Detail recommendations

[JRP]

Against all my wisdom, I ended up with a Black GTR. I used to own a black 300ZX 10 years ago, now I remember what a pain in the ass a black car is to keep clean(or atleast looking clean). The car has been hand washed only a few times - mostly at the dealer when it is in for service, but the washes have done more damange then good. I have the dreaded "swirl" marks in the clear coat. I was wondering it there is a good detail place that can adress the swirls and bring the paint back to showroom shine. If anyone has any first hand experience with a shop, please advise.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[totsubo]

I had my black on black waxed by a local GTR owner. He took out a lot of the swirls.

[discodan]

Whilst I cannot help with advice on the local detailer/valet co in Atlanta, perhaps I might be able to share some thoughts on what to do in order to reduce this happening so fast again for you.

I, too, own a black R35 and I live in the UAE, which is part of the Middle East and with the exception to some large collections of tall buildings and typical suburban sprawl, is desert. And with the desert comes sand, sandstorms, ridiculous winds etc etc. My ride, if outside will go from shiny to shitty in the space of a few hours.

Simply put you have to wash the car as often as you can. The swirls come from microscopic builds up of dust, dirt, street grime, brake dust, sand (in my case) and many other wonderful and dangerous ingredients that come through the air and off the road surface. It is quite easy for dust and dirt already on the bodywork to scratch during driving as the wind will shift it across the surface.

Thus it is simply so important to wash the car, especially black, often and by often as a minimum weekly. A simple, well executed wash with the right equipment often will slow down the evidence of swirls and keep the car in better shape over the long term.

As far as it goes, invest in some good quality name shampoo such as Zaino, Pinnacle, Meguiars etc. Invest in a high pressure hose (Karcher) or at least a strong water gun for the hose at home (you need either of these to break down dirt from the car before washing) and a hand washer. Jury is out here but anything from a Natural Sea Sponge, a Lamb's wool wash mitt or micro fiber is the trick. Finally invest in super absorbent waffle weave type micro fiber towels for drying and a set of finishing micro fiber towels for spot drying.

Depending on your water quality I would also highly recommend purchasing a glass cleaner and a gloss/detailer spray.

I state all of this because in reality whilst it is 'magic' when you have you car detailed, you are slowly reducing the paint surface by removing the paint with the polishes they use. Eventually, the paint and clear coats will become too thin and well after that you are facing a full re-spray. PM me if you would like to talk more about it.

Good luck with whichever way you go!

Dan.