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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 12:28 PM
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Any opinions? I have a Triple Black 03 Vert and am fed up with trying to keep the Black scratch and swirl free. Thinking of Trading in to a 05 Vert Victory Red..... Whadda ya all think.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 12:31 PM
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The only way to keep black perfect is to never touch it


Seriously, how are you cleaning your car? I have a black coupe and have used only touch-free car washes or a wool mitt and don't have any swirls or scratches. I use NXT wax and detailing spray.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by mrgil
Any opinions? I have a Triple Black 03 Vert and am fed up with trying to keep the Black scratch and swirl free. Thinking of Trading in to a 05 Vert Victory Red..... Whadda ya all think.
mrgil


But actually, I haven't even done ANYTHING yet to deal with the scratch/swirl issue. It's been one thing after another. I need my windshielf replaced, so the guy who's gonna foam-pad the car, wants to wait until after they do they window (good idea).

After that, I'm gonna lay 6 coats of Zaino on, and see how I feel then.

I cannot BELIEVE how easily this paint scratches and swirls! I've owned black before, but it's never been this bad. Is it softer paint, because it's a plastic car? (OK, fiberglass) I really am taken aback by how CRAPPY the paint can look, but I'll wait until I have the car the way I want it (at least ONCE), before I consider dumping it for another color...

The other thought is...

A good friend of mine suggests that if I don't want to get scratches and swirls on my car, that I should park it permanently in my living room, and keep a cover on it...

OR...

I can drive the HELL out of it (like it was built to be driven) and lighten up on the "appearance angst". A little ACCEPTANCE goes a long way...

Rick
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by mrgil
Any opinions? I have a Triple Black 03 Vert and am fed up with trying to keep the Black scratch and swirl free. Thinking of Trading in to a 05 Vert Victory Red..... Whadda ya all think.
mrgil
Unless you find a wonderful dealer you will take quite a hit on a trade in. I assume you are using good supplies such as high quality towels and polishing cloths. polish applicators of good quailty are important also. I bought myself a porter cable dual action buffer and swirls are a thing of the past. Black is high maintenance but when you got it right no car looks better!
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 12:50 PM
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Just came in from 2hrs prep time on my Victoty Red Coupe. I know black shows the dirt, but they all get the same amount on them. It's a never ending battle.
Going to rest a minute and get back into the garage, wax is next and I'm tired!!!!
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 12:52 PM
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I too have my first black car. The C6 is beautiful in black, but I do see every imperfection and dust particle. As Rick indicates, I am trying to adopt the philosophy advised for him. "Drive the HELL out of it. Clean it occasionally and try to lighten up on the appearance angst." Most regular folks aren't nearly as critical of the car as the owners are!

Jim
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by VettesintheRockies
Just came in from 2hrs prep time on my Victoty Red Coupe. I know black shows the dirt, but they all get the same amount on them. It's a never ending battle.
Going to rest a minute and get back into the garage, wax is next and I'm tired!!!!
I agree....while black does show it...dirt, dust, etc., collects on any color of paint. I guess the bottom line is basically how clean,bright and shinny any of us want our cars to look...regardless of color. I'm from the **** department, so I spend a heck of a lot of time on my black vert, but hell, I spent a lot of time on my previous 2-red, 1-white, 1-blue and 1-silver vettes...but I also enjoy doing it.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 01:25 PM
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All of my cars were black before this one. Lots of time and Zaino went into those cars, but boy did they look GOOOOOD!! However I opted for silver this time much easier to keeep "looking" clean!
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 02:53 PM
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My C-5 was black and looked great but I will never again subject myself to the level of work necessary to keep black looking right. I went with Precision Red in the C-6 and love it. It is much easier to keep looking the way I want it to look. Black is beautiful, but too much work!!
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by SINCITYC6
All of my cars were black before this one. Lots of time and Zaino went into those cars, but boy did they look GOOOOOD!! However I opted for silver this time much easier to keeep "looking" clean!
Black is a nightmare (The best looking Vette). 2 hours to clean for 1/2 hour before dust starts in. Dustbusters, 5 coats of Zaino, covers, garages blah, blah cant stop the never ending battle.. Watch out for that scratch-it will show miles away.. Get the red and enjoy!!!
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 03:07 PM
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On my '06 black coupe, I plan on using RejeX to keep it cleaner and easier to clean. Also a CR Spotless de-ionozer to wash. I cover my cars as much as possible, so hopefully all this will result in a better black car experience.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by SickRick

A good friend of mine suggests that if I don't want to get scratches and swirls on my car, that I should park it permanently in my living room, and keep a cover on it...

OR...

I can drive the HELL out of it (like it was built to be driven) and lighten up on the "appearance angst". A little ACCEPTANCE goes a long way...

Rick
I think you should...

Definately cover it... except when your car's dirty... dirty car cover dragged over car = scratches

Definately lighten up and enjoy it! No one else is probably examining your paint job as closely.

Dunno about red, but I like white (esp. white corvettes for some reason). Hides dirt (surprisingly) and spots well.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 03:22 PM
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My car still has only the wax applied at delivery. I am not into waxing -coat after coat. I spray or hand wash it was needed and it looks outstanding. After going black 4 or 5 times each time I said I would never go back, then some sweet black thing would catch my fancy and within weeks I would be sorry. Get a user friendly color.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 03:32 PM
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I was told they don't even use wax on prep delivery. You might want to throw a coat of wax on it.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 03:39 PM
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Why the heck don't they?! Is that normal?
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 03:44 PM
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I'm sure they use something to get the residue off from the protective plastic, but I doubt they use an actual wax after that. Any dealers know?
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by capevettes
My C-5 was black and looked great but I will never again subject myself to the level of work necessary to keep black looking right. I went with Precision Red in the C-6 and love it. It is much easier to keep looking the way I want it to look. Black is beautiful, but too much work!!

I'm plum tuckered out!
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 04:26 PM
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This is going to get some interesting responses, but I must say it.
I've had about six new cars in the last ten years and have never waxed any of them. They've all be clear coat painted. It's been my understanding that with clear coat, you don't need to wax. Back in the days before clear coat, I used to wax (and compound) all my rides. What's the point in waxing the clear top coat?
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by PROFESSORO
What's the point in waxing the clear top coat?
Well, it's suppose to be for protection and shine. I'm going to use RejeX. More protection, good shine, easier to clean.
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Old Jun 26, 2005 | 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by PROFESSORO
This is going to get some interesting responses, but I must say it.
I've had about six new cars in the last ten years and have never waxed any of them. They've all be clear coat painted. It's been my understanding that with clear coat, you don't need to wax. Back in the days before clear coat, I used to wax (and compound) all my rides. What's the point in waxing the clear top coat?
Since you've invited a flaming... here's mine;
I'll bet you're one of those people who doesn't even wash their ride! lol
mrgil
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