Question about factory prep
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Question about factory prep
Sorry guys, I have an ignorant question about new car prep.
My new coupe is being produced next week. I could not take museum delivery for scheduling reasons. I have read on here about how wonderful they prep your car at the museum vs. what the dealership might do when the car comes in.
So I guess my question is: what kind of prep/protection is on the paint when it comes to the dealer? I kinda don't want my dealer to touch it or clean it up when I pick it up due to some issues I've read about here. ( swirls, scratches, and general carelessness.) I live in Indy and won't be able to really get a good coat of polish/wax on it for a couple months. Is it protected enough to now not do any damage or the like until spring?? Is it smart to not have the dealer clean it/wax it when it comes in?? I might just be being paranoid, but screw it, this is my baby. Opinions please??
Thanks everyone!!
Kris
My new coupe is being produced next week. I could not take museum delivery for scheduling reasons. I have read on here about how wonderful they prep your car at the museum vs. what the dealership might do when the car comes in.
So I guess my question is: what kind of prep/protection is on the paint when it comes to the dealer? I kinda don't want my dealer to touch it or clean it up when I pick it up due to some issues I've read about here. ( swirls, scratches, and general carelessness.) I live in Indy and won't be able to really get a good coat of polish/wax on it for a couple months. Is it protected enough to now not do any damage or the like until spring?? Is it smart to not have the dealer clean it/wax it when it comes in?? I might just be being paranoid, but screw it, this is my baby. Opinions please??
Thanks everyone!!
Kris
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 5
From: Owensboro Kentucky
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Don't let dealer touch it with their dirty soap and water. Your paint will hold up fine without wax for the short term, so I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 2
From: Hope, Arkansas - '07 LMB Coupe
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
The Vettes get adhesive plastic sheets applied to the larger flat surfaces that don't get removed until the PDI is performed at the dealership.
As far as leaving it unwaxed, there's too many unknown variables to make a good recomendation. How clean will it stay, will it be driven until spring, exposed to weather or road salt?
As far as leaving it unwaxed, there's too many unknown variables to make a good recomendation. How clean will it stay, will it be driven until spring, exposed to weather or road salt?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Yes, the car will be driven. NOT in snow or anything, but there will be times I will take it out and there will probably be some salt still lingering on the roads, BUT it will stay clean with a high powered spray wash and undercarrige wash until I can start washing and polishing outside.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 5
From: Owensboro Kentucky
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Also, keep in mind that some new cars sit out on the lot for six months or even longer without being waxed. Basecoat/clearcoat is a very durable surface. Paint is ten times better than it was 25 years ago. Also, it is recommended that you not wax it for a few months anyway. Wax can be a barrier that could prevent all of the reducers from releasing during the paint curing process. Yes, I know that some will say that the paint is baked on, and they are right, but there is still no substitute for time as far as the curing process goes. I could go on for hours on this subject, but I won't bore you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis IN
Black,
Very good point about the cars sitting on lots for a while. Really hadn't taken that into account. My 04z06 I have now is machine silver and won't really show any swirls or imperfections, but the new one is going to be black and want to take care of it as best as possible without being behind the 8-ball right out of the gate!!
Oh, and you can't bore me on this subject, I want to know as much as I can
Very good point about the cars sitting on lots for a while. Really hadn't taken that into account. My 04z06 I have now is machine silver and won't really show any swirls or imperfections, but the new one is going to be black and want to take care of it as best as possible without being behind the 8-ball right out of the gate!!
Oh, and you can't bore me on this subject, I want to know as much as I can
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 5
From: Owensboro Kentucky
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Black,
Very good point about the cars sitting on lots for a while. Really hadn't taken that into account. My 04z06 I have now is machine silver and won't really show any swirls or imperfections, but the new one is going to be black and want to take care of it as best as possible without being behind the 8-ball right out of the gate!!
Oh, and you can't bore me on this subject, I want to know as much as I can
Very good point about the cars sitting on lots for a while. Really hadn't taken that into account. My 04z06 I have now is machine silver and won't really show any swirls or imperfections, but the new one is going to be black and want to take care of it as best as possible without being behind the 8-ball right out of the gate!!
Oh, and you can't bore me on this subject, I want to know as much as I can
Steve
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Seminole Florida
The Vettes get adhesive plastic sheets applied to the larger flat surfaces that don't get removed until the PDI is performed at the dealership.
As far as leaving it unwaxed, there's too many unknown variables to make a good recomendation. How clean will it stay, will it be driven until spring, exposed to weather or road salt?
As far as leaving it unwaxed, there's too many unknown variables to make a good recomendation. How clean will it stay, will it be driven until spring, exposed to weather or road salt?
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
You've already heard it so I'll just pile on my .02. Especially with a black car, you will be much happier if you instruct your dealer to not wash it during the PDI. Unless the dealer is unique in their care, they can't help but put swirls in the finish. Good luck and early Congrats!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,836
Likes: 9
From: Rushsylvania Ohio
I made it a point to tell the dealer it was ok to wash the car, but no waxing! But, I only did this after I took a tour of the service department, had them show me what they use for washing and also talked to the guy who was going to prep my car. They did an awesome job and the car was perfect when I picked it up. Get to know your dealer and the people who work there, it will pay off in the end. Go Colts!
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 5
From: Owensboro Kentucky
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 1
Mine was not washed untill I got it home and did it myself.
I do not trust the lot boys to wash my car.
It has always been dried with a leaf blower to help prevent swirls. With black it is even more imprtant. The less contact, the better.
I do not trust the lot boys to wash my car.
It has always been dried with a leaf blower to help prevent swirls. With black it is even more imprtant. The less contact, the better.