How to Detail Your Elise

[scottyb]

Originally posted by Goose
Rather than create a new thread, I'll tack these questions onto this one:

- Does any body have scratches on their aluminum interior? Any idea how to make these less noticable? Since it's got that "brushed" finish, I'm trying to avoid an agressive metal polish.

- what do you use to clean the aluminum interior?

You could proabably use a fine grit sand paper.

[Ridgemanron]

When last I spoke to the President of B.T.I. Chemical Co.,
he informed me that Plexus Plastic Cleaner also works on
aluminum. He did say that it would make the surface quite slippery.

[brookester]

I use Honda Cleaner to clean just about everything. It's also sold in small cans so you can take it with you for a quick touch up. It seems to break down grease easily.

Sold at Honda motorcycle and car dealers.

[JLElise]

OK...I purchased the Klasse Twins (All-In-One, Sealant Glaze) from Detailers Paradise and haven't attempted using either product yet. Are both these products safe for the Starshield? After reading the thread(s) regarding Maplecrest and others experiencing scratches, swirls, clouding, etc. need to know the "best" method of using the Klasse products.

Any advice is appreciated.

** Cold in NJ, but Spring is just around the corner **

[mikester]

What I've done is, use the Klasse AIO ( I decided not to buy the Sealant Glaze, opting instead to top the AIO with P21S Carnauba wax) on the paintwork only (i.e., NOT the Starshield). Then, I apply the P21S on all surfaces (paintwork and starshield). I do this because IIRC the AIO, has some small degree of abrasive (cleaning/polishing) properties, whereas a "pure" (non-cleaning) carnauba like P21S does not.

[jdl8r]

Originally Posted by brookester

I use Honda Cleaner to clean just about everything. It's also sold in small cans so you can take it with you for a quick touch up. It seems to break down grease easily.

Sold at Honda motorcycle and car dealers.

Yes sir... I've been cleaning my bikes for years with that Honda 'Cleaner and Polish'. I now keep a can and towel in the boot... That stuff is fantastic. AND, you can use it everywhere - on the paint, on the crome, inside on the plastic and leather. It's absolutely 'over the moon'. A $5.99 can will last you a few months.

[Chris D.]

Originally Posted by vistatical

Okay, so I want to use zaino... but I see a few different products on their website.. zaino 1, zaino 2, ZFX, etc...

Which one should I use?

And should I use a 'synthetic' wax before applying one of those zaino products, or is zaino a synthetic wax? (if so, which one?)

Thanks.

Just to add to one Vantage already said, Zaino offers two kits on their Home Page. I bought the least expensive of the two and seem to have everything I need.

[Vantage]

I feel comfortable using Klasse AIO on the starshield occassionally to clean off the surface because it's not very abrasive, but you will definitely want to use when prepping the surface (maybe every 6-12 months) or when it needs a mild polishing. Otherwise, just use Klasse SG all the time.

A good reason to use AIO the first time is to remove any wax your dealer applied, but you can get away with a stronger car wash if it's been a while. Having either a clean slate or an AIO base should help SG stick.

It's a toolbox out there. Tons of approaches, see what you like best.

[jlk]

Anyone know what the soft top material actually is? It feels different than my S2000 top which I use 303 on.

jlk

[atyclb]

A three ply composite made of 100% acrylic square weave outer fabric, a butyl rubber inner layer and a 100% cotton drill lining fabric.

[SY-Elise]

foound this link to a detailer site. Of course he's pushing his own products, but for those who may need to know a bit more about how to detail a car, he has videos on his site that you can watch.

http://www.adamspolishes.com/videos/

[TOPGUN750]

Quick question:

Can you clay the starshield? Should it be treated like the regular paint beyond waxing? ie: should it be clayed and polished?

Thanks for advice

[SY-Elise]

I clayed my Starshield this weekend, didn't see any problem with it.
You do have to be carefule aroud the edges though, the clay will catch it and leave some there.

[_JD_]

I seem to remember that we should'nt use leather cleaner on the Elises leather, so how are people cleaning it? Damp cloth only?

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by _JD_

I seem to remember that we should'nt use leather cleaner on the Elises leather, so how are people cleaning it? Damp cloth only?

Owner's Manual, page 97:
Leather Trim: the leather should be wiped over occasionally with a cloth dampened in warm soapy water. Use a mild, non-caustic toilet soap or soap flakes. Repeat the operation using a fresh cloth and water only, but avoid flooding the leather. Finish by drying and polishing with a soft dry cloth. The manufacturers of the leather do not recommend the use of any hide 'food', and prohibit the use of petrol or detergents, furniture creams and polishes.

In U.S. jargon, toilet soap means bath soap (not soap for scrubbing your toilet)

[_JD_]

thanks Chris

[Domer1974]

Ever wonder how to get excess wax off the black grilles and rubber sections of your Elise? Wonder no more......peanut butter. Apply with your finger, rub a little, wipe it off. Works terrific....and lasts too! A guy at the track told me to try it and, son of gun, it works.

[J-Son]

and how do you remove the peanut butter? with a piece of wonder bread?
sounds delicious!

[GregL]

what are people using to clean the interior surfaces (eg the dash and aluminum stuff)?

[Diesel]

Has anyone tried Zymol on his or her Elise? If so, what kind of wax did you use?