Took my Panel in to the dealer to have a door and running board adjusted. While there, I mentioned that I thought I was a victim of rail dust. When I picked it up I couldn't believe the shine! They went over the entire truck with a clay bar and the finish is unbelievable. There is still the slightest hint of grit in the surface but I guess I'll have to live with it. Still, what they did is a 100% improvement! The gloss is even better than it was before.

 

how can you tell if you have the "sand blasted" rockers.. i lookd at the panel there and cant seem to tell if theres any grit.. i would like to have some running boards put on someday more for looks, but i was just curious on how i could tell if i had sand blast?! Also do you still want that decal u messaged me about?

 

People new to clay bar are awlays amazed at the results after. I normally clay bar twice a year. It takes extra time but is so worth it.

 

Clay bar treatments are awesome. I do mine several times a year and it turns out awesome.

You'll be able to tell if you've got "sandblasting" if you can still feel pitting after doing the clay bar treatment. That gritty feeling doesn't go away.

 

i've thought about doing this but would really rather have someone how me up to do it, just so i know i'm getting it right and to do it perfectly.

 

Ya, i agree twist, I wondered if you could cause any damage by using incorrectly, like the 1st time I used a buffing wheel

 

seems like you can cause damage by using anything incorrectly...

so yeah, wish i knew someone who knew how to do it good, and i could learn.

 

Doing a clay bar is easy. You need something to spray on the paint as a lubricant. Quick detailer spray works, as does a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle of water. Work small areas at a time. Spray the area thoroughly, then rub with the clay bar. You don't need to put a lot of effort into it, just moderate pressure. If the clay bar does not move smoothly over the paint, you do not have enough lubrication. If you drop the clay bar, you need to discard it as they are dirt magnets, and anything that sticks inside the clay bar is likely to leave marks in your paint. If you purchase the Mequiar's clay bar back, you get two clay bars (individually wrapped) and an nifty storage box for them, as well as a bottle of their detailer spray to use as your lubricant and a microfiber buffing cloth. Best not to clay bar the vehicle without immediately washing and waxing it. That will give you the best overall result. Clay it then polish and seal it.

 

good tips. the mequiars is the one i had looked at the store. it was around $17 or so.

I'll probably wait until spring until i try it.

 

Zaino makes a great kit for this. You get about twice the clay too.