Matt's C-Quartz Durability Update Thread *10 month update

**Matt S.** · 04-17-2011, 11:30 AM

10 month update - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post616164

6+ month update - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post556131

9/20/11 5+ month update - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post541599

4/24/11 Update #2 - http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...tml#post456335

I wanted to start this thread for weekly or bi-weekly updates, depending on how often I can wash my truck and post results.

C-Quartz was first applied on 4-9-11. The truck sits outside 24/7 and is daily driven, around 360-400 miles per week.

Original application thread / initial thoughts: New Car CQuartz detail - 2011 Tacoma TRD Sport

I washed the truck today using Sonax shampoo. No wheel cleaner was needed on the wheels with CQuartz on them, just soap and water. I also used Perl on the tires, and Reload on the paint.

PERL Coat Plastic & Rubber Protectant, vinyl and rubber dressing, interior protectant

Reload Spray Sealant, spray paint sealant, spray wax, CQuartz Reload

Perl went on and provided results that very closely resemble Wolfgang Black Diamond Tire Gel. Curious to see how long it lasts as I really like the look.

Reload was used very sparingly, and made a HUGE difference in terms of slickness. The paint is very slick now, while it was just "smooth" previously with just CQuartz.

The truck was driven 380 miles since inital application, and I used a little Optimum Instant Detailer on the front end a few days ago to remove some bugs. I didn't want to wash them off as CarPro doesn't recommend washing for the first week, to allow for proper curing.

Pre-wash beading shots:

Post wash, low-pressure rinse. Very impressive sheeting action.

And some "after" shots with Perl applied to the tires, and after using Reload on the paint.

Anyone who knows me knows I can't leave a vehicle completely stock. For now, I got the windows tinted if you hadn't already noticed (21% front, 14% rear), and a new Access Roll-Up Tonneau cover. Since I just installed the tonneau cover, I had to protect it with something.

That's all for today! Thanks for looking, and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

**Finemess** · 04-17-2011, 12:59 PM

Looks great. Like the slick aspect. Any luck fishing with that boat?

**Matt S.** · 04-17-2011, 01:22 PM

I didn't get out fishing this weekend, but my father caught a 30lb Cobia on Friday. Yummy!

**Finemess** · 04-17-2011, 01:35 PM

Wow! Very nice. I've not been fishing in years, do miss it thou.

**Dr Oldz** · 04-17-2011, 03:06 PM

Subscribed

**gary748s** · 04-17-2011, 04:01 PM

Thanks for the update I may have to try this stuff.

How do you like the Wolfsteins protectant? I've always used 303 but testing/trying new products is part of the fun.

**Matt S.** · 04-17-2011, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by gary748s

Thanks for the update I may have to try this stuff.

How do you like the Wolfsteins protectant? I've always used 303 but testing/trying new products is part of the fun.

Not to put down 303 as it is a great line of products and I still use their stuff on my interior, but when I had my S2000, Raggtopp outlasted 303 by a far margin on the convertible top. Definitely give it a shot...if you like 303 then you will love Raggtopp.

**embolism** · 04-17-2011, 06:33 PM

I like how the Perl looks on the tires.

Have you tried it diluted on the interior? I'm wondering how it looks on leather seats...

**Matt S.** · 04-17-2011, 06:34 PM

Have not tried it on the interior thus far. The Tacoma doesn't have leather but I suppose I could try it on the Highlander or Camry.

**Matt S.** · 04-24-2011, 09:37 AM

4-24-11 Update #2:

15 days since initial application. Drove another ~380 miles this week (my routine doesn't deviate much!), had some rain and bugs and whatnot. Also picked up a good amount of junk from the tree next to my driveway...I took a video with my new Flip MinoHD (these are going cheap now since Flips are no longer being made, just FYI) to show beading and how easily everything rinses right off. I didn't get any after shots since it started pouring as soon as I started drying the truck.

Product is still beading like the day I applied it and the entire truck was extremely easy to wash. Even the plastic trim is beading like crazy and dirt won't stick to anything. Griot's Wheel Cleaner has not affected beading on the wheels, and Megs APC has not affected beading on the plastic trim.

After a quick rinse

Rinsing video (watch in HD)

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtHUKKT2Y30]YouTube - 4-24-11 CQuartz beading[/video]