Attn: Corvette Owners/Detailers... Interior Product Suggestions

[xxxc5]

Hey killrwheels and Gary Sword, thanks for the recommendations! The Einszett Cockpit Premium and Leather Care are working really well for me me and are now the only products I need to use to easily and safely keep my interior looking new. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[ScottB]

As a corvette owner, I would not steer you wrong. When your ready for waxes it times to put some Pinnacle SSII on that beauty also !

 

[xxxc5]

As a corvette owner, I would not steer you wrong. When your ready for waxes it times to put some Pinnacle SSII on that beauty also !

From one owner to another, thanks again!! It's interesting that you bring wax up. I recently used the WG concours system with so-so results. It worked really well on my Pewter Metallic Vette, but not so much on this one. It just doesn't seem to pop as much, plus now all the swirls have really been brought to light. I need to do some serious swirl removing. Any suggestions on products, pads, etc. I really like the Poorboy's detailers over everything else I've previously used and would like to continue using them with whatever sealer and wax I go with. Honestly, I think my car looked better just using Spray & Gloss before doing the WG system. Also, it shines up the finish better than the WG Instant Spritz.

 

[ScottB]

You need a machine for polishing ... I find Menzerna SIP and Nano to be the best 1-2 punch on all Vettes. They are break down and gloss up rather nicely. If you dont have a buffer consider the Griots Random Orbital. Stick with 6 inch or 5.5 inch pads as needed. I find the standard ones work quite nice truthfully.

As for waxes, on metallics I prefer SSII from Pinnacle and Wolfgang. Concours should work well but not as crisp and reflective as most sealants, you might wanna try Four Star UPP. (my personal fav)

As for sprays, Spray and Gloss was an old fav. I have moved thru most and would suggest trying FinishKare 425 , Optimum Quick Detailer and Gloss Spray, and Dodo Red Juice (expensive, but use little). All are really nice sprays.

 

[xxxc5]

You need a machine for polishing ... I find Menzerna SIP and Nano to be the best 1-2 punch on all Vettes. They are break down and gloss up rather nicely. If you dont have a buffer consider the Griots Random Orbital. Stick with 6 inch or 5.5 inch pads as needed. I find the standard ones work quite nice truthfully.

As for waxes, on metallics I prefer SSII from Pinnacle and Wolfgang. Concours should work well but not as crisp and reflective as most sealants, you might wanna try Four Star UPP. (my personal fav)

As for sprays, Spray and Gloss was an old fav. I have moved thru most and would suggest trying FinishKare 425 , Optimum Quick Detailer and Gloss Spray, and Dodo Red Juice (expensive, but use little). All are really nice sprays.

Thanks for outlining this for me killrwheels! I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on making my purchase. I have a couple of questions though. I have a first generation DA (Megs G100) so I will go with 5.5 pads since my DA is somewhat underpowered and can't effectively turn 6.5 pads. Which pads do you recommend? From what I have read, it looks like I need flat pads in orange, white and grey. Is this correct?

Wolfgang vs Menzerna polish - The Menzerna products sound great but I fear that I'm not experienced enough to use them properly. Aren't they more aggressive and difficult then WG TSR and FG? Aren't TSR and FG "safer" for a novice?

DGPS vs Four Star UPP - Does UPP have as much protection as WGPS and does it last as long as well? I still have some DGPS left and am wondering if UPP is that much better to justify buying an additional product. I'm certainly open to it though. The DGPS just doesn't pop to me like it did on my Pewter Metallic Vette. Do you top UPP with SSII?

Detailers - I'll check them out! If you say they are better than PB Spray and Gloss, then I'm sold.

Maintenance - In regards to weekly maintenance, I have been using Spray and Gloss/Spray & Waterless Wash to remove dust one to two times a week. It very rarely rains where I live and when it does, I don't take the car out. I live in a condo and have to wash my car at a local power wash station which isn't very convenient and practical for me, especially when it really doesn't need it in my opinion. Can you give some advice on some of the waterless and rinseless wash products that are safe? I certainly don't want to reintroduce swirls after I correct the problem. What do you do for maintenance in between washes? How do you combat dust? Do you use a California Duster. Thanks killrwheels!

 

[ScottB]

The G100 with the 5.5 inch pads will work well and flat pads are my choice indeed. You can always move up to a different buffer over time as desired or watch for someone here trading up. Recently saw a PC-XP on Ebay for under 100 bones.

The Menzerna Polishes (SIP and Nano) and Wolfgang Polishes (TSR and FG) are similar. They use the same diminishing abrasives designed for ceramiclear finishes. Both offer an extra degree of safety to me as they diminish (break down) rather quickly. Because of their more abrasive start it responds rather well to the Corvettes coat.

Dana will suggest 105 from Megs which is nice, but IMO more abrasive that SIP and does not break down. I also feel it doesnt finish down well at all compared to SIP and both friend and wife saw results first hand and agreed. There is no wrong choice and all that use 105 will suggest using a finishing polish like Menzerna 085rd.

I have used Four Star UPP for several years and suggested this hidden gem to all. Infact if you do a search you will see many that have come back and thanked. Its slicker, more reflective looking and really easy to use. Using their Spray Wax or Zaino Z8 on it creates long term protection and that super glossy look. I think it would be a great choice once youve run out.

Please understand I am not knocking spray/gloss , just found some I prefer more personally. I got some streaking on blacks with SG that I dont with Optimum and especially FK425. (do a search on this for its unanimous praise)

As for maintenance, well I only wash. I dont like to do any real quick detailing (even with dust) on black as it can scratch with even a hint of dirt. I now have the luxury of making the C6 a garage queen so she's washed, polished, and stored under a cover in garage. If I had to deal with your environment, I would order Optimums No Rinse immediately. I love the stuff, and in past added to current soap for more lubrication. This stuff rocks !!

 

[xxxc5]

The G100 with the 5.5 inch pads will work well and flat pads are my choice indeed. You can always move up to a different buffer over time as desired or watch for someone here trading up. Recently saw a PC-XP on Ebay for under 100 bones.

The Menzerna Polishes (SIP and Nano) and Wolfgang Polishes (TSR and FG) are similar. They use the same diminishing abrasives designed for ceramiclear finishes. Both offer an extra degree of safety to me as they diminish (break down) rather quickly. Because of their more abrasive start it responds rather well to the Corvettes coat.

Dana will suggest 105 from Megs which is nice, but IMO more abrasive that SIP and does not break down. I also feel it doesnt finish down well at all compared to SIP and both friend and wife saw results first hand and agreed. There is no wrong choice and all that use 105 will suggest using a finishing polish like Menzerna 085rd.

I have used Four Star UPP for several years and suggested this hidden gem to all. Infact if you do a search you will see many that have come back and thanked. Its slicker, more reflective looking and really easy to use. Using their Spray Wax or Zaino Z8 on it creates long term protection and that super glossy look. I think it would be a great choice once youve run out.

Please understand I am not knocking spray/gloss , just found some I prefer more personally. I got some streaking on blacks with SG that I dont with Optimum and especially FK425. (do a search on this for its unanimous praise)

As for maintenance, well I only wash. I dont like to do any real quick detailing (even with dust) on black as it can scratch with even a hint of dirt. I now have the luxury of making the C6 a garage queen so she's washed, polished, and stored under a cover in garage. If I had to deal with your environment, I would order Optimums No Rinse immediately. I love the stuff, and in past added to current soap for more lubrication. This stuff rocks !!

Awesome info, thank you!! I see that my choices for flat 5.5 pads are somewhat limited to the two LC Hydo-Tech pads. Should I use these with a grey CCS for sealant? Or should I just use all CCS pads. Do you remove sealant/wax by hand or machine with bonnet?

 

[ScottB]

I apply and remove all sealants by hand as well as wax. Using a buffer wastes too much product and the key to both is a very light and uniform coat.

 

[xxxc5]

I apply and remove all sealants by hand as well as wax. Using a buffer wastes too much product and the key to both is a very light and uniform coat.

Ok, I've researched all of your suggestions and am ready to go. One last question and I swear I'll stop bothering yourops:

I'm having a difficult time with pad selection... so much info and suggestions. Due to the limited selection of flat 5.5" pads (only LC Hydro-Tech), I think I'm pretty much stuck with LC CCS pads? What do you use on your Vette, and what do you suggest for mine? I was thinking of this for mine:

SIP/TSR = Orange
NANO/FG = White
NANO/FG = Blue
UPP/DGPS = Red or by hand

What do you think killr? :xyxthumbs:

 

[ml13]

I saw someone post that Cockpit premium doesnt offer any UV protection so I have stayed away from trying it. Does it offer protection similar to what Poorboys Natural finish or something like 303 does?

Cockpit Premium has some UV protection and looks new and natural with no coloring. They also offer vinyl care for those looking for a matte appearance.

 

[ScottB]

Ok, I've researched all of your suggestions and am ready to go. One last question and I swear I'll stop bothering yourops:

I'm having a difficult time with pad selection... so much info and suggestions. Due to the limited selection of flat 5.5" pads (only LC Hydro-Tech), I think I'm pretty much stuck with LC CCS pads? What do you use on your Vette, and what do you suggest for mine? I was thinking of this for mine:

SIP/TSR = Orange
NANO/FG = White
NANO/FG = Blue
UPP/DGPS = Red or by hand

What do you think killr? :xyxthumbs:

I wanna try the Hydro pads but havent yet. I use the basic standard ones from the past to date.

I saw someone post that Cockpit premium doesnt offer any UV protection so I have stayed away from trying it. Does it offer protection similar to what Poorboys Natural finish or something like 303 does?

We contacted Einszett and Cockpit Premium is said to have some UV protection. For better protection, more equal to say 303, move to their Vinyl and Rubber Care. Like 303, it was designed for exterior use too and thus more UV protectants built in.