Claybarring - WOW !!
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Claybarring - WOW !!
Posted this in Car Care Section also, but if you are like me, you don't visit that section much.
First time using a clay bar. Suppose to be a raining weekend, so I decided to wash Vette Friday and wax over weekend. Have had Mother's Clay Bar System for over a year but never used it. I was dissapointed when I got this small piece of clay (4 inches X 2 inches X 1/2 inch) out of the big box.
Well, I just started and all I can say is WOW ! It is very easy, slides nice on lubricated car. I didn't think it was doing much until I was finished. The difference is amazing, SO MUCH SMOOTHER. Also noted how when applying the wax, the foam applicator stayed clean, before I had to rinse it often. This just proves how clean the clay bar gets the car.
Will follow up with Meguier's NXT, my wax of choice.
For those who were thinking that clay barring is difficult, think again.
First time using a clay bar. Suppose to be a raining weekend, so I decided to wash Vette Friday and wax over weekend. Have had Mother's Clay Bar System for over a year but never used it. I was dissapointed when I got this small piece of clay (4 inches X 2 inches X 1/2 inch) out of the big box.
Well, I just started and all I can say is WOW ! It is very easy, slides nice on lubricated car. I didn't think it was doing much until I was finished. The difference is amazing, SO MUCH SMOOTHER. Also noted how when applying the wax, the foam applicator stayed clean, before I had to rinse it often. This just proves how clean the clay bar gets the car.
Will follow up with Meguier's NXT, my wax of choice.
For those who were thinking that clay barring is difficult, think again.
Last edited by Oldvetter; Apr 22, 2006 at 09:01 AM.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,132
Likes: 24,733
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
A clay bar works wonders. Did mine last year and I was amazed. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,484
Likes: 1
From: Everyday you must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Fredericktown, OH
Haven't done my Z yet, but did it to my LT-4 when I bought it, then did a few coats of Zaino - I was very impressed.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,566
Likes: 52
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
A clay bar works wonders. Did mine last year and I was amazed.
I'm going to do it again after the long winter, since it's nice again. When I did it last year, I followed up with NXT and a few coats of carnuba on top of that (a burner coat for the Texas sun) and my car was sooooo slick. I tried taking a picture while leaning against the front fender and I couldn't stay propped up on it!
Biggest reminder for clay bar noobs is to make sure you break the clay bar in half and store the other piece in a safe spot. If you happen to accidently drop the clay bar it immediately becomes worthless and if you broke it in half, at least you still have the other piece
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 3
From: Rehoboth MA . . . NRA Life Member
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I clay bar my daily drivers twice a year and it does make a big difference in the finish. My Z06, because living in the Northeast it falls into the "Garage Queen" category, 
gets clay bar'd only once a season under normal conditions. 
By claying the cars finish contaminates are pulled from the cars finish into the clay bar before they can do further damage to the paint and clear coats. Proper polishing and waxing, of your choice, helps protect the finish keeping it's appearance like new.
Bob
gets clay bar'd only once a season under normal conditions. By claying the cars finish contaminates are pulled from the cars finish into the clay bar before they can do further damage to the paint and clear coats. Proper polishing and waxing, of your choice, helps protect the finish keeping it's appearance like new.
Bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
I agree its a great thing, it is amazing how smooth the finish gets when you are done, even before waxing. Did my daily driver when I first got it and it has looked great since, even though mine sees the "elements" regularly. Probably do another mid summer Highly recommended and don't drop it!
Fej
Highly recommended and don't drop it!Fej
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
I agree, its an easy thing. I was always afraid of it as I guess I did not understand how it worked or what I was doing exactly. A lot of misinformation out there as well. One of my partners told me he did not want to clay his car as he did not want to sand off the clear coat. He thought it was an abrasive like sanding the car. Once he saw how good my black BMW M5 looked when done he was a convert. It really does not take that much time either. I use the Zano bar and I did my wifes excursion and the whole process including the roof only took me 4 hours.
Now I just need to get off my butt and do the MY 2000 MTI car.
Now I just need to get off my butt and do the MY 2000 MTI car.
