How to Detail Your Elise - Page 2 - LotusTalk

Lotus F1 · 01-15-2004, 10:00 PM

Any car cover ideas. Is there a a specifically made one? Is there one that is known to be a good for the car?

zvezdah1 · 01-16-2004, 05:20 AM

1fast,

www.eliseparts.com
In England sells full covers and shower caps (just cover the roof and glass)

Chris

bellotech · 01-23-2004, 12:20 AM

I'm been using Zaino for years. Even before the owner allowed others to sell it for him.

I had a 3yr lease on a car that sat on the showroom. After I brought it back to trade it in, the dealership was so amazed at the condition of the car that they brought it right back into the showroom and kept it there on display (for sale).

Zaino is a great product. But just like someone else said.... it's all dependent on the surface preparation. If I see a car with many swirl marks, I'll start off with 3M compound and an applicator pad until the surface is smooth to the touch. Clay bar follows the process. Zfx+Z2 or Z5 to protect it.

For the Elise.....
Wash it, then Zaino. Every time I drive it. If it's not to filthy, I'll Z6 it. This way, washing wont be as often.

Carlos
98 Supra TT

bogie · 01-25-2004, 03:47 AM

the best car covers IMO are the Specialised ones

www.carcoversuk.com

Ive got the 3 layer breathable jobbie - they fit like a glove (fully tailored to the S2) and you can put them on when its wet/engine warm without issue

I dont have a garage and use it during the winter when its snowing or frosty - saves a lot of time in the morning defrosting the car. Also it keeps leaves and stuff out of the front/rear compartments

zvezdah1 · 01-25-2004, 03:59 AM

HI Bogie,
Thanks very much for the tip. What's your opinion of the shower cap(e) for the elise. It seems a good thing if your parking someplace for a period of time and easier to deal with than a full cover
CHris

bogie · 01-25-2004, 04:05 AM

A showercape is easier to use when travelling as the full cover is too bulky to carry (it would take up all of the boot space)

It also helps with defrosting in the mornings and keeps things watertight (in case you get an Elise with roof that leaks!)

A lot of S1 owners use them in summer when they park up for short periods as they are much quicker to put on than the S1 roof and also keep out prying eyes...but to be honest the S2 short roof is just as quick to use as a showercape so I just put the roof on unless I can see the car.

A full cover is about £200 whereas the showercape is about £40 I think - most people can manage with a shower cape, I got a full cover because I live on a road lined with trees and during Autumn it would take 20mins every morning clearing out the leaves from the front and rear compartments !

zvezdah1 · 01-25-2004, 07:12 AM

[quote]Originally posted by bogie

It also helps with defrosting in the mornings and keeps things watertight (in case you get an Elise with roof that leaks!)

An Elise that leaks??? Surely you jest bogie!!

Chris

bogie · 01-25-2004, 08:03 AM

LOL

I was checking out the 111R yesterday at a dealers - the car was the best put together Elise Ive seen, and the new padded roof was great. I was just checking out the inside of the roof when I come across this big warning sticker on the cant rail

"This roof system and its components are designed to be showerproof - under certain circumstances it may leak water"

....most amusing....guess they are going to cover the car in disclaimers prior to it arriving in the US

shinoo · 02-17-2004, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 1FASTMX5
Any car cover ideas. Is there a a specifically made one? Is there one that is known to be a good for the car?

Stop by our website: Sector 111 Car Covers

We have a full variety of indoor and outdoor covers. Some of which are small enough to keep in your trunk with plenty of space to spare. We will also have Shower caps by Elemental.

Our covers are custom fit for the Elise and made in the US.

Patricko · 03-03-2004, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shinoo
Stop by our website: Sector 111 Car Covers

We have a full variety of indoor and outdoor covers. Some of which are small enough to keep in your trunk with plenty of space to spare. We will also have Shower caps by Elemental.

Our covers are custom fit for the Elise and made in the US.

Hello Shinoo,

Will your covers fit as well as these and look as nice?

I know that is an S1 but it gives an indication of the quality and fit. So are yours designed to fit the S2 as well as that cover fits the S1?

Patrick
2005 Elise

meat · 03-03-2004, 04:07 PM

I have one of the covers shown on the Exige. I believe it was manufatured by this company. I bought it from Geary at Eliseparts.com.

It is a great cover.

Patricko · 03-03-2004, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by meat
I have one of the covers shown on the Exige. I believe it was manufatured by this company. I bought it from Geary at Eliseparts.com.

It is a great cover.

Thanks for the info, that is not a bad price at 125 pounds about $227 today plus transport.

meat · 03-03-2004, 06:34 PM

Keep in mind that it is a dust cover. It is not lined with flannel, etc.

Also - the shipping from what I remember is pretty stiff - like $20-$30.

shinoo · 03-04-2004, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Patricko
Hello Shinoo,

Will your covers fit as well as these and look as nice?

I know that is an S1 but it gives an indication of the quality and fit. So are yours designed to fit the S2 as well as that cover fits the S1?

Patrick,

Our covers fit as well as your picture. Our pattern is specific for the S2. Our materials are excellent. You can choose between a variety of materials depending on your intended use (indoor or indoor/outdoor, etc).

What we lack is the Lotus logo since we don't have a license to use their trademark(yet). Though you could order one of our multicolored covers in the green and yellow (several customers have ordered this combination). This image will give you a hint:

Zor · 03-15-2004, 12:52 AM

So after a recommendation, I gave mr clean a try..

http://www.homemadesimple.com/mrclea...ry/index.shtml

Not too expensive and I was really surprised by the results. It has perhaps made my car cleaner then it has been in a long while. It might just be worth buying the soap. The no drying part comes in as an added bonus.

I only wish I had time to do a coat of Zaino, it would have been perfectly clean base to start with.

Muckraker · 06-30-2004, 01:33 PM

Not to resurrect a dead thread, but two items:

1) How much did you like the Mr. Clean- and did it REALLY dry w/o streaks or spots? I'm incredibly anal about detailing my vehicles.

2) Recommendation: I've heard nothing but fantastic things about Zaino and plan to try it out when I run out of my current brand. What I use now is Klasse. I've had it for 12 years and love it.

Peter R · 11-04-2004, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Chase
I have used... Griots... came with instructions on cleaners -> clay bar --> polishing compound ---> Wax...

That is what I use, Griots clay bar, Hand Polish and "Best of Show" wax. Speedshine detail spray inbetween washings. Keeps my Black looking great.

jtanner · 11-05-2004, 11:04 AM

Thanks for all the great tips/links everyone. I am, without a doubt, the *worst* car detailer ever. With the help of this thread, I'm hoping to move up to second worst!

Jim

MattG · 11-05-2004, 01:34 PM

Peter, any tips for removing and buffing the excess wax when using the Best of Show stuff? Do you use the orbital for that? I always have a hard time with that with this wax.

mikester · 11-05-2004, 02:42 PM

Sorry to butt in, but personally I don't care for the Best in Show. It's probably the only Griot's product that I haven't been totally satisfied with. Like you I found that I couldn't get it to buff out properly. I really prefer Mother's Pure Carnauba paste wax. To buff, I use a random orbital with the Griot's wax removal bonnet over a red foam pad, and this seems to work very well for me. For the Elise though, there are so many compound surfaces that I don't think the random orbital will get much use.

Also, I'm probably going to give Zaino a try.

01-23-2004, 12:20 AM	#23 (permalink)
bellotech Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 141	I'm been using Zaino for years. Even before the owner allowed others to sell it for him. I had a 3yr lease on a car that sat on the showroom. After I brought it back to trade it in, the dealership was so amazed at the condition of the car that they brought it right back into the showroom and kept it there on display (for sale). Zaino is a great product. But just like someone else said.... it's all dependent on the surface preparation. If I see a car with many swirl marks, I'll start off with 3M compound and an applicator pad until the surface is smooth to the touch. Clay bar follows the process. Zfx+Z2 or Z5 to protect it. For the Elise..... Wash it, then Zaino. Every time I drive it. If it's not to filthy, I'll Z6 it. This way, washing wont be as often. Carlos 98 Supra TT __________________ Carlos 05 Elise CO, touring 02 Audi Allroad

01-25-2004, 03:47 AM	#24 (permalink)
bogie Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: UK Posts: 144	the best car covers IMO are the Specialised ones www.carcoversuk.com Ive got the 3 layer breathable jobbie - they fit like a glove (fully tailored to the S2) and you can put them on when its wet/engine warm without issue I dont have a garage and use it during the winter when its snowing or frosty - saves a lot of time in the morning defrosting the car. Also it keeps leaves and stuff out of the front/rear compartments __________________ cheers bogie 2002 S2 Elise SC Honda K20A-300 2006 TVR Sagaris 2006 Aston Martin Vantage

01-25-2004, 04:05 AM	#26 (permalink)
bogie Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: UK Posts: 144	A showercape is easier to use when travelling as the full cover is too bulky to carry (it would take up all of the boot space) It also helps with defrosting in the mornings and keeps things watertight (in case you get an Elise with roof that leaks!) A lot of S1 owners use them in summer when they park up for short periods as they are much quicker to put on than the S1 roof and also keep out prying eyes...but to be honest the S2 short roof is just as quick to use as a showercape so I just put the roof on unless I can see the car. A full cover is about £200 whereas the showercape is about £40 I think - most people can manage with a shower cape, I got a full cover because I live on a road lined with trees and during Autumn it would take 20mins every morning clearing out the leaves from the front and rear compartments ! __________________ cheers bogie 2002 S2 Elise SC Honda K20A-300 2006 TVR Sagaris 2006 Aston Martin Vantage

01-25-2004, 08:03 AM	#28 (permalink)
bogie Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: UK Posts: 144	LOL I was checking out the 111R yesterday at a dealers - the car was the best put together Elise Ive seen, and the new padded roof was great. I was just checking out the inside of the roof when I come across this big warning sticker on the cant rail "This roof system and its components are designed to be showerproof - under certain circumstances it may leak water" ....most amusing....guess they are going to cover the car in disclaimers prior to it arriving in the US __________________ cheers bogie 2002 S2 Elise SC Honda K20A-300 2006 TVR Sagaris 2006 Aston Martin Vantage

06-30-2004, 01:33 PM	#36 (permalink)
Muckraker Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Missouri City, Texas Posts: 11	Not to resurrect a dead thread, but two items: 1) How much did you like the Mr. Clean- and did it REALLY dry w/o streaks or spots? I'm incredibly anal about detailing my vehicles. 2) Recommendation: I've heard nothing but fantastic things about Zaino and plan to try it out when I run out of my current brand. What I use now is Klasse. I've had it for 12 years and love it. __________________ I like to pick up hitchhikers. When they get in the car I say, "Put on your seat belt. I want to try something. I saw it once in a cartoon, but I think I can do it."

01-15-2004, 10:00 PM	#21 (permalink)
Lotus F1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Fantasy Island New York Posts: 3,840	Any car cover ideas. Is there a a specifically made one? Is there one that is known to be a good for the car?

01-16-2004, 05:20 AM	#22 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	1fast, www.eliseparts.com In England sells full covers and shower caps (just cover the roof and glass) Chris

01-25-2004, 03:59 AM	#25 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	HI Bogie, Thanks very much for the tip. What's your opinion of the shower cap(e) for the elise. It seems a good thing if your parking someplace for a period of time and easier to deal with than a full cover CHris

01-25-2004, 07:12 AM	#27 (permalink)
zvezdah1 eliseaholic! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 6,773	[quote]Originally posted by bogie It also helps with defrosting in the mornings and keeps things watertight (in case you get an Elise with roof that leaks!) An Elise that leaks??? Surely you jest bogie!! Chris

03-03-2004, 04:07 PM	#31 (permalink)
meat Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,207 Images: 3	I have one of the covers shown on the Exige. I believe it was manufatured by this company. I bought it from Geary at Eliseparts.com. It is a great cover.

03-03-2004, 06:34 PM	#33 (permalink)
meat Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,207 Images: 3	Keep in mind that it is a dust cover. It is not lined with flannel, etc. Also - the shipping from what I remember is pretty stiff - like $20-$30.

03-15-2004, 12:52 AM	#35 (permalink)
Zor Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 33	So after a recommendation, I gave mr clean a try.. http://www.homemadesimple.com/mrclea...ry/index.shtml Not too expensive and I was really surprised by the results. It has perhaps made my car cleaner then it has been in a long while. It might just be worth buying the soap. The no drying part comes in as an added bonus. I only wish I had time to do a coat of Zaino, it would have been perfectly clean base to start with.

11-05-2004, 11:04 AM	#38 (permalink)
jtanner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA USA Posts: 643	Thanks for all the great tips/links everyone. I am, without a doubt, the worst car detailer ever. With the help of this thread, I'm hoping to move up to second worst! Jim

11-05-2004, 01:34 PM	#39 (permalink)
MattG insert clever title here Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Living above the clouds in Colorado Posts: 7,676 Images: 11	Peter, any tips for removing and buffing the excess wax when using the Best of Show stuff? Do you use the orbital for that? I always have a hard time with that with this wax. __________________ '05 Elise, Magnetic Blue / Biscuit / Hardtop / http://eliseinfo.com Radar detector mounting brackets for sale here

11-05-2004, 02:42 PM	#40 (permalink)
mikester Registered Shmoozer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So Cal Posts: 4,596	Sorry to butt in, but personally I don't care for the Best in Show. It's probably the only Griot's product that I haven't been totally satisfied with. Like you I found that I couldn't get it to buff out properly. I really prefer Mother's Pure Carnauba paste wax. To buff, I use a random orbital with the Griot's wax removal bonnet over a red foam pad, and this seems to work very well for me. For the Elise though, there are so many compound surfaces that I don't think the random orbital will get much use. Also, I'm probably going to give Zaino a try. __________________ Covered in Brandy and Lard

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