Clay bar?

[LS1JAY]

Anyone have any pics of a clay bar being used showing how it works? I've never used one or even seen one. I assume it get's rid of swirl marks? I had a couple of spots where bird droppings left a small spot, but it's only visible under low light conditions while looking at an angle. Would this get rid of it?

 

[jharris2]

Does this give you what you're looking for??

 

[LS1JAY]

Does this give you what you're looking for??

Thanks!

 

[cdoyle]

Where's the best place to buy clay bars online?

 

[jharris2]

Where's the best place to buy clay bars online?

You'll want a quality bar, so I'd go with the best places to get polish and wax....Griot's or Zaino's.

 

[cdoyle]

You'll want a quality bar, so I'd go with the best places to get polish and wax....Griot's or Zaino's.

I haven't seen any places locally selling the clay bars. Not sure why??

Any places on-line to get them?

 

[toybox]

I haven't seen any places locally selling the clay bars. Not sure why??

Any places on-line to get them?

Griots and Zaino's are online stores.

Locally at Pep Boy's there is a kit by Mother's that has a clay bar in it but they don't sell the clay bar by itself.

 

[ksneubec]

At the local Advance Auto Parts I've seen Mequire's and another brand (I bought the MeQuire's). Both had the clar bar, lubricant and cloths.

 

[spyne]

I've used the Griots bar and the Mothers kit and like the Mothers better. The Griots bar seems too sticky and even with a ton of lubricant (the one they recommend, Griots Speed Shine) didn't slide as well as the Mothers bar did. Anyone else notice this or is it just me

 

[4RunnerRon]

I like Meguiar's Quik Clay. It's pretty mild and works well. It should work on bird droppings, but it won't remove swirls. You'll need the Paint Cleaner for light swirls and ScratchX for deeper swirls/scratches. Then add polish and some wax and you're done. Only takes about half a day for the full detail so plan ahead!

 

[nated05]

Ive seen clay bar kits at AutoZone as well, dont remember the brand.

 

[mole177]

^ probably mother's clay bar.

imho, i think any clay bar can do the trick.

clay bar in general is no easy fun task.

 

[4wheeln98]

It does take a long time but the hard work pays off when u have they shiniest T4R on the road and the paint is incredibly smooth. i use Mothers it comes with the Showtime detailer and then use Mcquires Tech wax WOW!!!

 

[generalpatton]

Ive seen clay bar kits at AutoZone as well, dont remember the brand

I've seen both Mothers and Clay Magic at Autozone. I got the Clay Magic kit and was very satisfied with the products and results.

 

[trd_style]

personally, i think any products would work. the main thing when claying is keep the area you about to clay lubricated. if not, you COULD peel off your paint. use soapy-water if you run out of that juice in the bottle. i just love the results. it makes my car look new! besides the bang load of scratches in the hood. -_-

 

[Mountaineer]

I was due for a fresh coat of wax and I decided I would try using a clay bar after reading some of the posts here. I was amazed when I got done. I've never seen my 4Runner shine like this. It looks great, and the paint is so smooth. I wish I tried it sooner. After I used the clay bar, I followed it up with a coat of Eagle One Nano Wax. This wax is really easy to apply and take off and it does a good job covering all those fine scratches. How often does everyone else use the clay bar? I figure I'll do it at least twice a year, maybe more if it needs it.

 

[Kenn]

Plan to clay at least 2-3 times a year. It is recommended that when you clay next time, wash the runner with Dawn to remove the old wax. Then wash with car soap, dry, clay, wash again, dry, your choice of polish, wax, wax again if you wish.

Key points:

Wash, dry, and clay in the shade and when the car is cool to the touch.

Porter Cable with some polish pads make the work a lot easier.

Use Quick Detailing spray in between washes with a microfiber towel to keep your runner shiny. It is safe on waxes. I use it 2x a week and the black Runner always looks washed.

 

[jharris2]

Check out these other threads:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8416

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3005

 

[4RunnerRon]

Since discovering the clay bar back when I got the 4Runner in January, I've done it twice already. I think it depends on what kind of conditions your truck sees... garage vs. snow/dirt/long trips, etc. I'm anal, so I do it whenever I have the time!