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Comments
fastdriver
Tonight I was at a friend's house working on her PC. I went to my Acura/Zaino movie to show her.
1. It took forever to download with her 56k modem.
2. When it started, it FLEW by! Now I know what you were talking about. However, on her 533MHz speed PC, the pics were SMALLER and the words were too?? On my 250MHz PowerMac, the pics are bigger and the words are readable too. It doesn't fly by on my computer. I can understand the speed thing, but I'm puzzled by the smaller size. Can a PC monitor be adjusted for screen resolution too?
fastdriver
Pjyoung: Yes, one of the benefits of the blower is getting all that hidden water flushed out. I hate doing a full wash and Z job, then two hours later I find water spots on the bumpers, below the door handles and below the gas filler door. Thankfully, they clean up more easily because of the Z. But, the blower prevents the problem from occurring in the first place.
killakella123 brings up a matter of legitimate concern. How fast does the blower blow and will a high rate of air flow damage the car? Clearly, at a sufficiently high speed it would. Heck, some manufacturing facilities use water to cut solid materials, which it will under high enough pressure.
Electric blowers produce air speeds of 100 to about 150 mph. Gas blows can get up to around 170 or higher.
I have heard that someone drove my old LS 400 at top speed for a short while on the way to Las Vegas -- solely (yeah, right) to verify the manufacture's claim that the car would do a 152 mph (it can). [I repeat, I had nothing to do with this reckless exhibition of speed
Now, I think the blower is even safer that the conclusion that the above example would lead to. And, that is because the manufacturers want to be able to promote high blower speeds, so they measure the air speed immediately on exit from the blower nossle. The speed drops dramatically with every inch after exit, so I am not directing 140 mph air at the car.
So, I think the long and the short of it is that killakella123 is right. The air is usually not going faster than what the front of the car experiences in normal freeway driving.
Squidd posed some intelligent questions, also.
"Don't you run the risk of blowing grit from the floor or driveway onto and across the car?"
Good thinking. The answer is "yes?" And, you guessed the right solution, below.
"Or do you just point it down and blow the water onto the ground?"
Yes, you are right. Jeez, this group has some smart people in it. I have an electric blower, so it is light and does not care what angle I hold it at. So, I hold it high (over shoulder height and sometimes over my head), in two hands, with the hand on the back of the blower higher than the hand on the front (which is holding the air discharge nossle). In this way, the blower's air intake is high off the ground AND the air is being angled downward.
The other reason I do not have a problem is that the driveway is clean and (probably more importantly) wet, because I just washed the car on it, so 1. there is not much dirt to tire up to begin with 2. what dirt, if any, remains is wet and 3., as discussed above, the air speed falls off really fast with distance, so the speed has dropped significantly by the time the air hits the ground. Now, if you put the blower nossle an inch from the ground, I am sure one would have a problem. But, there is no reason to do this.
I do love to use the blower to get the water off the very lowest painted parts of the car body, which on mine go around and under the car (which is a [non-permissible content removed] to dry by hand). I still have no problem, because I lower the blower so it is not angling sharply downward -- it is, instead, roughly parallel to the ground (actually, slightly downwardly pointed).
"Have you had any trouble with this?"
None
"and how long does it take to do the whole car after washing?"
About two minutes, including blowing the water out of all those pesky places, which is one of the main reasons I use it. The other main reason is that I like anything that reduces the rubbing of the paint.
"Right now, I use the Calif Water Blade, which I bought after reading comments here, and am, somewhat to my surprise, very pleased. This seems to get lots of water off quickly, leaves no scratches, and I can dry the rest quickly with one towel."
I have a blade, too. Most people report good results with the blade. If I have to wash the car early in the morning, I use the blade so as to not disturb my neibors (and, it's against the law, to use a blower before 8:00 am in LA, where I live -- Use a Blower, Go to Jail -- actually, there's just a fine). A percentage of blade users on detailing sites report having scratched their cars with a blade, however, by picking up some bit of something and dragging it across the paint. Several of those still use the blade, but inspect it and run a towel over it frequently to pick up any dirt, particles, etc.
There is one draw back to a blower if you live in a low humidity/high temperature area. You have to have a helper to follow immediately behind you with a towel, or you have to blow small sections yourself and then towel, if you wash the car in the heat and particularly in the heat and in the sun. Why? If the car body and the paint are hot and the car is in the sun, and you then blow dry the car, you will get some water spots if you do not towel immediately (to pick up the small bits of water that have not been blown off the car). Of course, we are not supposed to be washing our cars in the heat, particularly if the cars are also in direct sunlight. But, sometimes I don't get up early enough on Saturday morning!
A final note on blowers. The consensus from the other discussion groups is that one should use an electric blower. They are worried about spraying micro-drops of oil on the paint. I have no idea if this fear is legitimate, though I understand the concerns that would lead to the fear.
So, why would one consider a gas blower? Gas blowers blow harder. Electric blowers have lower air speeds. But, I have not found this to be a problem if you buy a top rated electric (such as the top of the line Toro). Also, electrics cost about one third of gas blowers (a top of the line Toro is about $65, gas models are around $200 and go up from there). And, as noted, electrics are quieter. Now, if you already own a gas blower, I guess you could just give it a try and cease use if you noticed a problem.
darbh: Wow, that's a great post. And yes, I do find that my method leaves a few 'wet spots' behind. Usually around the rear trunk lid's encloser lips and the rear 'plate holder. And yes, its a pain after you think you've finished drying only to find some water when you're applying Z2.
By the way, that train wreak in Baltimore cut some of the main T1/T3 backbone's between NY and DC and a lot of routers at various ISPs will be in the act of re-programming their router tables today. Expect lots of delays and outage situations.
I applied several coats of Z-5 over a period of a week, but it didn't do much. They're mainly visible when the car is in the garage, under an overhead light. But after several more applications of Z-3, the paint looks great and still does. Ideally, I should have started with an abrasive polish. But I'd used NuFinish on it for years, buffing with towels with polyester content. Now I know better, but I'm not sure if it's worth starting over with an abrasive polish, then Zaino, on a car that's 24 years old.
As for San Miguel, I agree it's a great brew, but only the domestic variety sold in the Philippines. IMHO, the export version isn't nearly as good.
Hey, don't feel so bad, I just created a bunch of swirls trying to dust the pollen dust off my car. I think my towel was less than clean.
Ah, San Miguel! When I was stationed in the Philippines, we drank it all the time. Local people would even put ice in it without killing the flavor. But the stuff sold here is just not the same.
I use this stuff. My car's original finish was cruddy enough that I'm not inspired to do the completely anal drill that so many who post here embrace. That said, Zaino is better than wax. Some months ago a participant pointed out that using Zaino was, overall, a labor-saving approach. He was right.
Agonizing over towels and detergents and swirl marks and God-knows what else doesn't quite drive me to distraction, but it does make me feel good about the country (generic -- Canada is included) -- an excess of leisure time isn't necessarily a bad thing.
However, people who have this much time to indulge in the care of their vehicles, as evidenced by this board, probably either need to: 1) get a life, or 2) be thankful that they live in a place where this kind of excess isn't outlawed.
Spare time to lovingly care for our loved ones, and family
Re "What a country." Well, car care can be obsessive, but it is usually not destructive, so, unless it has gotten to that point, it is a somewhat harmless vice. Plus, the cars look great (!).
People have hobbies. There is something satisfying about personally producing a result of excellence with your own hands. Not everyone is a world class musician, who can play a piece of music perfectly as a hobby. But, with knowledge, care, and work, if you want, you can keep a near perfect car. OR, just Z it every 4 or 5 months and that is OK, too. I like to keep my car immaculate, but that is simply a personal decision. And, after working in an office all week, I like to do this other kind of work.
Ever tried "Dixie Blackend Voodoo Lager" from New Orleans? Very Unique!
BLOWERS - Be sure that you use an electric blower. A 2-stroke gas powered blower can also blow some oil out at the same time, ruining your nice wash job! After Dawn, before polishing, I take a drive on the freeway for 10 miles or so to blow out all the water drops.
I agree with you. I like to keep my car clean too. Using Zaino certainly makes it a snap to keep it looking great with that wet look shine. I love having free time. Glad my job affords me that luxury.
To some people, a car is just a means to get from one place to another. Doesn't matter if it's a Pontiac Sunbird or a Mercedes 500 series. Wash and wax it once a year and that's it! Good enough for them. I would classify those people as ........... Don't want to start any wars. Fill in the blank yourself.
fastdriver
fastdriver - Once a year? I see lots of folks on line that NEVER polish their car - and they think that they look as good as new! Just drive through the local car wash once in a while (shudder). Oh well - it takes all kinds.
You have mail!
ME at a car wash!!! I don't think so. Ever notice all the real expensive cars that "look" clean until you look at their front wheels and tires that are covered in black brake dust?
fastdriver
But to my neighbors, it seems like I am wiping my car down for 2-3 hours every other week, I don't even bother explaining anymore, it's easier just to let them think that I love my car more than anything else! it true anyways!
"6.) The third section was cleaned with Zymol's HD Cleanse, "Paintwork Cleaner". The directions said to apply the Cleanser with a terry cloth towel and using medium to heavy pressure, work the product into the paint until it feels sticky. Then buff it with a clean cloth. This took some work, but the paint looked very nice when we were finished."
As you can see, they used the HD-Cleanse before the Zymol NSX Glaze, which eliminates swirls. Something makes me question the accuracy of the test. (Or the swirls might be too deep)
Or are they "angel eyes" as some Lexus dealers call swirl marks on their "Touch of Class sealant?" lol
Re a car being, for some, just a way to get from point a to point b: the French, have similar feelings of contempt for such unfeeling, ultra practical attitudes, but about food. One of the greatest insults in France is to say someone "eats to fill his stomach."
tmart -- Re: electrocution (yikes!). The Toro blower I use is double insulated. I also wear tennis shoes or tongs made of rubber (though I have questions about how helpful that is). So far, I have not been killed. Unfortunately, if I am, it will be difficult for me to report that experience back to the group.
automophile -- I tried driving on the freeway, but it left water on the car. Also, I have to get the speed up to about 85 to get a lot of it off. I have found the blower quicker and more thorough. But, as many of us say, many things re car car are matters of personal preference and there is no right or wrong (except applying too thick a coat of Z!)
Have a good weekend, all.
Incidentally, got a mother nature Zaino wash yesterday. When I pulled the car in the garage, it had water beaded all over it; but it was late, so I just left it. I took me five minutes to wipe with 100 percent cotton towel today and it was spotless.
While the discussion concerning local beers was quite interesting, I still find my Bud Light sits very well in my cart.
fastdriver - Yes - those shiny cars with dirty wheels! It's like someone wearing a new suit with grubby shoes! Too bad.
"those shiny cars with dirty wheels! It's like someone wearing a new suit with grubby shoes!"
EXACTLY right!
Beautiful day here in CT. Sunny, cool, very low humidity. Great day for some Z2/Z6!!!
fastdriver
One thing you wrote bothered me, though. Do you really use Dawn to wash your car before applying Zaino? Methinks you probably meant Z-7 -- or you're leaving a "Dawn film" on your paint, according to Sal.
After that, ONLY Z-7, as you surmised.
Look for the Dixie brew - it's worth it!
2. How much of the bottle did you use?
A little goes a very long way. In fact - If you had it on thick enough to easily see a haze, you most likely used too much. The only problem I ever had with drying was on a January day with the temps at about 35 degrees. Also, try putting it on in direct sunlight. Even with humidity here, I never have to wait more than an hour for it to dry, In fact, by the time I finish the last panel, the first one I treated is ready to be wiped down.
how long does it take to recieve them after you place you order also whats this i hear about washing your car with dawn to remove the polish from the dealer. i didnt see anything mentioned on the site. and will it work on the corolla hub caps? also what Zaino products would you recommend being a new a brand new car (2002)and last question is can you really apply them in sunlight? sorry so long but i want to treat my car right
Dawn is a high alkaline detergent and it will strip off any old wax that the dealer (or you) might have put on. He talks about that in the FAQ's on his website.
What are your hubcaps like? I use it on my chrome wheels with no problem
I never clayed, so I can't(won't) recommend it. Many will. At the very least you should get Z1, Z2, Z6 (gloss enhancer), and Z7 (wash). I dunno what it is about Z7, but it does a tremendous job, and like the rest of the products, a little goes a long way.
Finally, I always apply it in direct sunlight, on my white car or my wifes deep blue car. I think it helps to dry faster. The last time I did my wifes car, it was about 95 degrees with a blazing sun. No problems whatsoever. Good luck, and enjoy the shine! Oh, and remember...a little goes a very long way. Don't be tempted to use too much.
DON'T use the Z6 gloss enhancer in the blazing sun. You don't want that to dry on the car. You put it on and wipe it off immediately. Don't lean too far when you do it or you'll slide right to the ground! LOL...
Also, DO NOT let the dealer wash your car! That will only add to the scratches/swirls. They will not use the same good washing mitts/cloths that you do. The Z5 is good to get rid of swirls/scratches, but it does not perform miracles. Close though!
I assume the paint is clearcoat, but check it out. If it's not, you'll need Z3 and not Z2. Ask the dealer, call Toyota or e-mail/call Sal Zaino. He always answers the phone.
fastdriver
Sal just says- "be patient"!!
fastdriver
nokuy: 'Just to make sure, apply the Z1 and then the Z5 directly after it. Only buff the residue off after the Z1/Z5 combination has dried. Then wait 24 hours before the next application of Z5. Actually, as an option, you could apply a quick coat of Z6 Gloss Enhance between coats of Z5. The 24 hour waiting period is the "offical" curing time wait period. If, however, you are in a low humidity / very quick drying area (say Sacramento, CA), then you could probably get away with a 10 hour curing period. On varying between Z2 and Z5: I'd (again, I'm no expert and maybe fastdriver or pj or automophile could help out here) apply only up to 3 coats of Z5 before using a coat of Z2. Three coats of Z5 should really do the job, and Z2 also has some anti-swirl properties too.
I think Zaino is the BEST product I have ever used and I have used them all. Actually, I told my Dad about Zaino and it is the only product he puts on his car. Unfortunately, all the wax on his shelf in the garage will probably go to waste now!!!
One thing nokuy: do not expect the Z5 to handle heavy or even medium swirls. It will decrease their visibility to some extent, but it will not completely cover medium swirls and if they are heavy, forget it. In such cases, if you want a swirl free car, you are going to have to physically remove the swirls, not cover them up. This is done by using products like 3M Swirl Remover (very mild), 3M Finesse II (stronger, but still pretty mild), 3M Fine Cut (stronger, a cutting compound), etc. You should only use strong cutting compounds, "rubbing compounds," etc. if you know what you are doing, or else have a pro do it. The strong ones, used with a buffer, can cut through your paint.
If you have an extensive problem and you want a swirl-free car, better to eliminate the swirls now, before you spend the time putting 5 coats of Z on the car.
Don't let the negative knee-bobs deflect you. Humor them.