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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 05:47 PM
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Default Clay bar

I just finished clay barring my black 95, Boy did it make it feel smoother. I will do my windshield next. What I need advice on is to do the dark targa top and the rear hatch glass. I kinda remember reading not to do the targa top but can not remember where I read it. I want to thank all who can help.

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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 10:18 PM
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Im not sure if they are the same, but for my 92 I had a ton of water spots that wouldn't come out no matter what I used. Someone here suggested use a product call Bar Keepers Friend. Its cheap, its at Home Depot and I used it on a low speed with my DA Buffer and it made the top look brand new... Here is the post from a few years ago... Look at post #9 and #12

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ned-glass.html

Last edited by Mayor111; Jun 15, 2019 at 10:19 PM.
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 11:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Mayor111
Im not sure if they are the same, but for my 92 I had a ton of water spots that wouldn't come out no matter what I used. Someone here suggested use a product call Bar Keepers Friend. Its cheap, its at Home Depot and I used it on a low speed with my DA Buffer and it made the top look brand new... Here is the post from a few years ago... Look at post #9 and #12

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ned-glass.html
This is two different processes. Clay bars are good for getting rid of debris embedded in your clear coat. Barkeeper's friend is an abrasive compound for cutting down the clear coat
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 01:18 AM
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Originally Posted by jayjones
This is two different processes. Clay bars are good for getting rid of debris embedded in your clear coat. Barkeeper's friend is an abrasive compound for cutting down the clear coat
After you clay, you should also follow up with a polishing job. All those contaminants will marr your paint.

If you will clay the front windshield, the rear is fine too. The lexan top, I would leave alone. There is a uv protectant layer on it, and polishing or even the light abrasion of clay is asking for trouble with that imo.
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 01:44 AM
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I use the clay bar treatment on my acrylic top, and the difference is impressive! I was skeptical, too, so I called McGuire's, and they encouraged the idea. The clay treatment is very low abrasion, even less that polishing compound. Its secret is that it removes the contaminates rather than spreading them around.

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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 08:14 AM
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The acrylic top that was what I forgot. My top looks great after a good polishing with detail spray so I will leave it alone. Yes I am in the process of polishing now as the clay left some ugly streaks on the hood. I am using the Chemical Guys pads and compound, Wow does it do a fantastic job. I will do there complete process. Wash, clay, polish, glaze, seal and wax.
Being a black car it shows all sins.
Thank you for all the great advice

Hawkeye56
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 08:14 AM
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Originally Posted by jayjones
This is two different processes. Clay bars are good for getting rid of debris embedded in your clear coat. Barkeeper's friend is an abrasive compound for cutting down the clear coat
Read the original post - he is asking about his TARGA top - not his paint. You should NEVER use Bar Keepers Friend on paint - its way too abrasive!

For paint - Meguiars M205 for a nice polish with minimal cutting or M105 for more aggressive cutting.
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 01:39 PM
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I am using c/g 34 and 36 now, I will finish with the 38 and then glaze.

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Old Jun 23, 2019 | 05:39 PM
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I just recently bought a Griots garage synthetic clay. it was awesome. way easier then clay as well.
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Old Jun 23, 2019 | 06:48 PM
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Well I need to ask how did it make it easier? I used the 3M clay and it was fairly easy just time consuming.
I have been polishing with the orbital polisher and it was a real learning curve but it has made the paint pop and I have not even done the final process yet, I can’t wait to see it finished.

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Old Jun 23, 2019 | 10:56 PM
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Just clayed and waxed my 35th yesterday and used the clay bar on the acrylic roof. Came out great!! I’ve always used Meguiars and never an issue....
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 11:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Hawkeye56
Well I need to ask how did it make it easier? I used the 3M clay and it was fairly easy just time consuming.
I have been polishing with the orbital polisher and it was a real learning curve but it has made the paint pop and I have not even done the final process yet, I can’t wait to see it finished.

Thanks
Hawkeye56
I always used the 3m clay before as well. And I'm not saying it's hard in any way. Time consuming a little. With synthetic there's no re molding of clay. Wasting when it gets dropped and synthetic is a faster process with same result. I'm not knocking clay. I just found this and love it as a time saver






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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 11:37 AM
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Wow that looks great, I will have to check it out.

Thanks

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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Hawkeye56
Wow that looks great, I will have to check it out.

Thanks

Hawkeye56
I think it was $24 at AutoZone there was a special if you bought that with either wax what car soap from griot you get a rebate on the soap or wax what's the full price
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 02:18 PM
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I will go to Autozone, Would you use it on your targa top? Do you believe that it would remove the uv protection on the top?
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 03:03 PM
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I can't really comment on the targa top mine is painted
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 06:16 PM
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Well I believe that I will not use it on my top.
I Clayed the painted top and it looks great.
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 06:28 PM
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 07:03 PM
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Looks very good, Any more pictures of the rest of the car?
Thanks
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 07:04 PM
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Being fortunate enough to live near the Griot flagship store I have used a lot of their products. The synthetic clay bar is one that I find especially useful. Go online to their website and see if they have any specials when you want to buy one of their products. They also have videos showing the correct way to use the products.
Not sure if online is the same as buying at the local store but they give a discount to customers in car clubs. They also have free classes showing detailing techniques that are really helpful. Just lucky to live close.
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