MaximaBoy04

iTrader: (3)

Hey all,

picked up my max about 4 weeks ago. For the most part I've finished adding on to it for the summer, and I'm about to get it retinted and some door dings removed (previous owner's tint has gone a bit purple). After that, I'd like to clean the car top to bottom, polish it up and get it looking brand new (it's not a new car but I'd still like it to look good!). It doesn't need to be show room quality, but I would like it to look pretty decent, and I'm willing to dedicate a lazy saturday or sunday to it. What's the best way for a novice detailers to clean the exterior of the car that minimizes costs/time and maximizes results? Are there any sort of "all-in-one" products that aren't quite as good as doing each step individually but still come out pretty well?

Thanks

04BlackMaxx

To get it looking new there is no all in one shot. Clean it good and then spend a day waxing the whole car with something like Mothers. Use a clay bar first if the car is oxidized or the surface is rough. Its alot of work but it will be the best for protecting car in the end.

Bluesbrekr

iTrader: (4)

Wash, clay bar (with a '97 I'm sure there are a lot of contaminents in the paint). To get it looking really good you ought to polish first, then seal and wax.

There is no 'easy way' to get any vehicle looking good. It takes time and hard work. Using a random orbital polisher would make the job a lot easier than doing it by hand.

Most of the better products are not available in retail places. I get a lot of my stuff from Danase.com

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

In my case, it's the following sites:

http://www.topoftheline.com
http://www.properautocare.com
http://www.autopia-carcare.com
http://www.danase.com
http://www.pinnaclewax.com

...to name a few.

sr20bme

A quick job with a good buffer can do wonders on anything. I had a 92 sentra that probably wasnt ever waxed and I made the thing look brand new when I sold it...really brings out the dents though