Clay Bar Your HHR
04-25-2006, 11:38 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-07-2006
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 389
Originally Posted by SindyDix
I am in need of this clay bar... where do I get it?
I'll take my car back to the dealer to do the detailing. I'll do what I can reach for now until I can get it to the dealer this weekend.
I'll take my car back to the dealer to do the detailing. I'll do what I can reach for now until I can get it to the dealer this weekend.
It isn't that hard to do but make sure that you go back and give it a good wax job afterwards!! 
04-25-2006, 12:01 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-07-2006
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 389
Originally Posted by SindyDix
A co-worker mentioned having the dealer do an acid bath. Whatcha think on that method?
I personally am unable to do wax/polishing type stuff due to medical issues. I'll do what I can though.
I personally am unable to do wax/polishing type stuff due to medical issues. I'll do what I can though.
Never heard of the acid bath.
04-25-2006, 12:17 PM
#15
Banned
Join Date: 10-14-2005
Location: Rochester,N.Y.
Posts: 9,121
I have never heard of a vehicle acid bath but it doesn't sound too good. I know sometimes when I send parts out for plating they require an acid bath. If it's the same type of acid bath it would strip the paint right off your HHR. In the type of acid bath I know of they soak the parts in hydrochloric acid if I remember correctly.
04-25-2006, 12:48 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: 01-21-2006
Location: Mira Loma, CA
Posts: 228
Acid bath is loose term used for one method of removing rail dust from the car. It is a very common practice and it should be covered by the dealer as part of the prep if you have rail dust on your paint. The advantage of the acid bath over clay bar is that it removes the rail dust off of EVERYTHING, not just the paint. It will take it off of the mirrors, the chrome, the windows, etc.
The acid solution is designed for use on painted surfaces without damaging the paint. If you do not get the rail dust removed (if you have it), you will get tiny rust specs in your white paint that will be more damaging to the paint than the acid bath solution.
Both methods have their pros and cons (clay bar vs acid bath). If your dealer will do either one for free, it is all good.
The acid solution is designed for use on painted surfaces without damaging the paint. If you do not get the rail dust removed (if you have it), you will get tiny rust specs in your white paint that will be more damaging to the paint than the acid bath solution.
Both methods have their pros and cons (clay bar vs acid bath). If your dealer will do either one for free, it is all good.
04-25-2006, 09:31 PM
#20
Founding Member
Join Date: 03-12-2006
Location: Lake Isabella CA
Posts: 6,543
I called the dealer and was old to make an appointment for service (RE:Rail dust). Waited for a return call as suggest to make this appointment. It dident come by the end of my work day. I couldent wait. On my way home from work I bought the clay bar stuff. It's allot easier than I thought it would be to do. With my limitations, I am able to do this task with some difficulty though. I just have to make the attempt to rid my car of these horrible specks of yuck!
Thanks for the advice guys!
Thanks for the advice guys!