Show Detailing the daily driver with Zaino

[AJ_Gil]

I'm getting my Magnum ready because next week I'm getting together with the S.E. LX forum guys for the Mopar Nationals. I just thought I'm post the process I use to get a non-garaged daily driver ready to show. I only go to 2-3 shows a year (A.D.D. makes sitting around painful lol) and use them as an excuse to really G.I the car.
Since it's been a year since becoming a Zaino convert I started Friday after work washing it with Dawn (to remove old wax) and a through clay bar (this REALLY smooths the paint and I don't completely dry the car after the Dawn wash). I use a capful of Zaino car wash in water for spray on lube then wash it again when I'm done....under the cover for the night.
Saturday I head over to a local (free) parking garage (shade & HID lighting for detail). The finish is in good shape so I start with 2 coats of Z2 Pro with a wipe of Z6 detailing spray in between (really adds to the finish) I add the ZFX drying accelerant but usually take a break and work on something else to give the Z2 a bit more time to set up. I use Klasse acrylic to do all the plastic (head, tail lights, windows etc) and have a beer (or 2). Finally I hit it with a coat of the Z8 finale spray and finish it with the new ZCS clear seal (fantastic for any finish).
It looks pretty darn good but since it's a show I'll put it back under the cover and repeat the process Sunday with one coat of Z2, Z8 & ZCS.
Before you think I'm completely nuts doing all this #1 the Zaino stuff is remarkably easy to use and each session tales about 2 CDs and a 6 pack. For me it's theraputic and the end result CANNOT be beat!

The last time I did this 3 months ago (minus the claybar & Dawn) I got a late model "Best in Show" and for the late models it's all about appearance. Everybody has cool mods.

Anyhow, I thought I'd share how I prepare the car & what I use. The final word is that Zaino will keep tight beads for 4 months in the finish killing Florida sun and the most I ever got from any product before Zaino (and I tried them all) was quality beading for 1 1/2 months tops.

Next week I wash it, give it a shot of the Z8, clean the interior and 'ol Maggie will be standing tall !!!

[Sodes]

Wow, do you want to swing by and do mine this weekend? Got any tips on cleaning up the engine compartment?

[Junior]

Nice write-up, thanks!

Saturday I head over to a local (free) parking garage (shade & HID lighting for detail).

That's a good idea - here in AZ, it's hard to find good lighting conditions to do this outside. You end up moving the car three or four times because the difference between sun side and shade side is huge... plus the sun dries stuff off so fast, it's hard not to get spots. I think I'll keep my eyes open for a similar structure like you mentioned...

[AJ_Gil]

I found the garage by default. A couple of years ago hurricane Katrina devistated the tree cover around here so a couple of weeks after it hit I went out to wax the Mag and W.T.F. all the shade was gone. I was driving around looking for shade and spotted the garage.

The only tip I have for the engine compartment is keep the painted areas clean, mildly waxed and I use the Zaino tire treatment on all the black plastic stuff.

[cdn2usa]

I completely agree with AJ. I did mine last year about this time and she stills looks great even when dirty. It is a lot of work, but well worth the effort. I have tried them all.

I remember last year, weeks after the complete over-night detail. I drove down to the local dealer to check out the SRTs, parked Maggie right in front of the showroom. The salesman were coming out to check the finish, could not believe it was a 2005. The finish looked much deaper than the new one sitting in the showroom.