Clay Bar: WOW!

So I finally had a day where the temp/weather was nice enough to clay bar the Taco. Let me preface this by stating that I have never "clay barred" any vehicle, but I have heard good things (and some mixed reviews). After a couple hours of elbow grease and six Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPAs (awesome IPA from a mid-major brewery), the results are amazing. However, I have a few tips for anyone who is on the fence regarding the clay bar.

1) Make sure you use plenty of spray lubricant. Better to error on more lubricant than less.
2) Don't be too afraid to apply more pressure for some of the more stubborn stuff. I heard of horror stories of ruining clearcoat finishes with clay bars, but after doing it, I realize that if one uses lots of lubricant and patience, the stubborn stuff comes off.
3) Keep that clay bar clean! I kneaded the bar every time I did about a 3x3 area. This is where the scratching can occur if the bar becomes dirty, so don't forget to knead the clay bar over for a clean surface.
4) It works on glass!!! I had plasti-dipped my emblems a couple of weeks ago and had some spray back that ended up on my windows (very little, but enough to annoy me). I read that it is fine to use on glass and the results are awesome. I ended clay barring my entire windows and they look like new.
5) Finally, be sure to put on a wax after you clay bar. The clay bar process removes any wax/polish/etc., so remember to put on a wax afterwards. And yes, I still need to wax the Taco before it rains tonight but my arms a little sore.

If anyone has any questions about the process, feel free to inquire. I know many on here swear by it and now I realize why. (I used Mother's Clay Bar Kit that included the spray lubricant, two clay bars, and a microfiber towel.) I will post pics tomorrow. Now, time to fire up the grill.

 

claybar is good stuff.

a simple test, take the cellophane wrapper from a cigarette pack and put a finger in it and run it across the paint. you will feel every little piece of trash int he paint.

Clay bar it, and repeat and it will feel like glass.


I clay the truck about once a year

Justin

 

stuff deffinetly works well! the cool part is when you can take a car or truck that has been dull forever and clay bar it... the results are awsome. good job, and nice looking truck.

 

Title sums it up.......

 

Sierra Nevada Torpedo, one of my favorites!!!!! A six pack would kick my arse. Those things are like 7.5% alcohol you friggin' animal!!

 

Good to hear your experience. Thinking of giving it a try after my 2200mi move this summer, thinking all that road grime will need more than a simple wash and wax.

 

3x3? are we talkin feet or inches lol?
never used clay bars before i have been wanting to and now with my truck being neglected for six months since i been away im going to have to give it a shot

 

A little test to see if you need to clay your vehicle:
Put a plastic sandwich back over your hand. Then VERY lightly run your fingers over the paint surface. i.e hood, roof, etc. If you can feel small bumps and snags in the paint, then it's a good idea to clay the vehicle.

 

3x3 feet or inches for knead? Going to do my 2011 (failed the baggy test) and my wife's 2008 VM (her "arrest me red" passat).

 

3'x3'. to do both cars you will prolly need 2 bars.

 

Due you have to use more clay bars depending on the color of the car and amount of filth? such as a white Dodge Charger? I tried to keep it hush hush but she needs some love too. Never used the stuff.

 

I did mine a couple of weeks ago and my truck looked amzing and was alot smoother.You can deffinately tell a difference after doing it.

 

Not dependant on color. Most large (180-200g) bars are more than enough to do a truck. How much filth the bar pulls from the vehicle will determine if you need more than one though. Just continue to knead the bar to keep the cleanest side of the clay down and use plenty of clay lube. It'll be fine

 

Feet, I should have specified earlier. My bad...

 

Hand wash, CLAY, seal, wax...

It was amazing what the clay took off..

 

i have an 02 and it was somewhat misteated by the previous owner. minor scratches and some spots. would it be worth doing or am i not gonna see anything happen with those scratches?

 

Just did my 08 and blows my mind. This thing used to sit at work next to refineries in LA harbor. The hood and roof felt like crap even after I waxed my ass off. Read about clay bar on here and then actually seen a kit at Walmart (of all places). Used Meguiars kit and I can't believe the stuff that came off. this kit had the 2 80g bars and uses "Quick Detailer" for lubricant. It has micro fiber towel and spray wax. I'm not a fan of spray wax yet but this seemed to work really good. Trying to show picture of the crap that comes off. Might be an attachment.....

 

looks like rust man?

 

no rust.... just crap off the finish. I used to park in a bad area of refineries and semi trucks. Add one big cooling tower and it was a mess. Don't have that problem anymore.