Does anyone know where I can buy Sprayway? Already tried Costco.
Regarding bugs, I've had good results from a concentrated Z7+water mixture. I spray it on, let it sit for a minute, flush / spray with water, and wipe clean.
I thought you were to mix Z-5 with the ZFX? I received my Z-5 and was about to mix when I read the bottle and it has "NEW". And, the directions on the bottle state to apply ... No mention of mixing.
The directions on the Z5 were written BEFORE ZFX came out, so they are for how to apply unaccelerated Z5. ZFX is, to some, an expensive step that they don't care to take; they can live with applying one coat at a time and the variable drying time. So, it would be somewhat presumptive, and, perhaps, counterproductive, for Zaino to expect everyone to use ZFX and go to the trouble and expense, of putting additional directions for that use on the Z5 or any other of the paint polish labels as well as providing them on the ZFX package. When you use ZFX, follow the directions on the box and disregard any apparent conflict between them and those on the bottle of the particular paint polish you are choosing to accelerate.
Z5 IS new, compared to the other Zaino paint polishes.
I'm about to order the claybar, Z2, Z6, and ZFX...are those the correct products for a 2001 Mustang GT? Also, does Zaino put a layer of protection on the paint like a wax does? Is it a wax? Thanks all.
"I'm about to order the claybar, Z2, Z6, and ZFX...are those the correct products for a 2001 Mustang GT? That'll Work, You might want to choose Z5 instead of Z2 if you have a dark color car or have some small scratches/swirls. But Z2 will Suffice.
Also, does Zaino put a layer of protection on the paint like a wax does? Yes, in my experience it is better protection than wax.
Is it a wax?" Tricky question to answer. Zaino polishes are really not waxes or polishes in the traditional sense. Waxes are generally made of a mixture of Carnauba wax, paraffin wax and silicone oils and in addition many have cleaners and micro-abrasives. Polishes generally have abrasives and/or chemical cleaners that remove some paint to bring out the shine.
Zaino is really more of a breathable sealant or Synthetic wax. It has very little cleaning ability and does not really help an oxidized paint finish. The nice thing about it is it can layer and is very easy to apply and maintain once you get proficient with technique of putting on thin coats.
If your finish has been waxed and maintained regularly your choice for your order should work out well.
joe, Thanks for the Sprayway info, I just ordered form 'topoftheline'. 'Will let you know how good it is on my windows.
expiresport: In addition to joebob's post, I'd just add that Zaino's Z2 and Z5 products are "polymers". These are long linked molecules which can be altered to include such attributes as UV filters, optically clear properties, anti- static properties, etc. Another great attribute of the Zaino Z2 and Z5 products is their endurance. I've found that they easily outlast a good typical wax product by a factor of 6 (if not more). Three coats of Z5 lasted all last winter for me in the Northeast. That's endurance in the face of road salts, sand, ice, and all sorts of nasty dirt and water. Zaino also produces the best shine I've ever seen.
Again, no product, including Zaino, is magic. The trick with Zaino, is to put multiple coats of Z2 or Z5 on your car. This will greatly increase endurance and shine. You should also order a bottle of the Z7 Car Wash. And you will need a set of 100% cotton towels (made in USA only). Try Fieldcrest or Cannon. These two manufacturers commonly run big discount sales on their factory secords from their respective web sites. And lastly, please read the directions found on the Zaino web site (www.zainobros.com).
Last weekend I finally did the zaino thing to my echo. It took over three hours total as I started fron scratch with the dawn wash. I am up to two coats of the final polish. While the shine is good it did not come out as good as I thought it should listening to all the posts here. Maby I expected too much. I had taken good care of my car all along and had waxed it at regular intervals, so it always had a good shine. The surface is a lot smoothed than before (clay bar helped). But the main reason I did this was for the UV protection. My car is in the sum all day, everyday. Only time will tell on how that works out. Once I have used up my remaining old wax product on the Sequoia I will be doing that vehicle.
Haven't been by in a while. Glad to see pblevine and joebob continue to carry the Zaino Q&A banner. Where's fastdriver?
With it being unbearably hot and humid in the Ohio Valley for the entire month of July, I haven't Z'd my sled (300M) since this past spring. Still looks great since it has barely rained in 8 weeks either. I've probably put 10 coats on it since new, going on 3 years. Still looks new and, of course, blindingly shiny. No rain, no real need to wash. Even dirty (what I consider dirty) I still get comments regarding how good my 300M looks. Even had someone comment the last time at the grocery store how I must have spent the entire morning washing my car. Hadn't touched it for a month.
I'm ambivalent about ZFX. Like that it dries quicker and offers one less step when I have to Z1. Shine is about the same, however. Still have Z1 left over, too. So I'll use it up and then decide whether to permanently switch over to ZFX.
Had a recent car search experience over the past month. Wife's Avalon turned 120K miles in June. Little things were falling off/going wrong with it. Lots of $200-$300 bills each month for numerous and sundry things going wrong. Time to car shop. She's a Toyota die hard, so the first stop was to the Toyota dealers. The new (new re-design since she originally bought her Avalon) Avalons weren't to her liking. I told her to save some money and get a Camry. Those also left her cold, too (although I liked the SE version). Next up, Honda Accord. I've always liked them and owned one several years ago. They're giving great deals on the '02s. Still "no go" for her. I told her to wait until the redesigned '03s came out...they'll be even better. I wasn't making any headway with her. I like "fasdriver's" Acura. So I take her over to the Acura dealer. She's mildly enthused but turned off by the Acura sales people. They made the critical mistake of trying to sell the CL to me instead of to her ("how's the little lady like the car, sir?"). They had plenty of '02s on the lot, but weren't very interested in letting the wife take one out on the interstate as opposed to a cursory drive around the block. Scratch Acura.
Last Saturday, her Avalon started to make some sort of nasty suspension related noises. While dropping it off to our trusty neighborhood mechanic, I had to go pick up some lawn & garden stuff. I have a 2nd car, '94 Saturn, that I use for all my dirty work. Never been Zaino'd, abused like an orphan, but it just runs and runs with little care from me. The wife hates it. I am driving the Saturn for my dirty chores and her with me.
We decide to shop again. Go over to the Infiniti dealer (which is right next door to a Chrysler dealership). I really, really like the new G35. So does my wife. We've tested them before. She wasn't ready to "pull the trigger" on one, though. We begin negotiations after another test drive. They don't have the color she wants. AAAHHHHHRRRRRRGGGGG!
She spies a row of PT Cruisers next door at the Chrysler store. "What are those?" I tell her as we wander over for a closer look/see. "They're cute", she says. Salesman wanders over. Ask if we're interested in a PT. Next thing I know, tags are slapped on and she's driving a PT Turbo. "Honey...I really like this". Me...."HUH?" Actually I like it too. Me..."then make an offer". Ends up, this dealer is asking $3K over MSRP with a "dummy" sticker on it. Scratch that one.
After talking about our car shopping over the weekend, I ask her what she wants to do. She says, "Actually, I like your car (the 300M) best out of all of them". My car? No way! It's mine! Now she's negotiating with me. "Honey (don't you just love how sweet they can be when they want something from you), you liked the PT, too...why don't you give me your car and buy the PT?". Thought about it for a while and thought if I could do a reasonable deal on the PT Turbo, I'd go along with her since I really did like the PT (totally different kind of car than my 300M, though).
Well, late last night I struck a reasonable deal (at a different dealership) on an inferno red PT Turbo, trading my beloved Saturn (when I should have been trading her Avalon instead). Now, we have matching (colorwise, only) Chryslers in the garage. They actually washed it with Z7 (upon my insistence from my car wash trunk stash) for delivery. Now, I'm going to spend this weekend claying, Z1/Z2 this car.
Anybody interested in a '98 Avalon that's had most major parts replaced?
I'm not too interested after reading your history on this car: "Lots of $200-$300 bills each month for numerous and sundry things going wrong," but we appreciate your honesty.
I had the same experience when I went shopping for a new car with a lady friend. She wanted a Celica, and when the dealer tried to sell one to me, we left and went to another dealership, where the salesman dealt with her. She bought one from him that evening. Some of these guys just don't get it, even after being told "She's interested in a new Celica."
The garage sounds nice; it's good to hear that red cars are still selling; I'm very tired of silver. After Z, it's even redder, whatever that means.
Good luck on selling the Avalon with 120,000 miles. Someone will want it.
Great story! For some reason, my wife's eyes go into another demension when she sees a PT thing too. I'll stick with my '98 Accord Coupe which has not had a single real problem and is a daily commuter.
Regarding ZFX, its truly a great addition to the Z Line. I don't have a lot of time these days, and ZFX permitted me to put three coats on in a single day. That was in late June and the car still looks great. Now that the heat wave has finally broken, I want to get out there and put some more coats of Z2 on the car.
Zaino looks BEST on darker colored cars. Click on my name above and you'll see what it looks like on red!
graphicguy-
I'm here! Just kind of laying low this summer fighting a case of Vertigo that the Dr. thinks came from a sinus infection! Been busy with projects inside and out around here. Trying to get everything done before September.
Congrats on the PT Cruiser- I think!! From a Zainoed red BEAUTY to a PT Cruiser? Mmmm..... who got the better end of this deal? At least it's RED and it's a turbo!! LOL..... They make more mods for the PT anyway! Bravo for your wife for walking out of the dealer!! Some of them are as dumb as the people in their service departments! Will they EVER learn how to treat people?
I had heard the same things about the Acura salespeople too. However, the one I went to in CT was very nice. No pressure, no give me your life history before you drive the car, no follow-up calls pressuring me to buy there! I didn't get my CL-S there because my brother knew someone at Inskip Motors in RI. I went there, just to LOOK, and left after signing all kinds of papers and had the CL-S 4 days later on my birthday!! They EVEN took Christine because they own a Chrysler dealership in Newport, RI! It was a WONDERFUL experience. Now have 17,500+ miles on the Cl and not ONE problem! The windows work, the car doesn't leak, the transmission fluid has stayed in, the rack and pinion is fine etc.!! Imagine that! I love it. Just like ALL my other cars BEFORE Christine! That was an experience that I will NEVER forget for as long as I live. I also won't let others forget it either especially in my other favorite topic here! ;-))) This dealer sells everything in the world- Acura, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Infiniti, Porsche, Volvo, Audi, Bentley and Rolls Royce!! All this on what seems like a 2x4 piece of land!! ONLY in RI!! LOL.....
As soon as you get that PT Turbo all Z'd, I want to see some pics!! Actually, the 300 AND the PT in the same pics would be ok too! ;-))
I know that no old timers here will believe me, but I have NOT Zainoed the CL since LAST March 9th and it still looks GREAT!! Have to get on a few coats at least before September rolls around. If I bend too much, I get dizzy, so the CL is sort of suffering because I KNOW what it SHOULD look like, but to the untrained eyes out there, they think I clean it 24/7! I love this ZAINO!
NO! Can't you read! DIZZY!!! LOL..... Most people I know would say that I've always been dizzy, so that this is nothing new!
See, with Christine, I spent so much time going to the dealer all the time for something to be fixed or checked that I NEVER wanted to bring her in dirty. I THOUGHT that maybe if they saw that I really took care of her, they would do a BETTER job of checking her out. Boy, was I EVER stupid to believe that. With the CL-S, I only go to the dealer every so often for oil/filter changes or tire rotations. I guess you could say that this damn Japanese reliability has made me "lazy"!! LOL...
It's amazing what we do for the people we love. Yes, the wife is now driving the 300M. I thought for certain she'd jump on either the CL or the Infinity G35. Go figure!
If her Toyota had not started going south so quickly and if I had known that she wanted my car all along, I would have given it to her and done a more methodical car search for me. I probably would have waited for the new GP to come out, or jumped on a TL/CL or G35 for myself. Never would I have thought of a PT Cruiser for either me or her.
Of course, now I have a new car to "doddle" over and am, so far, smitten. This car is attracting a lot of attention (still). The Cruiser's been out for two years. I've already been invited to a "Cruise-In" that the local PTer's meet to show off their "Custom Cruisers" locally. Guy stopped me at a red light and invited me this Sunday. I'll probably go check it out. These people are fanatics and he said I'd have the only "turbo" there so to expect a lot of attention.
As we all know, after the initial love affair with a new car wears off, do we really know how we like them. That said, Chrysler has done an awfully nice job on these.
My sister had "vertigo" a few years ago, and in fact, it was related to her sinuses. It's not fun since I saw how it affected her.
I plan on doing the zaino treatment this weekend since the weather in the Ohio Valley has finally dropped from unbearably 100 degree hot and humid to a rather pleasant 80 degreees.
I'll see if I can take some pics (hopefully, both cars together).
pblevine...must be a right brain/left brain thinking between men and women. Women like style in a car. I like substance in my cars. Got any opinions on what you've read about the '03 Accords. They sound very promising.
Regarding ZFX, if I didn't have so much Z1 left, I probably would be more appreciative of using ZFX.
Squidd...funny thing, the mechanic that's working on my wife's Avalon (now homeless as it'll lose it's spot in the garage) said he'd give me $10,000 for her car. That's probably around $1,000-$2,000 less than its worth since its got high mileage. On the other hand, she won't have to pay for the new wheel bearings that need to be replaced. I'm going to let him know tonight.
fastdriver (again)...I tried to buy a TL before from this dealership, got the same treatment. Problem is they are the only Acura dealer within 40 miles of me. If they were just a little more accomodating, I probably would have bought a TL a couple of years ago. It's not like they didn't have a ton of TLs/CLs on the lot and they didn't look very busy when my wife an I walked in. I honestly don't know how these guys stay in business unless there are that many people that absolutely have to have an Acura regardless of how they're treated.
They could take a lesson from the dealership for my now departed Saturn. Whenever I took the Saturn in for servicing, everyone fell all over themselves to make sure I was happy and it was a $14,000 car (when new), not $30,000+ like the Acuras.
LOL.... Who would have "thunk" it! Already invited to a meet? That NEVER happened with the 300!! ;-))) You better get some Zaino on that red beauty before this meet. Bet you win a prize for the shiniest PT there!! I do like the looks of the PT too. The turbo must be a blast to drive. Is it automatic or stick? I know what you mean about the temps. The past 2 days have been GREAT in So. CT. Nice breeze, low humidity and low temps compared to what we've had. Opened all the windows for some fresh air for a change. It was a great day to Z, but I painted the porch steps and started on the foundation. Like I said, the CL looks great even though I know what it REALLY would look like with some Z on it.
When you were talking about the various cars, I thought you were going to say that your wife was getting the G35. I was going to tell you to wait until November when the 2-door version comes out! Too late for that.
You had pretty good luck with the Avalon- didn't you? With that kind of mileage, I would expect things to start breaking, falling off or leaking! I never had a car for that long to accumulate that kind of mileage. It's only 3 miles to work for me! ;-))
That Acura dealer sounds like a place I'd never go to. If EITHER Acura dealer that I went to treated me like that, I'd be driving something else for sure! I wouldn't care if my brother knew the people or not. There is NO reason for a dealer to treat a customer like that ESPECIALLY before you sign on the dotted line. Christine's "5-STAR" dealer was WONDERFUL BEFORE I signed on the dotted line. After that, 2 days later, it was all downhill! ;-))
If it was me, I'd certainly write a letter to Honda's head office for your area and tell them exactly the way you were treated and that because of that you didn't buy a car there. Maybe they'll care and maybe they won't, but it would make me feel a lot better.
Still hoping this vertigo goes away SOON! Once work starts again, I'll really be dizzy especially with the way things work around there!
I have currently taken the following "Z" approach. Instead of spending lots of time doing the whole car, I "Z" part of it with every wash. One week it is the roof, trunk, hood. The next week, it is the doors and the "middle" areas. The next week, it is the lower, bumper levels. I keep rotating the process. This is preferable to me to doing a whole vehicle at longer intervals. With that method, I only need Z1 or ZFX twice per year, which is the recommended interval for applying "lock".
Too bad about Christine. The pictures of Christine and graphicguy's 300M were what originally sent me to the Zainbros website. Well, Chris Parish was also a factor. But congrads again on the CL-S. Its probably the best front wheel drive car on the market. And fun to drive.
About your vertigo, hope you feel better. My father (age 86) has also been experiencing some vertigo. The doctors put him through every test known without any real conclusions. What course of action has your doctor prescribed for you?
graphicguy: left-brain/right-brain, you'll get a head ache trying to figure it out. I haven't seen the new Hondas up close or driven them yet. According to the reviews (Edmunds/Car&Driver,etc.), the 2003 crop of Hondas seems to be basically the same as the 2002's with a steady evolution in features (and a little more HP). Have you seen them up close?
atoews: Yep, you can "Z" just a section at a time. But it only takes me about 15 minutes to Z the entire car. Why not just continue for a few more minutes?
I agree with the above post. One of the big advantages of Zaino over wax is that it does not take that much time or work to apply a coat. Using ZFX, I can do 3 coats to my not very big car (Lexus SC430) in an hour. One coat takes about 20 minutes if I'm not in a hurry.
You must be driving one of those huge Ford Valdez things. I think the best bet is still to apply one (or more) coats at a time, so that you don't miss any spots and don't have overlapping layers.
Doing just a door at a time seems like a lot of trouble. Besides, I would never remember what had already been done.
I think Christine's shine influenced a lot of people to try Zaino! The early pics of Christine were photos that were scanned on an old scanner and an old Mac at work and then uploaded to Geocities. That was just basic scanning. I did not/do not know how to use any of the tools that came with the old Photoshop, so what you saw is what you got! Now I have the digital camera and a new Mac. The pics are still WYSIWYG! Haven't posted any new pics of the CL-S because it hasn't been Z'd since last March! I'm taking a break from everything and everyone this summer! I have not written to Chris Parrish in AGES as well as several other people for NO reason! Must be this Vertigo!
Right now all I'm taking is Antivert 3 times a day. Can't say that I see much of an improvement. I think I'm learning how to move my head or get up without causing everything to go spinning out of control. One of the side effects of the antivert is dizziness!! Next step should be catscan or MRI I guess. Maybe they will find a brain up there! ;-))
This weekend will be the first in a long time for a total Zaino treatment. Actually looking forward to it. Or, you can look at it as a testament to zaino's shine and durability. I'll do the Dawn/clay/Z7/Z1/Z2/Z6. I should be done in about 3 hours. After that, like all of you, I'll add 1 coat of Z2/Z6 per week until I get 4-5 coats on the PT to get it ready for winter. Each coat will take me maybe 15-20 minutes since this is not a big car. I'll probably throw a couple more coats on the 300M while I'm at it.
fastdriver-the wife's avalon was a good car until it turned about 100K miles. Things started going to "hell in a handbasket" at that point. First it was the alternator, then the radiator, then the master cylinder, then the heater core, then the tranmission, then...you get the picture. The interior started getting "ratty" about the same time. This was on top of the normal stuff like tires, brakes, etc. Maybe I just expected too much. She's had Toyotas before and they all lasted until at least 150K miles without any major repairs outside of the ordinary. Or maybe, Toyota is using lesser quality parts in recent years.
pblevine...living a little over an hour from the Honda plant in Ohio, I've seen the '03 Accord during what they probably consider "test runs". I'm not sure I like the styling. The front looks like it has all it's teeth missing except one "buck tooth" in the grill. The back looks pretty generic. Body looks like it's had a few too many "Big Macs" (of course, you can say the same thing about the PT Cruiser). When they are testing new models around here, they never stay in one place very long since it isn't released yet, so I didn't get a chance to see the interior. I've read about the engine changes and that sounds pretty interesting, which is why I wanted my wife to wait until they came out. All-in-all, I think your '98 is the best looking year they made.
The PT is getting a lot of attention that I'm not sure I want. People wave and honk when I pass. They honk at redlights to ask about it. I never would have thought that something that's been out for two years would still hold as much interest. Again, last night I got a little unnerved. I was at a business function at a local restaurant. After it was over, I was paying my check at the front counter and I looked out the window to see a Lincoln SUV blocking the front of my car, a Corvette parked perilously close to the passenger side and a "tricked out" Civic hatchback blocking the rear of it. I thought somebody had hit it so I scampered out the restaurant door to see what happened.
There were 4 people peering around it...an older gentleman (Lincoln owner) looking in the driver's window, a guy about my age (Corvette owner) with his hands cupped, looking into the passneger side and two teens (guy and his girlfriend with the civic) staring at my wheels. Once I hit the "unlock" button on the keyfob, they all backed away in unison. "Anything wrong?" I yelled from about 10 yards away. Teen says "no, this yours?" "yes!". Then the questions came, "is it fast? (yes)...how much did it cost? (high teens to low 20s depending on which one you get)...where did you get the tint on the back windows (Chrysler factory)...where did you get the wheels (Chrysler factory)...are you going to paint flames on it? (no)...how much does it hold? (a bunch)...how does it handle? (very well)...what's the stereo like? (fine for me)...cool car (thanks)". I didn't get out of the parking lot for another 15 minutes. I haven't even gone for my first fill-up yet. While I appreciate the affirmations, the attention still makes me a little uncomfortable. As I said, people around here are fanatics about these things.
LOL.......A PT Cruiser!!! It is different then anything else around even after 2 years. I guess that's the reason it draws so much attention. I know EXACTLY how you feel. When I first got Christine back in June of 1998, it was the only 300M around here. The attention at lights, parking lots, gas stations, the casino(LOL...) etc. was a bit unnerving. It did draw a lot of attention with the Candy Apple Red, the looks and that Zaino shine, people couldn't help "gawking"! I did it myself as I would walk away from it! It was/is great looking, especially in Red. Thank God it didn't attact the CT State Police like David Letterman seems to do! LOL...
Get that Zaino on. As soon as I finish painting my foundation, my next chore this summer will be to get some Z on the CL before the snow starts flying around here!
Looking forward to those pics! I've seen the PT in red. AWESOME! The turbo has duals doesn't it?
fastdriver: 'Hope you feel better. And I'll tell my dad about Antivert. Has Zaino held up well after 5 months on your CL-S?
graphicguy: I just came back from lunch and found a PT Cruiser parked next to a Mini-Cooper in the parking lot. Actually, the PT looks a lot more practical. The Mini belongs to a very short girl who has been nick-named "Mini".
I just read on cnn.com that there is a recall out for about half a million 2002 & 2001 PT Cruisers for some kind of fuel leak. Sorry about the bad news, recalls suck especially when they come right after you get a new car. Happy mortoring!
You should need to use Dawn only before your first appication. Clay as you feel you need to; if, after washing with Z7 or whatever and before drying it, if the surface is not smooth, clay it. To make the most cost-effective use of your clay, regularly do your hood and the fender area around your wheels. Periodically, depending on how much you drive and how much your paint is exposesed to the elements and pollutants, clay the entire vehicle; IMHO once a year as a minimum.
How much do you use one bar of clay? After each use, do you store it in the plastic jar it came in? Anything special need to be done to preserve the clay?
Just finished cleanin' the car, Zaino and all. Was cleaning the interior and decided to pass on a cleaning tip that I got from ClubLexus.com. I have a 98 GS400 and the original owner didn't take too much care of the inside. However, someone on CL has used Soft Scrub (Lemon scented, not the bleach) on three of their cars' leather interior, and posted pictures. Looked like it worked wonders. Then someone else tried it and had great results. So, today, I did it (I was nervous as ____) and lo and behold, my leather looks a heck of a lot better. All you need is a scrub brush and a pail of water, and that's about it. Doesn't take long, and not a lot of work. So, for all you leather interior people, give it a shot.
"How much do you use one bar of clay? After each use, do you store it in the plastic jar it came in? Anything special need to be done to preserve the clay?"
The use of clay depends on how soiled/contaminated it gets; when you can no longer bring up a clean surface as you knead the soiled surface into the interior of the clay or if you feel any grit that you cannot rub/wash off. I convert such soiled clay (but not containing any grit I could not remove) to cleaning the metal of the wheels; which may give you a few more uses.
Yes, store it in the plastic jar it comes in at room temperature. I roll the clay into a cylinder shape and press it against the bottom of the jar to store it freestanding from the other bar and the side of the jar.
When I'm done claying, I knead the clay in my fresh, hot wash water to try to clean off any dirt or grit that I can.
Daverose is right. Another way of storing that I find useful is wrapping the clay in a piece of "saran wrap", put the wrapped clay in a "freezer bag" and store at room temp.
It does depend on how dirty your clay gets as to how many applications you can use it for. I've used one clay bar for a year. I've had other bars that I could only use for a couple of months. That said, if you clay real well and keep Z2 or Z5 on your car, the need to clay should be minimal.
Just dawned/clayed/Z7/ZFX/Z2/Z6 my Cruiser yesterday. If you could figure out how to get pictures posted somewhere, I'd show the results. It took about 4 hours, but that includes Scotchgarding the interior as well as Zainoing the chrome wheels. Also included greasing the battery terminals, conditioning all the door seals, and putting WD-40 on all hinges. Once I got on a roll, I just kept on going. Will put 2nd coat of Z2 on today.
Couple of things I've noticed with ZFX. One, I always mix too much, thus wasting both ZFX and Z2. I used less than a 1/2 ounce on the Cruiser. I hope Sal can find a way to mix these at his shop. Second, as is stated in the directions, once you mix it, it only stays useable for about 12 hours. Thus, if you don't use it all, you have to throw it away.
Sal, I know you read these posts on occasion. Anything you can share regarding future advancements?
About the Cruiser recall....mine wasn't affected. But you're right. It would be a pain to get a recall notice within a week of buying a new car.
Here's the CL-S pics from today. It has had NO Zaino since last March and was washed last week! It's dusty right now. Looks good- no? I drive it every day and garage it every night.
I bet that PT Cruiser will be the hit of the Cruiser get-together today, especially with that Zaino shine!
fastdriver
PS- The only thing I hate about OFOTO is that guests HAVE to sign in to see the pics! Previously, it was an option. Since it's owned by KODAK, I would say it's okay to join. It's FREE!
The price for Zaino products is the same from my local Z distributor as it is directly from the Zaino web site -- but my distributor actually delivers at no charge, so I save the shipping/handling cost. Zaino is not sold in stores or retail outlets.
Suggest you call or e-mail Sal to find out if there's a Zaino dealer in your area.
Okay, person in our building at work has this beautiful looking truck and upon checking out the shine and the smoothness and how slippery it was I had to ask what wax he used. (more so then Zaino) Well, he claims that every third wash he mixes a half a cup of kerosene and water,, not car wash etc. and washes it. Nothing else. Says he has done this with every car he has owned as well as his father and does not damage the finish or anything. looks great.
The kerosene and water trick is an old one. While in college, a long, long time ago, I used to run a hand car wash on the side for spending and book money. The kerosene would take off all of the bug guts, oil residue, tar and leave an "oily" shiny surface that lasted about 1.5 weeks if it didn't rain. If it rained, it would last 2-3 days. Once the customer picked up their cars after the kerosene wash, it looked shiny. Wasn't worth much past that. Kerosene will not protect the surface and truth is, it will attract dirt. I'm sure it would strip off Zaino quicker than Dawn.
Not recommended on todays clearcoat finishes (which look tons better than anything from even 5-10 years ago, let alone non clearcoat finishes from the '70s or '80s).
It WILL strip off Zaino! Don't use it if you have applied Zaino.
fastdriver: Nice picture. I didn't really want to join another site, but it was worth it in this case. I also haven't had a chance to wash my car for a few weeks and the bottom panels are now full of dust.
I don't really like to store used Clay bars for any length of time. The metallic dust tends to rust out inside the bar. Besides, the last time I clayed, the bar wss totally saturated with dirt, etc. I did the wheels and bottoms of the rocker panels last. And they were covered with brake dust even after a good washing. Such is the life of a commuter car. I more than got my money's worth from that bar of Clay.
As soon as I think I know everything, I realize how little I know.
Quick question....in using the ZFX/Z2 combo, will I have to continue to use ZFX every time I wax? Or, do I have to use Z1 to bond a Z2 only wax job.
I've just used only ZFX/Z2 on my new car. Does ZFX only have to be used every 10 coats or so of Z2 (like with Z1)? Or does it have to be used every time I Z2?
pblevine....absolutely right about kerosene stripping everything off, including Zaino. It also will leave you with no protection against pollution, winter road salt and certainly no UV protection against paint fade.
I used to know everything, too, but now I realize I've forgotten a lot of it.
Anyway, here's what I think the answer to your question is, based on my readings and my successful usage.
ZFX is equal to Z1, with the added bonus that it's not an extra step (it's mixed into the Z2 or Z5 instead of applied beforehand) and you don't have to wait 24 hours for the z2 or z5 cure time.
So you don't have to continue using ZFX if you want to use Z1, nor do you have to use ZFX with every coat of Z2. You can put on a coat of straight z2 or z5 anytime you want, but you will have to wait 24 hours before applying the next coat.
I think you probably should use ZFX every 6 months or so, at least, just like Z1. You say you have no Z1 on the new car, but you don't need it as its function is to bond to the paint, and the ZFX does that.
What I have been doing recently is using ZFX for two coats, and using straight z2 for the third coat, which is the limit for coats in 24 hours. This stretches the ZFX, since I don't need the instant cure for the 3d coat. This seems to be working fine. Since I do this more frequently than every six months, I don't think I will have any bonding problems.
I have a lot of Z1 left over and don't think I will ever use it.
Has anyone tried mixing ZFX with the kerosene to see what happens?
From what I've read, Squidd99 has it stated correctly. It is an effective substitute for Z1 only with some better attributes. And talk about a little going a long way, I too tended to mix up too much. The first time I used it, I ended up wasting about .5 oz.
I did manage to find a (small) use for my left over Z1. I used on my new NYS license plates (along with some Z2).
Now, if you mix ZFX with kerosene, you get ZeroFeneX which has been used as a base for the ink in Mad Magazine. The Army has also been secretly selling some of this stuff to Iraq for maintenance of their tank paint surfaces. When the time comes, this will make it easier for us to spot those tanks. They will be very shiny although covered in sand. And a single spark will "light them up".
When you apply the z2 three times, squid99, how long does it take you? That means you're applying it, taking it off, applying it, taking it off, applying if, taking it off, z6ing and wiping that off? (This is, of course, after washing it and drying it.)
I did the whole Dawn, clay, etc. yesterday and it nearly drove me away from Zaino. Yes, the shine is great but after all that work, I don't even want to take my car out of the garage! And I can't imagine doing that again ever! (I guess I'm not the fanatic I thought I was.) I was even thinking of switching to wax! A friend of mine waxes every week and his car looks just as good as mine.
coats, you reach the point of diminishing returns, so the extra coats don't improve the shine. My gold C70 has reached this point after 2-3 coats. Z2'd half the trunk last night and really can't see any difference between the two halfs. At this point, I'm through for several months. Don't go back to wax. In fact, your last sentence says it all! Your friend waxes every week, and you just did it once. From now on, you can do one coat of Z2/Z5 every several MONTHS, while he still does his WEEKLY. You come out WAY ahead!
Also, take your car out of the garage and enjoy the shine, and make your friend jealous. Tmart
My 00 Odyssey only gets 2 coats (from 1 oz) but takes a little longer to do the work. :-)
This year I've put on 7 coats on my Accord and 3 on my Ody. They are silver and white respectively and I'm pretty much done until the fall.
For those of you trying to clean out the little mixing bottles, I picked up a few this weekend at a crafts store for $0.70 each - cheap enough to toss out after I'm done.
He said the same as all of you here. ZFX, in essence, replaces Z1. I, too, have half a bottle of Z1 left and doubt I'll ever use it all up, unless I make an effort to do it.
ZFX/kerosene/Z2...new product called "zainosense". As soom as you put it on, you can light it to get that "just fried" look. Better yet, you can use it instead of charcoal when you grill and forget about ever cleaning out the grill. Plus, it will "fire right up".
Zaino times...
two cars...
Car 1 is a 300M (first time)=3.5 hours --Dawn=20 minutes --clay=30 minutes --Z7=20 minutes --dry=15 minutes --Z1=20 minutes --Z2 (or Z5)=20 minutes --drytime=1 hour --Z6=15 minutes
Use ZFX/Z1 combo and slice 20 minutes out of the above.
All subsequent wash/waxes are as follows (about 1.5 hours):
You'll be sorry if you go back to wax. Evidently, you didn't see the two pics I just took last week of my car. The last time I used Zaino was last MARCH! If you look at the pics, tell me that the car looks crappy- AND the car in those pics is dusty. Just scroll upa few messages for the URL. They're at ofoto.com. You have to register, but they are a part of Kodak, so it's okay. No flim-flam.
IF you want to see what it really looks like after a coat of Zaino, then click on my name above and you'll see all kinds of pics of the previous 300M with Zaino and now the CL-S with Zaino.
Bought some of this from my local Zaino dealer without really reading the label (duh). It says it is for hard plastics and NOT for vinyl or porous surfaces.
My question is how do you know if a surface is vinyl? I have a 2001 Impala LS and I know my dash has "hard plastic" parts, but it seems like other parts could be vinyl. What about the body side mouldings (slightly textured, kind of rubbery feeling)? I've used Z16 on the mouldings before, but would Z14 be better?
Or am I stuck using Z14 on the headlights and taillights only?
I'll never go back to wax. Although we commonly add steps to our paint/finish maintenance routines, using wax is absolutely much more labor intensive. And you have to wax much more often than with Zaino. And the Zaino shine is much better too.
bh0001: I use Z2 on my headlights and the results are very good. Z14 is an interior plastic polish from my understanding of Zaino product literature. I use the Z16 (Tire Gloss) product on my tires and rubber hoses. I also use Z16 on the rubber moldings/weather stripping found on the side of the doors. I'm not sure what Sal would say, but I don't use Z16 on the exterior plastic moldings because the Z16 tends to release a sort of residue when applied to hard rubber or plastic parts. At least that has been my experience.
Comments
Regarding bugs, I've had good results from a concentrated Z7+water mixture. I spray it on, let it sit for a minute, flush / spray with water, and wipe clean.
http://www.topoftheline.com/sprayaer.html
http://premiumautocare.com/sprayglascle.html
Anyone know for sure?
Thanks,
Jim...A Happy New Zaino User.
Z5 IS new, compared to the other Zaino paint polishes.
Hope that helps.
Also, does Zaino put a layer of protection on the paint like a wax does? Yes, in my experience it is better protection than wax.
Is it a wax?"
Tricky question to answer. Zaino polishes are really not waxes or polishes in the traditional sense. Waxes are generally made of a mixture of Carnauba wax, paraffin wax and silicone oils and in addition many have cleaners and micro-abrasives. Polishes generally have abrasives and/or chemical cleaners that remove some paint to bring out the shine.
Zaino is really more of a breathable sealant or Synthetic wax. It has very little cleaning ability and does not really help an oxidized paint finish. The nice thing about it is it can layer and is very easy to apply and maintain once you get proficient with technique of putting on thin coats.
If your finish has been waxed and maintained regularly your choice for your order should work out well.
Thanks for the Sprayway info, I just ordered form 'topoftheline'. 'Will let you know how good it is on my windows.
expiresport: In addition to joebob's post, I'd just add that Zaino's Z2 and Z5 products are "polymers". These are long linked molecules which can be altered to include such attributes as UV filters, optically clear properties, anti- static properties, etc. Another great attribute of the Zaino Z2 and Z5 products is their endurance. I've found that they easily outlast a good typical wax product by a factor of 6 (if not more). Three coats of Z5 lasted all last winter for me in the Northeast. That's endurance in the face of road salts, sand, ice, and all sorts of nasty dirt and water. Zaino also produces the best shine I've ever seen.
Again, no product, including Zaino, is magic. The trick with Zaino, is to put multiple coats of Z2 or Z5 on your car. This will greatly increase endurance and shine. You should also order a bottle of the Z7 Car Wash. And you will need a set of 100% cotton towels (made in USA only). Try Fieldcrest or Cannon. These two manufacturers commonly run big discount sales on their factory secords from their respective web sites. And lastly, please read the directions found on the Zaino web site (www.zainobros.com).
With it being unbearably hot and humid in the Ohio Valley for the entire month of July, I haven't Z'd my sled (300M) since this past spring. Still looks great since it has barely rained in 8 weeks either. I've probably put 10 coats on it since new, going on 3 years. Still looks new and, of course, blindingly shiny. No rain, no real need to wash. Even dirty (what I consider dirty) I still get comments regarding how good my 300M looks. Even had someone comment the last time at the grocery store how I must have spent the entire morning washing my car. Hadn't touched it for a month.
I'm ambivalent about ZFX. Like that it dries quicker and offers one less step when I have to Z1. Shine is about the same, however. Still have Z1 left over, too. So I'll use it up and then decide whether to permanently switch over to ZFX.
Had a recent car search experience over the past month. Wife's Avalon turned 120K miles in June. Little things were falling off/going wrong with it. Lots of $200-$300 bills each month for numerous and sundry things going wrong. Time to car shop. She's a Toyota die hard, so the first stop was to the Toyota dealers. The new (new re-design since she originally bought her Avalon) Avalons weren't to her liking. I told her to save some money and get a Camry. Those also left her cold, too (although I liked the SE version). Next up, Honda Accord. I've always liked them and owned one several years ago. They're giving great deals on the '02s. Still "no go" for her. I told her to wait until the redesigned '03s came out...they'll be even better. I wasn't making any headway with her. I like "fasdriver's" Acura. So I take her over to the Acura dealer. She's mildly enthused but turned off by the Acura sales people. They made the critical mistake of trying to sell the CL to me instead of to her ("how's the little lady like the car, sir?"). They had plenty of '02s on the lot, but weren't very interested in letting the wife take one out on the interstate as opposed to a cursory drive around the block. Scratch Acura.
Last Saturday, her Avalon started to make some sort of nasty suspension related noises. While dropping it off to our trusty neighborhood mechanic, I had to go pick up some lawn & garden stuff. I have a 2nd car, '94 Saturn, that I use for all my dirty work. Never been Zaino'd, abused like an orphan, but it just runs and runs with little care from me. The wife hates it. I am driving the Saturn for my dirty chores and her with me.
We decide to shop again. Go over to the Infiniti dealer (which is right next door to a Chrysler dealership). I really, really like the new G35. So does my wife. We've tested them before. She wasn't ready to "pull the trigger" on one, though.
We begin negotiations after another test drive. They don't have the color she wants. AAAHHHHHRRRRRRGGGGG!
She spies a row of PT Cruisers next door at the Chrysler store. "What are those?" I tell her as we wander over for a closer look/see. "They're cute", she says. Salesman wanders over. Ask if we're interested in a PT. Next thing I know, tags are slapped on and she's driving a PT Turbo. "Honey...I really like this". Me...."HUH?" Actually I like it too. Me..."then make an offer". Ends up, this dealer is asking $3K over MSRP with a "dummy" sticker on it. Scratch that one.
After talking about our car shopping over the weekend, I ask her what she wants to do. She says, "Actually, I like your car (the 300M) best out of all of them". My car? No way! It's mine! Now she's negotiating with me. "Honey (don't you just love how sweet they can be when they want something from you), you liked the PT, too...why don't you give me your car and buy the PT?". Thought about it for a while and thought if I could do a reasonable deal on the PT Turbo, I'd go along with her since I really did like the PT (totally different kind of car than my 300M, though).
Well, late last night I struck a reasonable deal (at a different dealership) on an inferno red PT Turbo, trading my beloved Saturn (when I should have been trading her Avalon instead). Now, we have matching (colorwise, only) Chryslers in the garage. They actually washed it with Z7 (upon my insistence from my car wash trunk stash) for delivery. Now, I'm going to spend this weekend claying, Z1/Z2 this car.
Anybody interested in a '98 Avalon that's had most major parts replaced?
I had the same experience when I went shopping for a new car with a lady friend. She wanted a Celica, and when the dealer tried to sell one to me, we left and went to another dealership, where the salesman dealt with her. She bought one from him that evening. Some of these guys just don't get it, even after being told "She's interested in a new Celica."
The garage sounds nice; it's good to hear that red cars are still selling; I'm very tired of silver. After Z, it's even redder, whatever that means.
Good luck on selling the Avalon with 120,000 miles. Someone will want it.
Regarding ZFX, its truly a great addition to the Z Line. I don't have a lot of time these days, and ZFX permitted me to put three coats on in a single day. That was in late June and the car still looks great. Now that the heat wave has finally broken, I want to get out there and put some more coats of Z2 on the car.
Zaino looks BEST on darker colored cars. Click on my name above and you'll see what it looks like on red!
graphicguy-
I'm here! Just kind of laying low this summer fighting a case of Vertigo that the Dr. thinks came from a sinus infection! Been busy with projects inside and out around here. Trying to get everything done before September.
Congrats on the PT Cruiser- I think!! From a Zainoed red BEAUTY to a PT Cruiser? Mmmm..... who got the better end of this deal? At least it's RED and it's a turbo!! LOL..... They make more mods for the PT anyway! Bravo for your wife for walking out of the dealer!! Some of them are as dumb as the people in their service departments! Will they EVER learn how to treat people?
I had heard the same things about the Acura salespeople too. However, the one I went to in CT was very nice. No pressure, no give me your life history before you drive the car, no follow-up calls pressuring me to buy there! I didn't get my CL-S there because my brother knew someone at Inskip Motors in RI. I went there, just to LOOK, and left after signing all kinds of papers and had the CL-S 4 days later on my birthday!! They EVEN took Christine because they own a Chrysler dealership in Newport, RI! It was a WONDERFUL experience. Now have 17,500+ miles on the Cl and not ONE problem! The windows work, the car doesn't leak, the transmission fluid has stayed in, the rack and pinion is fine etc.!! Imagine that! I love it. Just like ALL my other cars BEFORE Christine! That was an experience that I will NEVER forget for as long as I live. I also won't let others forget it either especially in my other favorite topic here! ;-))) This dealer sells everything in the world- Acura, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, Infiniti, Porsche, Volvo, Audi, Bentley and Rolls Royce!! All this on what seems like a 2x4 piece of land!! ONLY in RI!! LOL.....
As soon as you get that PT Turbo all Z'd, I want to see some pics!! Actually, the 300 AND the PT in the same pics would be ok too! ;-))
I know that no old timers here will believe me, but I have NOT Zainoed the CL since LAST March 9th and it still looks GREAT!! Have to get on a few coats at least before September rolls around. If I bend too much, I get dizzy, so the CL is sort of suffering because I KNOW what it SHOULD look like, but to the untrained eyes out there, they think I clean it 24/7! I love this ZAINO!
fastdriver
NO! Can't you read! DIZZY!!! LOL..... Most people I know would say that I've always been dizzy, so that this is nothing new!
See, with Christine, I spent so much time going to the dealer all the time for something to be fixed or checked that I NEVER wanted to bring her in dirty. I THOUGHT that maybe if they saw that I really took care of her, they would do a BETTER job of checking her out. Boy, was I EVER stupid to believe that. With the CL-S, I only go to the dealer every so often for oil/filter changes or tire rotations. I guess you could say that this damn Japanese reliability has made me "lazy"!! LOL...
fastdriver
If her Toyota had not started going south so quickly and if I had known that she wanted my car all along, I would have given it to her and done a more methodical car search for me. I probably would have waited for the new GP to come out, or jumped on a TL/CL or G35 for myself. Never would I have thought of a PT Cruiser for either me or her.
Of course, now I have a new car to "doddle" over and am, so far, smitten. This car is attracting a lot of attention (still). The Cruiser's been out for two years. I've already been invited to a "Cruise-In" that the local PTer's meet to show off their "Custom Cruisers" locally. Guy stopped me at a red light and invited me this Sunday. I'll probably go check it out. These people are fanatics and he said I'd have the only "turbo" there so to expect a lot of attention.
As we all know, after the initial love affair with a new car wears off, do we really know how we like them. That said, Chrysler has done an awfully nice job on these.
My sister had "vertigo" a few years ago, and in fact, it was related to her sinuses. It's not fun since I saw how it affected her.
I plan on doing the zaino treatment this weekend since the weather in the Ohio Valley has finally dropped from unbearably 100 degree hot and humid to a rather pleasant 80 degreees.
I'll see if I can take some pics (hopefully, both cars together).
Take care of yourself!
Regarding ZFX, if I didn't have so much Z1 left, I probably would be more appreciative of using ZFX.
Squidd...funny thing, the mechanic that's working on my wife's Avalon (now homeless as it'll lose it's spot in the garage) said he'd give me $10,000 for her car. That's probably around $1,000-$2,000 less than its worth since its got high mileage. On the other hand, she won't have to pay for the new wheel bearings that need to be replaced. I'm going to let him know tonight.
fastdriver (again)...I tried to buy a TL before from this dealership, got the same treatment. Problem is they are the only Acura dealer within 40 miles of me. If they were just a little more accomodating, I probably would have bought a TL a couple of years ago. It's not like they didn't have a ton of TLs/CLs on the lot and they didn't look very busy when my wife an I walked in. I honestly don't know how these guys stay in business unless there are that many people that absolutely have to have an Acura regardless of how they're treated.
They could take a lesson from the dealership for my now departed Saturn. Whenever I took the Saturn in for servicing, everyone fell all over themselves to make sure I was happy and it was a $14,000 car (when new), not $30,000+ like the Acuras.
LOL.... Who would have "thunk" it! Already invited to a meet? That NEVER happened with the 300!! ;-))) You better get some Zaino on that red beauty before this meet. Bet you win a prize for the shiniest PT there!! I do like the looks of the PT too. The turbo must be a blast to drive. Is it automatic or stick? I know what you mean about the temps. The past 2 days have been GREAT in So. CT. Nice breeze, low humidity and low temps compared to what we've had. Opened all the windows for some fresh air for a change. It was a great day to Z, but I painted the porch steps and started on the foundation. Like I said, the CL looks great even though I know what it REALLY would look like with some Z on it.
When you were talking about the various cars, I thought you were going to say that your wife was getting the G35. I was going to tell you to wait until November when the 2-door version comes out! Too late for that.
You had pretty good luck with the Avalon- didn't you? With that kind of mileage, I would expect things to start breaking, falling off or leaking! I never had a car for that long to accumulate that kind of mileage. It's only 3 miles to work for me! ;-))
That Acura dealer sounds like a place I'd never go to. If EITHER Acura dealer that I went to treated me like that, I'd be driving something else for sure! I wouldn't care if my brother knew the people or not. There is NO reason for a dealer to treat a customer like that ESPECIALLY before you sign on the dotted line. Christine's "5-STAR" dealer was WONDERFUL BEFORE I signed on the dotted line. After that, 2 days later, it was all downhill! ;-))
If it was me, I'd certainly write a letter to Honda's head office for your area and tell them exactly the way you were treated and that because of that you didn't buy a car there. Maybe they'll care and maybe they won't, but it would make me feel a lot better.
Still hoping this vertigo goes away SOON! Once work starts again, I'll really be dizzy especially with the way things work around there!
fastdriver
About your vertigo, hope you feel better. My father (age 86) has also been experiencing some vertigo. The doctors put him through every test known without any real conclusions. What course of action has your doctor prescribed for you?
graphicguy: left-brain/right-brain, you'll get a head ache trying to figure it out. I haven't seen the new Hondas up close or driven them yet. According to the reviews (Edmunds/Car&Driver,etc.), the 2003 crop of Hondas seems to be basically the same as the 2002's with a steady evolution in features (and a little more HP). Have you seen them up close?
atoews: Yep, you can "Z" just a section at a time. But it only takes me about 15 minutes to Z the entire car. Why not just continue for a few more minutes?
I agree with the above post. One of the big advantages of Zaino over wax is that it does not take that much time or work to apply a coat. Using ZFX, I can do 3 coats to my not very big car (Lexus SC430) in an hour. One coat takes about 20 minutes if I'm not in a hurry.
You must be driving one of those huge Ford Valdez things. I think the best bet is still to apply one (or more) coats at a time, so that you don't miss any spots and don't have overlapping layers.
Doing just a door at a time seems like a lot of trouble. Besides, I would never remember what had already been done.
I think Christine's shine influenced a lot of people to try Zaino! The early pics of Christine were photos that were scanned on an old scanner and an old Mac at work and then uploaded to Geocities. That was just basic scanning. I did not/do not know how to use any of the tools that came with the old Photoshop, so what you saw is what you got! Now I have the digital camera and a new Mac. The pics are still WYSIWYG! Haven't posted any new pics of the CL-S because it hasn't been Z'd since last March! I'm taking a break from everything and everyone this summer! I have not written to Chris Parrish in AGES as well as several other people for NO reason! Must be this Vertigo!
Right now all I'm taking is Antivert 3 times a day. Can't say that I see much of an improvement. I think I'm learning how to move my head or get up without causing everything to go spinning out of control. One of the side effects of the antivert is dizziness!! Next step should be catscan or MRI I guess. Maybe they will find a brain up there! ;-))
Oh well. Life goes on.
fastdriver
fastdriver-the wife's avalon was a good car until it turned about 100K miles. Things started going to "hell in a handbasket" at that point. First it was the alternator, then the radiator, then the master cylinder, then the heater core, then the tranmission, then...you get the picture. The interior started getting "ratty" about the same time. This was on top of the normal stuff like tires, brakes, etc. Maybe I just expected too much. She's had Toyotas before and they all lasted until at least 150K miles without any major repairs outside of the ordinary. Or maybe, Toyota is using lesser quality parts in recent years.
pblevine...living a little over an hour from the Honda plant in Ohio, I've seen the '03 Accord during what they probably consider "test runs". I'm not sure I like the styling. The front looks like it has all it's teeth missing except one "buck tooth" in the grill. The back looks pretty generic. Body looks like it's had a few too many "Big Macs" (of course, you can say the same thing about the PT Cruiser). When they are testing new models around here, they never stay in one place very long since it isn't released yet, so I didn't get a chance to see the interior. I've read about the engine changes and that sounds pretty interesting, which is why I wanted my wife to wait until they came out. All-in-all, I think your '98 is the best looking year they made.
The PT is getting a lot of attention that I'm not sure I want. People wave and honk when I pass. They honk at redlights to ask about it. I never would have thought that something that's been out for two years would still hold as much interest. Again, last night I got a little unnerved. I was at a business function at a local restaurant. After it was over, I was paying my check at the front counter and I looked out the window to see a Lincoln SUV blocking the front of my car, a Corvette parked perilously close to the passenger side and a "tricked out" Civic hatchback blocking the rear of it. I thought somebody had hit it so I scampered out the restaurant door to see what happened.
There were 4 people peering around it...an older gentleman (Lincoln owner) looking in the driver's window, a guy about my age (Corvette owner) with his hands cupped, looking into the passneger side and two teens (guy and his girlfriend with the civic) staring at my wheels. Once I hit the "unlock" button on the keyfob, they all backed away in unison. "Anything wrong?" I yelled from about 10 yards away. Teen says "no, this yours?" "yes!". Then the questions came, "is it fast? (yes)...how much did it cost? (high teens to low 20s depending on which one you get)...where did you get the tint on the back windows (Chrysler factory)...where did you get the wheels (Chrysler factory)...are you going to paint flames on it? (no)...how much does it hold? (a bunch)...how does it handle? (very well)...what's the stereo like? (fine for me)...cool car (thanks)". I didn't get out of the parking lot for another 15 minutes. I haven't even gone for my first fill-up yet. While I appreciate the affirmations, the attention still makes me a little uncomfortable. As I said, people around here are fanatics about these things.
LOL.......A PT Cruiser!!! It is different then anything else around even after 2 years. I guess that's the reason it draws so much attention. I know EXACTLY how you feel. When I first got Christine back in June of 1998, it was the only 300M around here. The attention at lights, parking lots, gas stations, the casino(LOL...) etc. was a bit unnerving. It did draw a lot of attention with the Candy Apple Red, the looks and that Zaino shine, people couldn't help "gawking"! I did it myself as I would walk away from it! It was/is great looking, especially in Red. Thank God it didn't attact the CT State Police like David Letterman seems to do! LOL...
Get that Zaino on. As soon as I finish painting my foundation, my next chore this summer will be to get some Z on the CL before the snow starts flying around here!
Looking forward to those pics! I've seen the PT in red. AWESOME! The turbo has duals doesn't it?
fastdriver
graphicguy: I just came back from lunch and found a PT Cruiser parked next to a Mini-Cooper in the parking lot. Actually, the PT looks a lot more practical. The Mini belongs to a very short girl who has been nick-named "Mini".
Thanks,
Jim
I have a 98 GS400 and the original owner didn't
take too much care of the inside. However, someone on CL has used Soft Scrub (Lemon scented,
not the bleach) on three of their cars' leather interior, and posted pictures. Looked like it worked wonders. Then someone else tried it and had great results. So, today, I did it (I was nervous as ____) and lo and behold, my leather looks a heck of a lot better. All you need is a scrub brush and a pail of water, and that's about it. Doesn't take long, and not a lot of work. So, for all you leather interior people, give it a shot.
The use of clay depends on how soiled/contaminated it gets; when you can no longer bring up a clean surface as you knead the soiled surface into the interior of the clay or if you feel any grit that you cannot rub/wash off. I convert such soiled clay (but not containing any grit I could not remove) to cleaning the metal of the wheels; which may give you a few more uses.
Yes, store it in the plastic jar it comes in at room temperature. I roll the clay into a cylinder shape and press it against the bottom of the jar to store it freestanding from the other bar and the side of the jar.
When I'm done claying, I knead the clay in my fresh, hot wash water to try to clean off any dirt or grit that I can.
It does depend on how dirty your clay gets as to how many applications you can use it for. I've used one clay bar for a year. I've had other bars that I could only use for a couple of months. That said, if you clay real well and keep Z2 or Z5 on your car, the need to clay should be minimal.
Just dawned/clayed/Z7/ZFX/Z2/Z6 my Cruiser yesterday. If you could figure out how to get pictures posted somewhere, I'd show the results. It took about 4 hours, but that includes Scotchgarding the interior as well as Zainoing the chrome wheels. Also included greasing the battery terminals, conditioning all the door seals, and putting WD-40 on all hinges. Once I got on a roll, I just kept on going. Will put 2nd coat of Z2 on today.
Couple of things I've noticed with ZFX. One, I always mix too much, thus wasting both ZFX and Z2. I used less than a 1/2 ounce on the Cruiser. I hope Sal can find a way to mix these at his shop. Second, as is stated in the directions, once you mix it, it only stays useable for about 12 hours. Thus, if you don't use it all, you have to throw it away.
Sal, I know you read these posts on occasion. Anything you can share regarding future advancements?
About the Cruiser recall....mine wasn't affected. But you're right. It would be a pain to get a recall notice within a week of buying a new car.
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?m=13960617103.42504023503&n=2130179843
I bet that PT Cruiser will be the hit of the Cruiser get-together today, especially with that Zaino shine!
fastdriver
PS- The only thing I hate about OFOTO is that guests HAVE to sign in to see the pics! Previously, it was an option. Since it's owned by KODAK, I would say it's okay to join. It's FREE!
Suggest you call or e-mail Sal to find out if there's a Zaino dealer in your area.
Anyone every hear of this?
Not recommended on todays clearcoat finishes (which look tons better than anything from even 5-10 years ago, let alone non clearcoat finishes from the '70s or '80s).
fastdriver: Nice picture. I didn't really want to join another site, but it was worth it in this case. I also haven't had a chance to wash my car for a few weeks and the bottom panels are now full of dust.
I don't really like to store used Clay bars for any length of time. The metallic dust tends to rust out inside the bar. Besides, the last time I clayed, the bar wss totally saturated with dirt, etc. I did the wheels and bottoms of the rocker panels last. And they were covered with brake dust even after a good washing. Such is the life of a commuter car. I more than got my money's worth from that bar of Clay.
Quick question....in using the ZFX/Z2 combo, will I have to continue to use ZFX every time I wax? Or, do I have to use Z1 to bond a Z2 only wax job.
I've just used only ZFX/Z2 on my new car. Does ZFX only have to be used every 10 coats or so of Z2 (like with Z1)? Or does it have to be used every time I Z2?
pblevine....absolutely right about kerosene stripping everything off, including Zaino. It also will leave you with no protection against pollution, winter road salt and certainly no UV protection against paint fade.
I have NO Z1 on the new car...just ZFX/Z2 combo.
Anyway, here's what I think the answer to your question is, based on my readings and my successful usage.
ZFX is equal to Z1, with the added bonus that it's not an extra step (it's mixed into the Z2 or Z5 instead of applied beforehand) and you don't have to wait 24 hours for the z2 or z5 cure time.
So you don't have to continue using ZFX if you want to use Z1, nor do you have to use ZFX with every coat of Z2. You can put on a coat of straight z2 or z5 anytime you want, but you will have to wait 24 hours before applying the next coat.
I think you probably should use ZFX every 6 months or so, at least, just like Z1. You say you have no Z1 on the new car, but you don't need it as its function is to bond to the paint, and the ZFX does that.
What I have been doing recently is using ZFX for two coats, and using straight z2 for the third coat, which is the limit for coats in 24 hours. This stretches the ZFX, since I don't need the instant cure for the 3d coat. This seems to be working fine. Since I do this more frequently than every six months, I don't think I will have any bonding problems.
I have a lot of Z1 left over and don't think I will ever use it.
Has anyone tried mixing ZFX with the kerosene to see what happens?
I did manage to find a (small) use for my left over Z1. I used on my new NYS license plates (along with some Z2).
Now, if you mix ZFX with kerosene, you get ZeroFeneX which has been used as a base for the ink in Mad Magazine. The Army has also been secretly selling some of this stuff to Iraq for maintenance of their tank paint surfaces. When the time comes, this will make it easier for us to spot those tanks. They will be very shiny although covered in sand. And a single spark will "light them up".
I did the whole Dawn, clay, etc. yesterday and it nearly drove me away from Zaino. Yes, the shine is great but after all that work, I don't even want to take my car out of the garage! And I can't imagine doing that again ever! (I guess I'm not the fanatic I thought I was.) I was even thinking of switching to wax! A friend of mine waxes every week and his car looks just as good as mine.
Any thoughts?
Also, take your car out of the garage and enjoy the shine, and make your friend jealous. Tmart
On my 98 Accord, each coat takes:
Apply: 15 minutes
Dry: 30 minutes (mow 1/2 of lawn)
Remove: 5 minutes
Z6: 10 minutes.
Actual worktime is appx 1.5 hours for 3 coats.
My 00 Odyssey only gets 2 coats (from 1 oz) but takes a little longer to do the work. :-)
This year I've put on 7 coats on my Accord and 3 on my Ody. They are silver and white respectively and I'm pretty much done until the fall.
For those of you trying to clean out the little mixing bottles, I picked up a few this weekend at a crafts store for $0.70 each - cheap enough to toss out after I'm done.
ZFX/kerosene/Z2...new product called "zainosense". As soom as you put it on, you can light it to get that "just fried" look. Better yet, you can use it instead of charcoal when you grill and forget about ever cleaning out the grill. Plus, it will "fire right up".
Zaino times...
two cars...
Car 1 is a 300M (first time)=3.5 hours
--Dawn=20 minutes
--clay=30 minutes
--Z7=20 minutes
--dry=15 minutes
--Z1=20 minutes
--Z2 (or Z5)=20 minutes
--drytime=1 hour
--Z6=15 minutes
Use ZFX/Z1 combo and slice 20 minutes out of the above.
All subsequent wash/waxes are as follows (about 1.5 hours):
--Z7 wash=20 minutes
--Dry=15 minutes
--Z2 application=20 minutes
--dry time/wipe down=30 minutes (with ZFX)
--Z6=15 minutes
PT Cruiser times (about 2 hours)
--Dawn=15 minutes
--Clay=20 minutes
--Z7=15 minutes
--Dry=10 minutes
--ZFX/Z2=15 minutes
--Dry time/wipe down=30 minutes
--Z6=10 minutes
All subsequent wash/wax (1.5 hours)
--Z7=15 minutes
--dry=10 minutes
--ZFX/Z2=15 minutes
--dry time/wipedown=30 minutes
--Z6=10 minutes
Skip the wax and its a 30 minute job.
You'll be sorry if you go back to wax. Evidently, you didn't see the two pics I just took last week of my car. The last time I used Zaino was last MARCH! If you look at the pics, tell me that the car looks crappy- AND the car in those pics is dusty. Just scroll upa few messages for the URL. They're at ofoto.com. You have to register, but they are a part of Kodak, so it's okay. No flim-flam.
IF you want to see what it really looks like after a coat of Zaino, then click on my name above and you'll see all kinds of pics of the previous 300M with Zaino and now the CL-S with Zaino.
fastdriver
My question is how do you know if a surface is vinyl? I have a 2001 Impala LS and I know my dash has "hard plastic" parts, but it seems like other parts could be vinyl. What about the body side mouldings (slightly textured, kind of rubbery feeling)? I've used Z16 on the mouldings before, but would Z14 be better?
Or am I stuck using Z14 on the headlights and taillights only?
Any suggestions?
Brad
bh0001: I use Z2 on my headlights and the results are very good. Z14 is an interior plastic polish from my understanding of Zaino product literature.
I use the Z16 (Tire Gloss) product on my tires and rubber hoses. I also use Z16 on the rubber moldings/weather stripping found on the side of the doors. I'm not sure what Sal would say, but I don't use Z16 on the exterior plastic moldings because the Z16 tends to release a sort of residue when applied to hard rubber or plastic parts. At least that has been my experience.