Miguel 02-06-2008, 10:33 PM Everyone says black is the most difficult color to maintain as it seems to show the dirt more than other colors. Of course as luck would have it I just bought a 2006 EX-P....black. Although I do like it especially when it's all shined up, it probably would not have been my first color choice.
Are there any products or special considerations relating especially to a black E? I really want to keep it looking good.
Thanks, Miguel
K-Dogg 02-07-2008, 01:47 AM Most of your questions were probably answered in the last thread, and I wholeheartedly agree with exceldetail. Two-bucket method to wash; one bucket for suds and the other to rinse. Strong spray to loosen up the dirt and grime, and wash from the top, down.
Sheepskin wash mitts, microfiber waffle weaves for wipe down, and mf towels to remove waxes, sealants, and/or quick detailers. Old tee shirts, grungy bath towels are a big no-no.
The trouble with black is that it shows all imperfections, scratches, marring, and swirls more than any other color.
If you do use a silicone squeegee to dry, do so at your own risk.... Be sure to rinse it (yes, rinse it) often. If you have any dirt particles, brake dust, etc. trapped between the squeegee and the paint, all you're really doing is marrng the finish.
Anyway, welcome to the Chapter of Obsessive NBP Element Owners and good luck!
Have you considered silver paint? If your E was silver, all your worries in this world would just melt away. Silver E's clean themselves.
xequar 02-07-2008, 07:59 AM Wait, hold on, we're supposed to care for our NBP Elements? That explains it...
Seriously, though, do wash and wax it more frequently than I do. My paint has noticably faded on my '06, mostly because I've only washed it four times in the year and a half I've owned it... If they had a color that wasn't NBP in a 2wd manual when I was buying, I surely would have chosen it over NBP, but, here we are.
gisele 02-07-2008, 08:36 AM Everyone says black is the most difficult color to maintain as it seems to show the dirt more than other colors. Of course as luck would have it I just bought a 2006 EX-P....black. Although I do like it especially when it's all shined up, it probably would not have been my first color choice.
Are there any products or special considerations relating especially to a black E? I really want to keep it looking good.
Thanks, Miguel
This sounds like a job for DCbox. Hopefully he'll chime in and give you some tips. I would cuz my E is always so shiny, but DCbox has a better way with words:rolleyes:
-g
Rocket Dog 02-07-2008, 08:38 AM You wouldn't have these problems with a Kiwi.
*just other problems *
Twilightzero 02-07-2008, 08:53 AM Xequar, being where you are I'd wash a LOT LOT LOT more than 4 times a year. The salt on the roads in the winter will eat your car alive! It'll cause things on your undercarriage to rust out very very fast, even with the thick coating they put on. I try to wash mine maybe once a month in the summer and at least every other week in the winter.
That being said, I don't wash my own car. Just don't have time/patience/a good place to do it. I run it through the touchless car washes around here (all pressure hoses). The best thing you can do for it in the winter is to find a good car wash that has an undercarriage spray. Quite important to run through that regularly.
Too bad you all have NBP, my TRP doesn't show dirt or scratches at all. Yeah, it magically cleans itself to a perfect lustre with each rain! :lol:
Miguel 02-08-2008, 12:27 AM You wouldn't have these problems with a Kiwi.
*just other problems *
Can't deny that...in fact the Kiwi is my fav color. If I'd have bought new...Kiwi would have been my choice. I got a good deal on this one and that overrode color preference. You have to admit the black looks pretty badass when it's all shined up.
Miguel
dparrothead1 02-08-2008, 01:12 AM Pay no attention to RD........he know nothing about class......
Basic Black....you can take it anywhere!!!!!!!!!
Rocket Dog 02-08-2008, 08:17 AM Pay no attention to RD........he know nothing about class......
Basic Black....you can take it anywhere!!!!!!!!!
I miss the VW Bus avatar. :sad:
Twilightzero 02-08-2008, 08:55 AM Can't deny that...in fact the Kiwi is my fav color. If I'd have bought new...Kiwi would have been my choice. I got a good deal on this one and that overrode color preference. You have to admit the black looks pretty badass when it's all shined up.
Miguel
Well I wanted a blue and got a red cuz that's what was in stock (and finding another manual 07 LX would've taken too long) so I know the feeling :D
Miguel 02-09-2008, 01:59 PM Basic Black....you can take it anywhere!!!!!!!!![/QUOTE]
Pretty much what my daughter said...looks great out in the boonies but shiner er up and you're ready for a night cruisin' those mean city streets.:D
I did buy a lambskin mitt and a synthetic towel today....so at least I'm on the right track.
Miguel
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