Former Toyota guy in need of claybar help

[87Camry5Speed]

Long story short, my Mustang is in need of some help in the paint department. I've used pretty much everything on it- Mothers' clay, Black Magic wax, Meguiars' No. 81 Swirl Remover and P21S caranuba wax- but nothing has addressed the "roughness" on the top surfaces of the car.

The paint is still ok and still holds a decent shine, but well-waxed paint should feel like glass when you run your finger down a body panel- mine are rough.

I think I need a more aggressive claybar, from what I'm reading Mothers' kit isn't that aggressive. (It saved the paint on my old '95 Camry though)

Found this claybar though one of our forum sponsors at sn95forums.com
http://www.obsessivedetail.com/carwashanddetailers.html

(just scroll down to the claybar, it's white)

but I think this might actually be too aggressive.

Also tried showtimeautocare.com and as of last night they had no claybars on their site.

Not sure where else to turn, then I remembered the ol' TN gang has a great detailing forum so I thought I'd check in here. Thanks in advance for any and all help!

[87Camry5Speed]

Was just checking out Adam's website

http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-37-8o...lubricant.aspx

Adam- hope you see this- how is this clay vs. the Mothers or Meguiars you would buy in the store?

[ronbo]

Go to http://www.autopia.org and post your problem, those people are detailing fanatics

[ToyotaJimD.]

87Camry5Speed,

So you're sure you're using adequate pressure with the Mothers clay -- and it's not worn out or anything like that? And you're using the included lubricant?

I wouldn't count on Adam's or Obsessive's clays being any more aggressive than clays you buy retail in a kit.

You need to establish if you have oxidation and/or early signs of clearcoat failure that's making the paint rough-feeling -- I'll bet that's the case. But I could be wrong. Inspect it with a magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe for signs of contaminants or fading.

If you have a scratch remover or polish, try that in a spot and see if it clears up the roughness at all.

But if you insist on trying a clay, get either a Meguiar's aggressive or a S.M. Arnold aggressive or something similar -- you're specifically looking for one identified as "aggressive" -- and you should be able to find one of those two brands or an equivalent at a paint store or detailing supply, or you could also try NAPA and see if they can order you an aggressive clay bar.

Knowing more about your Mustang, the color, and year would be helpful in diagnosing your problem. Got a pic?

[ToyotaJimD.]

Originally Posted by ronbo

Go to http://www.autopia.org and post your problem, those people are detailing fanatics

Fanatics... maybe... but it's not exactly an unbiased community, either.

87Camry5Speed asked a question here... blindly sending him to another forum without any effort to offer a suggestion to his problem isn't exactly all that helpful.

[Pb]

How are you rubbing the clay? Rub back and forth with some medium pressure, and plenty of spray lube.

[ronbo]

Originally Posted by ToyotaJimD.

Fanatics... maybe... but it's not exactly an unbiased community, either.

87Camry5Speed asked a question here... blindly sending him to another forum without any effort to offer a suggestion to his problem isn't exactly all that helpful.

I beg to differ, NOT being able to help, I just gave a referral. On my first post at autopia.org I gave too much product info 5 months ago and the members called me a spammer. I got ticked and asked the administrator to remove my post and take my name off the members list. He did and banned me BUT I do respect the vast knowledge of the people on that forum and that would be the first place I would go for detailing help by doing a search. I do find Toyotanation to be an excellent forum and I do respect all forum members and the advice that they give.