[[email protected]]

I had great fun reviewing the "Let's see your shine" sticky. I am now motivated to take my exterior to the next level. I appear to be settling on Zanio products after reviewing and reading most of the posts.

With that, I am confused with which product to buy for the final finish, Z-2 (non clearcoat) or Z-3 (for clearcoat finishes). The question I have is, "Are Mercedes clearcoat finished from the factory or typically done by dealers before they are sold?" I don't know how to tell if my car is clearcoated or not. It is a 2002 S430.
Thanks,
Gary

 

[ohlord]

It is

clear coated at the factory,all modern Mercedes are two stage base coat clear coat paint jobs.
Look into Menzerna at Car Care, Car Waxes, Car Polishes, Auto Detailing Supplies, Car Buffers, Car Covers, Car Accessories from Classic Motoring Accessories before you commit to a brand.Also read all the tutorials on that link about washing polishing sealing claying waxing etc.
then have fun.
Go buy a big bag of the micro fiber towels at costco:thumbsup:
:bowdown:

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks ohlord! I'm a little late in the thanking you, but I did review your car care link. What products do you use? It seems like the gentlemen at Classic Motoring lean towards McGuires and 3m products.

 

[mr.xpowerseller]

Are Mercedes clearcoat finished from the factory or typically done by dealers before they are sold?

Please tell us that you are kidding.....Please.

 

[[email protected]]

Nope. Serious as a heart attack...

Guess I am just "smart" enough to ask a "stupid" question to make sure I don't do something even "more stupid" like wreck my paint job. :surrender:

 

[ohlord]

No Harm

in asking a question,when you are not sure.
Remember there are no stupid questions and only stupid answers.I.E. Mr.X

I use menzerna. 3M also has a nice line up,
Rotary buffer
wash
clay
wash
polish
glaze
fmj
caranuba

don't use a rotary without practice and tape all high edges.

 

[mr.xpowerseller]

Guess I am just "smart" enough to ask a "stupid" question to make sure I don't do something even "more stupid" like wreck my paint job. :surrender:

If you didn't know that, then it would best to take the car to a pro to have it detailed. You will most likely wreck something very expensive (including the paint) if you try to do this yourself. Take your time and learn more (a LOT more) before attempting any work. Any money you 'save' by DIY'ing will be erased by any damage you do. This would be like someone who doesn't know how to open the hood doing an oil change.....a very bad idea. What you should be doing is saving your money for the next $1000 airmatic failure, because it is bound to happen sooner rather then later.