I just bought a 98 Mustang, Black the other day, and its in really good condition, except the paint could use a good wax/claybar/handwash this weekend. The paint is a little faded, because it wasn't garaged, but it really is nice looking, almost doesn't look like its faded at all. I just want to clean it up, and get the paint looking as good as possible. What products do you guys recommend, and what procedures? I'm also gonna clean the wheels, and clean the tires with the stuff that makes them look really black and shiny.

Thanks.

 

Are you going to be doing this by hand or by machine?

 

A claybar and a good polish will do wonders for your paint. I assume this is being done by hand. Here is what I would go with personally. There is a couple of options.

Wash
Claybar
Optimum Poli Seal-polish and sealant in one (this can also be used on the wheels)

Wash
Claybar
Poorboys SSR1 Polish/Swirl remover
Poorboys Natty's paste wax,ClearKote Carnuba Wax, or Optimum Spray Wax
For tires I would use Poorboys Bold N Bright tire dressing
All of these products are drastically reduced on my website for my Holiday Sale! Let me know if you have any product questions.

 

definitely by hand. I like this car way to much to run it through a machine.

 

Oh I meant would be putting the polish on by hand or polisher. By hand I recommend the Poorboys polish and by machine polishing I recommend Optimum polishes.

 

now you wouldnt be biased would you

 

yeah, by hand. I don't have anything to apply wax with with a machine.

How long you guys figure it will take to do a good thorough job, wash, clay, polish, and wax?

Also, do I rinse after each step, or wash after each step, or what? I'm new to this stuff, and I want to do a good job of it.

 

I would say probably 3 hours. First you would wash the car as normal. Then you claybar. Use a quick detailer with the claybar for your lubrication. Make sure you use plenty of lube and let the clay glide over the paint. There is no need to apply any pressure. When the clay gets dirty just knead it to a clean section and move on. Some people wash again after claying but it is not necessary, especially if you are polishing on the next step. After polishing some people prefer to put on sealant for great durability. I like to apply sealant and then top it with a carnuba wax to give the paint a deeper/wetter look.

The paint will look and feel amazing after claying and polishing. Some people prefer to put a glaze in after polishing to add more pop to the paint. A glaze really isn't necessary and is just personal preference. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Here is a site that is very helpful and can explain a lot of detailing questions. http://paintcare-n-detailing.com/