Wax Well
Traditional paste wax is no longer a good choice now that there are a variety of liquid waxes you can choose from, and these go on and come off much more nicely. One of the best waxes you can use is Zymol liquid, but it's sold online, not through the usual retail outlets. For retail products, try Ice by Turtle Wax. You can use Ice on chrome and brightwork as well as paint.
Some tips on waxing:
- Use a liquid wax and put it on by hand with a soft cloth used only for wax application. Some products provide an applicator sponge for this purpose.
- Follow the directions on the product you're using.
- Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe off the wax.
Pay Attention to Details
Chrome trim, wheels, tires, glass, and rubber seals all require their own cleaning products. Use a good non-streaking glass cleaner, a non-abrasive chrome polish, and a high-shine tire spray or gel. Rubber parts and all brightwork can use modern protectants like Turtle Wax Ice.
When it comes to your wheels, you need a cleaner that will cut the accumulation of brake dust, but which is safe for the paint, chrome, or other finish on your wheels. Eagle One products do a good job in this area. Try to keep the wheel cleaner spray off your tires, as it can discolor them.
If you have whitewall tires, you can use whitewall cleaner from Coker Tire or Westley's Bleche-White, but they won't take out every stain. About the best thing you can do for a severely discolored or damaged whitewall is to use liquid white shoe polish to touch up the blemish.
Let Us Spray
The last step for the outside of your car is detail spray and a clean microfiber cloth. Detail spray gives your car that wet, shiny look that knocks 'em dead at car shows. Be sure to choose a detail spray that is not made with silicone, as silicone products don't last and can wash your other protectants off the car.
When you've detail sprayed your painted surfaces, things are looking good, but you're not done yet. You need to take a supply of old toothbrushes and your detail spray and scrub the inside of your tailpipe and in the nooks and crannies around your car's surface badges. Clean and polish up absolutely everything until it's perfect.
The Inside Job
When the exterior is finished, you're ready to do the same level of detail work on the engine compartment, trunk, and finally the interior. Having your engine bay professionally steam cleaned every year will help you find leaks and keep your Corvette looking like new.
For your interior and trunk, start with a good vacuuming. Then get in there with your leather cleaner and mild cleansers for your headliner and trim. If you really want to go over the top, you can buy a little brush to get your carpet fibers all pointing in the same direction.
Most people will read over these steps and think that it sounds like a lot of work compared to running the car through the Wash-N-Go, and it is. The key is not to think of detailing as a chore, but as a process that delivers its own rewards in pride and joy.