[FlyingDutchman]

With the shiny new Blue Sti on the way I was wondering what car care products many of you would recommend. I am a fastidious car care freak and have always used products by Maguire’s and Mothers’ but are these really the best?

One of the first things I want to do when I drive the car home is put a good coat of wax on her. What do you folks recommend?

I have know some acquaintances swear by Griots Garage products but is their stuff really any good or just over priced?

http://www.griotsgarage.com/index.jsp

 

[MKIVSupra]

Zaino Bros is pretty good. So is Klasse. Not sure what I will use. Might try both since I have both. I know on my black Supra Zaino really works good, but I don't drive it everyday so it seldom needs washing. On my daily driver Legacy I use Klasse and it lasts a long time. It kind of depends on what you want, nice shine and deep color, or long lasting protection.

 

[sakura-iro]

xymol is pretty good. not the "cleaner wax" you can get at pep boys, but the really expensive stuff. i've been using their carbon wax for a few years and i've been very happy with their products.

 

[Hispanics]

3M has a transparent Flim paint protection. I works like a Bra but it's clear. There is not difference in color with the untreated paint and it won't yellow. As soon as I leave the dealer I am headed to the installer. I am definity going to do the front bumper and side mirrors. I am thinking about doing part of the hood.

 

[CloNeGTS]

www.xpel.com

The 3M stuff in pre-made kits. I've installed a custom sheet on my Wings West front lip and a full front end kit on my fiance's Maxima. It takes some getting used to to install it, but it's amazing stuff.

As for paint products, I use Liquid Glass most of the time. I'm looking to give Zaino a try from the very beginning though. Just too many good things said about them not to try it.

 

[MKIVSupra]

3M has a transparent Flim paint protection. I works like a Bra but it's clear. There is not difference in color with the untreated paint and it won't yellow. As soon as I leave the dealer I am headed to the installer. I am definity going to do the front bumper and side mirrors. I am thinking about doing part of the hood.

Same here. My dealer actually has a guy that comes in once in a while and does some of their cars. I am hoping I can set it up where he will come and do my STi right at the dealer.

 

[metalfork]

Subaru A/C systems

zaino is good -- and it lasts a lot longer than zymol -- i get a bit over two months between waxing on a texas car that's not garaged. zymol wears off w/in a month when i used it. (i had one of their trial high-end kits that cost ~$170). both take quite a bit of time to apply but zaino takes much less effort -- w/ high-end zymol, you gotta melt and apply the wax with your hands.

when it comes to pre cleaning products, HD cleanse from zymol works great removing light swirls and conditioning the paint. plus it smells like a chocolate shake. zaino has a pretty decent clay and the z-5 also works well. it just doesn't smell as good zymol products

 

[MKIVSupra]

Yes, Zymol is a pain in the ass to remove and like any carnuba wax or wax in general, melts in the sun and washes right off. Not a good protector. Zaino is a pain the first time you use it, with all the coats you have to put on but after that it is easy and all well worth it. Makes a black or dark colored car look amazing.

 

[YBnormal07]

www.xpel.com

The 3M stuff in pre-made kits. I've installed a custom sheet on my Wings West front lip and a full front end kit on my fiance's Maxima. It takes some getting used to to install it, but it's amazing stuff.

As for paint products, I use Liquid Glass most of the time. I'm looking to give Zaino a try from the very beginning though. Just too many good things said about them not to try it.

I checked the site out and they didn't have the STi engineered yet. I put in a request for it using their on line form. Hopefully it will appear soon after the STi is available from the dealer.
Cheers,
Scott

 

[CloNeGTS]

They are just like any other aftermarket company. You kinda have to have the car in order to design products for it.

I'm sure if someone in their area gave them the car for a few days, they'd have a kit made and that person would have a free one!

 

[FlyingDutchman]

Re: black sti

Thanks Guys! Where do you aquire the Zaino product? Sounds like I should give it a try with this new car....

What about wheel and tire care products? Any favorites there?

 

[Hispanics]

I checked the site out and they didn't have the STi engineered yet. I put in a request for it using their on line form. Hopefully it will appear soon after the STi is available from the dealer.

You Don't need a Pre Made Kit for the STI. The Professional installers can custom cut the sheets. Very similar to window tint film. As for installing it myself......I am very handy when it comes to do it yourself projects but as for window tinting. I suck! This Is a very similar process. I want a pro doing my STI so I can bitch and complain if the work is not up to par.
Just my 2cents
Paul

 

[MKIVSupra]

www.xpel.com

The 3M stuff in pre-made kits. I've installed a custom sheet on my Wings West front lip and a full front end kit on my fiance's Maxima. It takes some getting used to to install it, but it's amazing stuff.

As for paint products, I use Liquid Glass most of the time. I'm looking to give Zaino a try from the very beginning though. Just too many good things said about them not to try it.

I checked the site out and they didn't have the STi engineered yet. I put in a request for it using their on line form. Hopefully it will appear soon after the STi is available from the dealer.
Cheers,
Scott

I also put a request in a couple weeks ago. I did find an authorized place listed on the site that can custom cut sheets not far from me. I think this is something that would have to be done right away otherwise you will be sealing in any scratches, swirls, or stone chips you acquire during the time you get the STi till you have the stuff applied.

FlyingDutchman, www.zainobros.com

 

[Ken Reich]

www.xpel.com

The 3M stuff in pre-made kits. I've installed a custom sheet on my Wings West front lip and a full front end kit on my fiance's Maxima. It takes some getting used to to install it, but it's amazing stuff.

As for paint products, I use Liquid Glass most of the time. I'm looking to give Zaino a try from the very beginning though. Just too many good things said about them not to try it.

I checked the site out and they didn't have the STi engineered yet. I put in a request for it using their on line form. Hopefully it will appear soon after the STi is available from the dealer.
Cheers,
Scott

I checked there site they now show the kits for the 2004 wrx's ,check it out :wink:

 

[CloNeGTS]

protection

I can tell you, having been someone that has done a good deal of tinting and now several 3M film jobs....they are VERY different. There is something about the thickness of the film that makes it difficult to not only shape and stretch without over stretching, but cutting it while on the car becomes a chore. I did my WW front lip (a very curvy part) and I was very lucky that the piece is so close to the ground and away from eyes. It's not real pretty.

To be honest....even the premade pattern wasn't a ton of fun for the Maxima. I have a few edges that came up on me and of course a bubble here......little bug there....

BUT....the absolute moral of the story is I'd rather have this slightly visible piece of amazing protection on the car vs a big nasty bra vs rock chips everywhere.

It's a happy medium. People need to remember that.

 

[Hispanics]

To be honest....even the premade pattern wasn't a ton of fun for the Maxima. I have a few edges that came up on me and of course a bubble here......little bug there....

Will these problems come with professional installation as well? I think I would be able to complain and have them keep trying until they get it right.What do you think?

 

[MKIVSupra]

I would think there would be some sort of guarantee like with window tint. BTW, the WRX kit I don't think would work because of the front lip difference. Are the fenders the same? I read that most kits are cut a tad short to allow for stretching. They recommend to use a heat gun or something to stretch to the edges. This is definitely something I would want a pro to do.

 

[CloNeGTS]

I don't think you'd have problems with a professional install. I'm sure they have nice clean bays to work in and of course.....training! I'm sure not going to call my few hours of experience and my garage professional grade!

 

[murley]

hey there all. We do that here. It's called "Digi-Shield". We have a laser-cutter that cuts it to fit specifically your car or to be tailored to whatever you want. It's pretty cool!

 

[Hispanics]

New legacy + Sti..

Hey Murley
How much would you charge for the front bumper, Side mirrors, and part of the hood?
Thanx
Paul