finished as soon as possible.

There is a huge difference between the store bought stuff and the "Estate Glazes." It's probably best to let Jeff tell you about it. He signed up on the board too, even though he doesn't have a CRX. I'll let him know you asked and point him here.

I do know that it's a serious workout doing those cars all day. They have been pretty busy lately. They've also moved into motorcycles and have done one boat. But I'm not sure if they'll stick with the boat thing. That was very time consuming.

 

[CrxCarl]

Yeah, send him over here. I would like to bend his ear.
The store bought Zymol is still pretty good I think. Takes off a fair amount of oxidation and makes the car shiny.
My biggest questions will be: would I be able to tell the difference between the estate and the store stuff as a novice car waxer who doesn't have all the same tools they have? Would I be able to utilize the product to its full potential without special buffers and all the other stuff? Is price really worth it? Does it protect that much better?

 

[Jeff]

There is a big difference between the Estate line and the store bought stuff. The store bought stuff is definitely better than any other store bought products. They are all natural not full of paint damaging cheap petroleum or swirling silicones.

The estate line is amazing. The glazes are incredibly easy to apply and remove. No other product on the planet is easier. I have tried them all. Not only that but the shine is second to none. These products win Concours d' Elegance trophies for shine. You don't have to spend a bundle either. The least expensive glaze is only $42. If you buy other store bought products you may get 4 or 5 cars out of them. I can get 20 cars out of a Zymol 8 oz container. So Zymol is actually much cheaper!

I would love to talk more about this if you have any questions.

 

[Jeff]

Yeah, send him over here. I would like to bend his ear.
The store bought Zymol is still pretty good I think. Takes off a fair amount of oxidation and makes the car shiny.
My biggest questions will be: would I be able to tell the difference between the estate and the store stuff as a novice car waxer who doesn't have all the same tools they have? Would I be able to utilize the product to its full potential without special buffers and all the other stuff? Is price really worth it? Does it protect that much better?

The four step process takes between 4 and 6 hours. The two steps takes about 2 hours. It all depends on the vehicle size and condition.

When we are done the paint is perfectly smooth and feels almost moist. The oils in the products really feed the paint. The glazes repel the water so well that your car will stay cleaner longer. The dirty water doesn't sit on the paint and dry, it glides right off.

 

[CrxCarl]

Thanks for getting back to me on this.
Does this product work just as well on a car that maybe has not had the best care taken of it? I mean, if I have an 8 year old car (which I do) that has been fairly well taken care of during its life, will the product be able to restore the showroom look on the first application or is a proper klaying needed first to fully utilize the estate wax?
Really, though, if you can get 20 cars out of the an 8oz can, that is very good for $42. Slightly over $2.00 for a top notch wax job is absolutely worth it. I would guess that, as a beginner with this product, I would end up using too much the first few times. I am sure that you have a much better sense of how far it can go than I ever will.
How is it applied? I have a cheapo random orbit buffer, will that help in this process?
You should start a sticky on this. Everyone here has cleaned and waxed their car and noticed the difference. But when you see someone with a Ferrari who had it professionally detailed, they realize there are steps and or products that they are missing. Of course, a $15,000 paint job helps.
Thanks for the input.
Carl

 

[crxfisher]

I'm thinking about making a dedicated "Detailing" forum. Jeff has volunteered to moderate it.

 

[CrxCarl]

Sweet! I say do it. I know other car sites I hang out on have detailing forums. I am sure there are a lot of little tricks we could all share and use. Plus, winter is almost done and I am sick of my car looking like crap. Time for my Civic to look presentable again.

 

[Jeff]

will the product be able to restore the showroom look on the first application or is a proper klaying needed first to fully utilize the estate wax?
You will know if you need to klay just by touching the paint. If the paint feels rough then you should klay. You will use about one bottle per car. The klay itself can last up to about ten uses.

How is Zymol it applied?
It depends on how high up the wax chart you go. If you start off with Carbon, the $42 jar, you just use a small non-silicone sponge to apply. Then use a microwipe to remove. Microwipes work the best. You will be amazed at how easy it comes off. Not all mircrowipes are created equal use one from a reputable company.

I have a cheapo random orbit buffer, will that help in this process?
No. You do not need to use a buffer unless you are trying to repair the paint like removing swirls. Then you would need a compound for that. I am in the process of negotiating a deal with a company to distribute their compounds. I can tell you more when it happens.

If we were to do the full treatment plus swirl removal your car would probably look better than most Ferraris. Believe it or not most people just don't take care of their paint. A little preventative maintenance will make a HUGE difference.

 

[CrxCarl]

If we were to do the full treatment plus swirl removal your car would probably look better than most Ferraris.

Even if the paint job is not as nice to begin with?
So, does the $42 bottle last for 20 cars or 1? I am confused on that point.

 

[Jeff]

If you buff the paint it can take it down a little until you get to good paint.
Most of the cars we have encountered have not been taken care of very well at all.

And yes the $42 jar lasts about 20 cars. I was referring to the klay. There is a lube that you buy for the klay. That bottle only lasts about one car.

I would really need to see your paint. Explain how it looks? Is it chipped, faded, scratched, etc...

 

[CrxCarl]

The paint is dark green. Few swirls, not too bad from what I remember. I have only had this car for about 9 months so it has only gone through one wax with me.
Not too many chips at all. When I Zymoled it, it was very smooth. I don't know, maybe I will wash it so I can see the paint and then describe in more detail.

 

[Jeff]

Did you wash it yet? Let me know if you are interested in using a Klay and HD Cleanse with an estate glaze. These products are not that expensive at all. I can tell you exactly how to use the products too! If you lived in GA I would be happy to help you with the swirls.

My company is actually in negotiations right now with a manufacturer to develop our own line of compounds and polishes. If you ever get down here, we could hook you up with the full treatment! I would only charge you for supplies.

 

[Synoptic]

Hey Jeff, my CRX is getting painted in a few weeks. What should I do to protect it when the paint will be dry ?

My paint is the factory RioRed base coat/clear coat type.

 

[crxfisher]

You should probably post this in the Detailing forum. Jeff doesn't own a CRX so he doesn't comb these forums like we do.

 

[Synoptic]

Can you move it for me ?

 

[Kain]

I can

 

[Jeff]

Hey Jeff, my CRX is getting painted in a few weeks. What should I do to protect it when the paint will be dry ?

My paint is the factory RioRed base coat/clear coat type.

Congrats. I bet your baby will look amazing.

I would definitely reccomend that as soon as you get your baby home the first thing you should do is use Zymol's HD Cleanse. That will remove all the petroleum that the polishing process leaves behind. Then I would wax it with whichever glaze you are comfortable with. The most popular is Carbon. It is only $42. I say "only" becuase it will last a very very long time.

The 8.5 oz bottle of HD Cleanse will be plenty. It is only $22.
I would also reccomend Zymol Microwipes for removing the glaze. They are by far the best microwipes out there. They are $16 for two. That is plenty.

I can give you all the details on using the products just e-mail [email protected].