best products for detailing black Zr1 corvette

[shaffer]

[Pureshine]

What products do you have?

[shaffer]

I have meguiars ULTIMATE LINE OF PRODUCTS. COMPOUND POLISH AND WAX. AND CLAY BAR.

[Colinpd137]

Blackfire BlackIce
& some sunglasses ;p

[cardaddy]

I have meguiars ULTIMATE LINE OF PRODUCTS. COMPOUND POLISH AND WAX. AND CLAY BAR.

Those will work great!
Top the Ultimate Liquid Wax (its more of WOWO sealant) with Megs M26 yellow wax and it'll add some depth.

Can also top the polish with M21 2.0, (a TRUE wowo sealant). Let that cure (after removing the haze) overnight (or longer). Then top with ULW or M26.

ULW adds more to the wet sealant look/especially the feel. Whereas M26 gives a harder, less fluid feel and maybe a little 'crispness' to the look

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using AG Online

[Mike Phillips]

Welcome to AutogeekOnline!


Besides the Ultimate Line you need at a minimum a DA Polisher like a Porter Cable, Meguiar's G110v2 or a Griots plus some buffing pads and some quality microfiber towels.

Then after you get her all polished up to your expectations you're going to need to maintain that finish as black isn't a color it's a full time job.

I'd recommend getting a copy of my second edition how-to book for start...

[Jmarra]

Pinnacle! I use XMT 2 followed by Sovereign paste wax. My black 05 looks like a mirror!

[vet]

Welcome!

Mike P, BobbyG, and others will steer you right.

[FUNX650]

IMO...
The majority of the surfaces on the latest editions of the ZR1 Corvette can be "detailed" using the
same car-care products as you would on a vehicle having a BC/CC paint system.

However...
They have, according to GM, several: "Unique Characteristics".

Accordingly:

Ceramic Rotors:
-"It is advised to NEVER ALLOW WHEEL CLEANER, TIRE CLEANER, or BRAKE CLEANER TO CONTACT THE ROTORS.

Ceramic rotors will absorb any material that comes in contact with them. Only soap and water should be used to clean wheels and tires.
Any product that is applied to the rotor surface will cause damage to the surface and is not covered under the GM warranty".

NOTE:
I suggest to follow this advise unless you plan on pulling the tire/wheel assemblies.


Body Panels
1. Front splitter (chin-spoiler) and rocker-extensions (ground effects)
a.) They are: Clear-coated Carbon Fiber
-Clear-coat helps provide UV protection to the underlying carbon fiber. If the CC is scratched, it needs repaired/filled-in.
"Unprotected" carbon fiber will lighten significantly causing it to appear white or bleached

b.) Although carbon fiber looks smooth and glossy, there are small micro depressions
where the clear coat has sunk to fill the space in the fiber weave.

c.) Do not use polishes/waxes that dry to a white/light haze.
This residue can fill the small depressions, look like white dots, and be difficult to remove.

NOTE:
GM recommends polishes/waxes that are black/dark in color to detail their versions of CC'ed carbon fiber.

d.) Carbon fiber can have rough and sharp edges. Use caution when detailing it.


2. Roof and Roof Halo Bar:
a.) Carbon fiber...having a:

b.) "Special" Clear Coat for more protection from more extreme UV exposure (fading/degradation).

NOTE:
GM advises against using "regular CC" for deep scratch repairs.

c.) Same "cautions" as the other carbon fiber parts listed above:
-Carbon fiber looks smooth and glossy, but there are small micro depressions
where the clear coat has sunk to fill the space in the fiber weave.

-When waxing or polishing the carbon fiber panels, a wax or polish that is black in color is recommended.
(If a polish or wax dries to a white/light colored haze, the residue may
fill the small depressions and it will be difficult to remove it.)



3.) Raised clear panel in the center of the hood.
-This is a polycarbonate surface and it has a very thin UV coat applied. (Helps prevent the panel from incurring UV-crazing)

-Special care should be exercised to not scratch this panel.

-Do not use any "solvents" to clean this panel
(However...I use a Plexus-type of product to clean/protect)

-GM's Note:
Never use wax, polish or spray cleaner on the clear panel in an attempt to remove any scratches,
as the protective coating may be removed.


4.) And while we're on the subject of the hood:
-Carbon fiber

-Since the underside of the hood is not subjected to UV light,
it is not clear-coated and the tiny pores in the carbon fiber are 'open'.

-Therefore: Do not attempt to polish/wax the hood's underside-surface.



One additional item:
I'll also suggest to keep a supply of your favorite wax/polish remover on standby.




Bob

[Mike Phillips]

IMO...
The majority of the surfaces on the latest editions of the ZR1 Corvette can be "detailed" using the
same car-care products as you would on a vehicle having a BC/CC paint system.

However...
They have, according to GM, several: "Unique Characteristics".

Bob

Thanks for researching all the above and adding it to this thread. Sounds like GM has made it a tick more difficult for not only the owner, (average person), to properly and safely detail their own car but even for professionals.

Seems like GM could have applied more clear over the carbon fiber panels to avoid the voids and thus remove any risk of compounds, polishes or waxes penetrating into the fiber and leaving behind a stain.

And how about using coatings that don't stain easily?

Luckily there are now at least three new "black" waxes on the market to help out owners of these black Vettes...