Car Care Discussion Car Detailing Info, Wax, Wheel Polish, Interior Cleaning Tips for the Corvette

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Old Feb 19, 2011 | 08:50 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by 00Corvette
ABSORBER from Walmart. trust me
That is what I have been using for the last 5 years if not more.
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Old Feb 19, 2011 | 10:09 PM
  #22  
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My wife got me a chamois when I first got the Vette,didn't really want to hurt her feelings,so I used it a couple times,and found out I really don't like it.
So I picked up a big orange Armor-All microfiber "drying towel" at walmart for about 7 bucks-works way better than the chamois,and if I happen to get it dirty(rocker panels,fenderwells),I just toss it in the wash.
I'm not sure what you're supposed to do with a chamois if it ever actually gets dirty,but I prefer the towel-no special handling required (I did have to tell my 16 year old son-"I know it works really well,but no, it is NOT a bath towel")
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Old Feb 19, 2011 | 11:26 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by 00Corvette
ABSORBER from Walmart. trust me
That's all I use on mine and it works great. Price is only about $10 too and they last a long time.
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Old Feb 19, 2011 | 11:58 PM
  #24  
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Originally Posted by 2001yellow/redC5
Thanks for all the replies. One thing I really like about a Chamois is that after I get it wet and ready to use, It lays perfectly flat on the surface and with no pushing down or pressure, I can pull it over the surface and dry the Vette in one pass. Can I dry in one pass with a waffle-weave?
Leaf blower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 12:12 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by ztheusa
Leaf blower!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even if you use a leaf blower you will still need to dry it, Just not as much.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 12:36 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
Even if you use a leaf blower you will still need to dry it, Just not as much.

Texas Summers are so Hot the my C5 usually dry's while I am still washing it! Thanks again for all the input.
FYI, I bought a Chamois and a Waffle Weave Cuz, I could not decide and I am kinda OLD SCHOOL!!!

Last edited by 2001yellow/redC5; Feb 20, 2011 at 12:39 AM.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 12:46 AM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by 2001yellow/redC5
Texas Summers are so Hot the my C5 usually dry's while I am still washing it! Thanks again for all the input.
FYI, I bought a Chamois and a Waffle Weave Cuz, I could not decide and I am kinda OLD SCHOOL!!!
Shoot, 80 degree dry weather at 8A.M. here in Kansas will leave water spots in the car.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 01:13 AM
  #28  
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I too only use micro fiber.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 02:22 AM
  #29  
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I still use a chamois but I can't say I've ever gone for a specific brand. I think I picked the last one up at Costco in Vegas. I like a thin one as I find it easier to get it dry when I'm using it. I normally just check the thickness when it's still in the box.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 04:00 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
Even if you use a leaf blower you will still need to dry it, Just not as much.
Depends on the surface treatment...

Zaino, a little drying.
845, no additional drying at all required.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 05:39 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by 2001yellow/redC5
I need to replace my Chamois that I use to dry my C5.
Any recommendations for a 3-4 ft chamois? I have been buying Chamois at Autozone. FYI, I am not considering synthetic and I only use microfibers to remove wax. Thanks
-Call me ...I use a leaf blower then the old school chamois...works for me
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 10:38 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by 00Corvette
ABSORBER from Walmart. trust me
I've been using this for years, and it works fantastic.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 10:45 AM
  #33  
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regular and synthetic chamois are not the best for drying as they offer very little nap in case of dirt or contaminents on paint. They can potentially drag it against paint for sometime causing light scratching.

Consider moving to a Waffle Weave designed Microfiber towel. You can find some with foam cores for more water absorbtion, or the regular ones (our Green Guzzlers are awesome) which still hold alot of water. You can also consider spritzing paint with a detail spray before wiping to add some lubrication and kill two steps into one. A leaf blower is also a great option to remove excess water from cars, just handle with care and keep end tip away from paint.

http://autogeek.net/mictow.html
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 11:48 AM
  #34  
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I have not used a chamois in five years. There are way better products to dry your vehicle. even a 100% cotton towel is better than a chamois.

If you have a dark color vehicle using anything but MF you will notice swirls and other undesirable marks on the finish. Lighter color cars hide the imperfections much better. It all depends on what condition you want to keep the finish in. Car detailing is just like anything else, using current technology will usually give you a better outcome .

My dad used to call his chamois "Shammy". I used to hear him say" I need to go wash and shammy down the car, ya wanna help?"

Last edited by cmonkey713; Feb 20, 2011 at 12:02 PM.
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Old Feb 20, 2011 | 12:24 PM
  #35  
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I dry with the leaf blower then follow up with the Absorber towel. Nothing on the planet beats an absorber IMO.
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Old Feb 22, 2011 | 08:05 PM
  #36  
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I love my california Jelly water blade, followed up with a microfiber towel. I Love my blade!
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Old Feb 22, 2011 | 08:32 PM
  #37  
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I used to use Chamois all the time then tried an absorber and I have used them since. I have tried the waffle weave as well, but maybe mine just did not work as well, or was not the same brand as those mentioned. I toss the absorber in the wash every few times, or it if gets contaminated from the wheel wells or if I use it on the wheels at all.

I may get some light scrathes, but they happen no matter what is used from my experience over time. But I get more of those from driving the car every day, than the washing and that is what I have a random orbital buffer for anyway.

Use what works best for you as these are all different and very good ideas posted throughout and I have used most of them and I still use the absorber personally.
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Old Feb 22, 2011 | 08:49 PM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by Skunk Works
I used to use Chamois all the time then tried an absorber and I have used them since. I have tried the waffle weave as well, but maybe mine just did not work as well, or was not the same brand as those mentioned. I toss the absorber in the wash every few times, or it if gets contaminated from the wheel wells or if I use it on the wheels at all.

I may get some light scrathes, but they happen no matter what is used from my experience over time. But I get more of those from driving the car every day, than the washing and that is what I have a random orbital buffer for anyway.

Use what works best for you as these are all different and very good ideas posted throughout and I have used most of them and I still use the absorber personally.
I would only add that proper washing and proper drying techniques will reduce the amount and level of scratching. This equates to less time needed for buffing and less cutting into the clearcoat. Since we all love to clean our cars, we should all try to do these steps with the least amount of marring. One hint, use a detail spray while drying to help with lubrication. Not sure how it works with Absorbers, but it works well with towels and WW MF's.
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