Question on Zaino Bros starter kit

[amheck]

I've been going back and forth on the Zaino products. I've always used maguires in the past, and I haven't even really ever been that regular with using the products. Well, I just got a 2004 Limites V8 a few weeks ago and instead of leasing, we decided to buy, so I want to make sure I take good care of this truck.

Anyway, I think I've decided that the Zaino will be worth the extra work. I have a question on the started kit, however. Keeping in mind my truck is only a few weeks old, I didn't know if the Z-5

 

[jharris2]

I bought the individual products because I wanted to put Zaino's on the Camry, too.

As far as claying the truck, I would go ahead and do it, because you don't know what it's been through on the way from Japan to you. It only takes an hour, so it's not a big investment to get a smooth start to the finish.

For the Z-5, I used a coat of that, too, thinking it couldn't hurt. It made a huge difference on the Camry, by the way.

The big trick to washing it the first time is to use dishwashing soap (liquid Dawn is recommended) to strip off existing wax.

I just used the normal cotton washing pad we've used for ages. Synthetic chamois to dry (readily available at Pep Boys, but I can't remember the name of the product).

For the first application, I did this to the 4Runner (Camry, being 6 years old,was more work initially):

1. Wash with Dawn (happen to use it for the dishes anyway)
2. Clay
3. Wash again with Dawn to remove any residue from the clay
4. Z-5 with ZFX
5. Z-6 spray (use cotton towel to remove)
6. Z-2 with ZFX
7. Z-6
8. Z-2 with ZFX

Plan to spend a full day the first time (assuming you get the ZFX accelerator). After that, it's just a touch up -- Z-6 when you wash, Z-6 plus Z-2 when you polish.

Hope that helps.

 

[amheck]

Thanks!

That breakdown really helps put it all into perspective. To be honest with you, I was stunned at how easily I was confused by a (what seems to be) simple car washing and waxing process.

I need to order this kit, and then a husky liner for the back, and we should be good to go. Then start saving for the TRD filter, K&N Air Charger and maybe the Borla exhaust.

Aaron

 

[Diablo3305]

depending on the color of your truck you may not need Z-5. I have the titanium and I can't see any swirl marks at all to begin with, so i skipped getting the Z-5. Also if you do have the titanium, it is very hard to see wax on it, so be carefull not to put too much, or you will have a tougher time getting it off.

For washing and drying i use the cotton towels Zaino reccomends, they have worked well. I normally go through 3 large ones drying my truck. I also use a microfiber cloth for the inside, without any cleaning solution.

good luck with the Zaino, its good stuff, i love it.