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Steve,
This was my first time working on my Saab. I'm no pro by any means and actually used the coin-op brush for my old Outback sport. However, I did my homework on autopia.org and ordered the proper products prior to start.
I did not prep the surface correctly; I'm a bit concerned about the possibility of the claying process going bad so I left the surface as is. I need to learn how to perform this step. My main concern for the winter was durability, and although I knew the job would look a lot better if I polished swirls and clayed the contaminants, I proceeded as is.
I have the protection and the shine, but since AIO is a mild chemical cleaner the swirls beneath remain; the Sealant Glaze does hide imprefections a bit though.
The Klasse?
I learned the hard way. IMO, panel by panel the only way to go.
The AIO was easy, I did mess up my first layer of SG. Partially because the un-clayed contaminants gave me a "dry" feeling when applying and snagged the applicator and I overapplied the product. What a nightmare, it was all marbled up the next morning, I applied a healthy dose of elbow grease and it eventually came off. I got smart the second time around: I mixed 1 part SG 4 parts water into a spray/mister bottle and started on the second coat...the dried SG would then (as usual) buff into a mess, I then take the 1SG/4h20 and spray the panel lightly (one or two sprays per panel).....comes off like a dream! and buffs into a shiny glaze!
As expected, I also overapplied the Collinite. The dried wax buffed into a bit of a mess as well, I limped over to my porch picked up the 1SG/4h20 bottle and sprayed each smeared panel, buffed crystal clear! When you try this try not to grin as the body panels turn into mirror like surfaces one by one...
Sprayer bottle can be procured at your local pharmacy.
The wheels?
I'm staying with the 17"s this winter on brand new Avon 550 tires and I wanted to have some protection against salt and sleet. First, I applied Klasse AIO to the wheels. The difference was noticeable, a very bright clean surface that became "clearcoat like" after buffing off the dried excess. This clearcoat cannot be acheived with a tire/wheel spray. The sun went down and it got cold so I skipped the Sealant Glaze and followed up with a layer of Collinite 845 Insulator Wax. I used dirty microfiber towels and was not very detailed in my application of the AIO/845IW.
The Collinite?
I ordered from MacTecLLC.com. Placed my order *friday afternoon* and used free shipping (they it ship collinite products free of charge) and it arrived Saturday morning (next day) AM via Fedex Ground. I was dumbfounded.
descirption here:
http://www.collinite.com/auto.htm
great prices and free shipping here:
http://www.mactecllc.com/collinite.asp
The 845 Insulator wax is a carnuba/synth blend liquid wax originally developed for use by electric power companies for protection against high voltage power failure, fires and explosions. " It's primary use is on the finishes of automobiles, trucks, buses and airplanes where durability, high gloss and lasting protection are paramount." Do not let its "ConEd" designation mislead you, professional detailers on autopia.org and others swear by this product. It is the most durable carnuba out there with a very high beading factor, repels water like no other. My car stays out on the street so I want that NYC rain to bead off week after week after..well you get the idea.
Neighbors?
Getting a spot in front of the house is a challenge initself. I do not wash the car because I do not have access to running water so I drive to the hand wash in Bay Ridge to have the car washed there then drive home for the waxing. I dust the car upon return. Some neighbors look at me funny, others walk over and ask about the products being used, it's a mixed bag. They alredy think I'm nuts because I'm the only one on the block with a "bumper beaver". It's a rubber mat that I flip over my rear bumper when parking to protect my paint and sensors from inconsiderate folks driving SUV's. Laugh all you want; it's an amazing product and my rear bumper is in showroom condition. Further, I have a city sponsored buffer installed on the front :) .... an external license plate mounted EZPass tag. Cars make contact with the EZpass sensor before the front bumper and stop.
I have never Klassed a car before therfore I cannot comment on its durability aside from what I pick up on internet threads. 4-6 months sounds about right for one layer of SG. I know folks upstate NY that put on 4-5 coats of SG for the winter. Overkill? Maybe.
I'm in Brooklyn (Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst) this is not a very car friendly neighborhood as such I plan to get the 'ef out to Jersey in the near future. Let's hope the Aero stays intact until then.
If you want to work on the cars in the spring drop me a line, I'll be around.
Best,
Tom
posted by 69.112.12...
, Sun, 20 Nov 2005 14:16:11
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