Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread *10 month update

[Matt S.]

10 month update - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...tz-durability-update-thread-5.html#post616164

6+ month update - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...tz-durability-update-thread-4.html#post556131

9/20/11 5+ month update - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...tz-durability-update-thread-3.html#post541599

4/24/11 Update #2 - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...artz-durability-update-thread.html#post456335

I wanted to start this thread for weekly or bi-weekly updates, depending on how often I can wash my truck and post results.

C-Quartz was first applied on 4-9-11. The truck sits outside 24/7 and is daily driven, around 360-400 miles per week.

Original application thread / initial thoughts: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...car-cquartz-detail-2011-tacoma-trd-sport.html


I washed the truck today using Sonax shampoo. No wheel cleaner was needed on the wheels with CQuartz on them, just soap and water. I also used Perl on the tires, and Reload on the paint.

PERL Coat Plastic & Rubber Protectant, vinyl and rubber dressing, interior protectant

Reload Spray Sealant, spray paint sealant, spray wax, CQuartz Reload

Perl went on and provided results that very closely resemble Wolfgang Black Diamond Tire Gel. Curious to see how long it lasts as I really like the look.

Reload was used very sparingly, and made a HUGE difference in terms of slickness. The paint is very slick now, while it was just "smooth" previously with just CQuartz.

The truck was driven 380 miles since inital application, and I used a little Optimum Instant Detailer on the front end a few days ago to remove some bugs. I didn't want to wash them off as CarPro doesn't recommend washing for the first week, to allow for proper curing.


Pre-wash beading shots:

Post wash, low-pressure rinse. Very impressive sheeting action.

And some "after" shots with Perl applied to the tires, and after using Reload on the paint.

Anyone who knows me knows I can't leave a vehicle completely stock. For now, I got the windows tinted if you hadn't already noticed (21% front, 14% rear), and a new Access Roll-Up Tonneau cover. Since I just installed the tonneau cover, I had to protect it with something.

That's all for today! Thanks for looking, and feel free to ask any questions you may have. :cheers:

 

[Finemess]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Looks great. Like the slick aspect. Any luck fishing with that boat?

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

I didn't get out fishing this weekend, but my father caught a 30lb Cobia on Friday. Yummy!

 

[Finemess]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Wow! Very nice. I've not been fishing in years, do miss it thou.

 

[Dr Oldz]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Subscribed

 

[gary748s]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Thanks for the update I may have to try this stuff.

How do you like the Wolfsteins protectant? I've always used 303 but testing/trying new products is part of the fun.

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Thanks for the update I may have to try this stuff.

How do you like the Wolfsteins protectant? I've always used 303 but testing/trying new products is part of the fun.

Not to put down 303 as it is a great line of products and I still use their stuff on my interior, but when I had my S2000, Raggtopp outlasted 303 by a far margin on the convertible top. Definitely give it a shot...if you like 303 then you will love Raggtopp. rops:

 

[embolism]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

I like how the Perl looks on the tires.

Have you tried it diluted on the interior? I'm wondering how it looks on leather seats...

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Have not tried it on the interior thus far. The Tacoma doesn't have leather but I suppose I could try it on the Highlander or Camry.

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

4-24-11 Update #2:

15 days since initial application. Drove another ~380 miles this week (my routine doesn't deviate much!), had some rain and bugs and whatnot. Also picked up a good amount of junk from the tree next to my driveway...I took a video with my new Flip MinoHD (these are going cheap now since Flips are no longer being made, just FYI) to show beading and how easily everything rinses right off. I didn't get any after shots since it started pouring as soon as I started drying the truck.

Product is still beading like the day I applied it and the entire truck was extremely easy to wash. Even the plastic trim is beading like crazy and dirt won't stick to anything. Griot's Wheel Cleaner has not affected beading on the wheels, and Megs APC has not affected beading on the plastic trim.

After a quick rinse

Rinsing video (watch in HD)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtHUKKT2Y30]YouTube - 4-24-11 CQuartz beading[/video]

 

[richy]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Matt, weekly updates?? Hahahaha. buddy, you are going to get bored reporting the same results week after week. Move it back to monthly. It will still blow you away. I find that when the Lincoln got really dirty in the winter from the salt and whatnot, I find that once it is washed, the final rinse sheets water just like it did Day 1. Summer dirt: it sheets it like normal.

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Matt, weekly updates?? Hahahaha. buddy, you are going to get bored reporting the same results week after week. Move it back to monthly. It will still blow you away. I find that when the Lincoln got really dirty in the winter from the salt and whatnot, I find that once it is washed, the final rinse sheets water just like it did Day 1. Summer dirt: it sheets it like normal.

I suppose you may be right I mainly wanted to show a video of how it beads and how easily bugs rinse off. Next week I'll focus more on updating my Opti Coat 2.0 thread if I finish my audio system install in a timely manner. :cheers:

 

[S2K]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Not to put down 303 as it is a great line of products and I still use their stuff on my interior, but when I had my S2000, Raggtopp outlasted 303 by a far margin on the convertible top. Definitely give it a shot...if you like 303 then you will love Raggtopp. rops:

Thanks Matt, I've been wanting to try the Raggtopp just waiting for my 303 to run out. Does the Raggtpp run in the rain? If I put 303 on too heavy it will run and sometimes I get a little heavy with it.

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Doesn't run at all and the tonneau cover has been beading quite nicely.

 

[James K]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

I use 303 but really want to try raggtopp for the Cobra. I have about 32 oz of 303 left to use first though.

As for the original point of this post, I am seriously considering this for my Highlander, so I am very interested in updates. Thanks.

 

[panthercz]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

It was nice to see how easy the bugs just rinsed off with the water! :dblthumb2:

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Been over a month since the last update, but nothing new to report. I did go over the truck last week with Reload since it went through hell and back with all the love bugs we had recently. But, it's still holding up rock solid and is showing no signs of wearing off.

 

[dreamps]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

thanks for the updates!

dad's miata gets raggtop, first used 303 and raggtop blows it away! it does not run either

 

[Matt S.]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Washed again today, and nothing has changed so I didn't bother taking pictures. Literally more of the same - slick and still beading like it was on day one. Keep in mind it's gone through one love bug "season" and still sits outside everyday, now in the summer time when it rains like hell just about every day. I remain very impressed with this coating.

 

[Shane731]

Re: Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread

Hey Matt, what shampoo are you using as a maintenance wash? Any recommendations in this area? Also, how often are you applying ReLoad? Any issues with wiper chatter on the windshield (since you applied it to all of the glass)? Thanks!