1965coupe Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I know there is a detailing thread.. I ONLY want to know how you guys/gals are drying your cars.. Not to be biased, but without a bright light, white paint just doesn't show the swirl marks.. For the past year, I have been using an Absorber and Sonus blue drying towels.. It seems as if the only swirls on my car are because of the dealership washing it when they received it.. And they are very minor.. Sonus towels.. click here But I am wondering.. What are you all using for DRYING?? I want to make sure I am using the most efficient method of drying my car.. Also, I use a 5 gallon bucket with a grit guard, and a sheepskin mitt for washing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pagerart Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use the Mr. Clean Car Wash rinse water, then a California Blade and follow up with an absorber and a soft towel. Sometimes need to touch up with quick detailer if the water dries too fast. Then it looks dirty again the next day. That is black. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShelbyPilot Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use the Mr. Clean Car Wash rinse water, then a California Blade and follow up with an absorber and a soft towel. Sometimes need to touch up with quick detailer if the water dries too fast. Then it looks dirty again the next day. That is black. Mr. Clean Auto Dry car wash. Pull the car into the garage, white cotton towels, quick detailer with white cotton towels. Using only back and forth motion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stump_breaker Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 If we use the local carwash I use the spotfree and let it air dry. Any other time it's cotton or microfiber and then a quick mist with Windex or Eagle wax-as-you-dry to finish it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ingram4868 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 To dry I first use the California water blade then finish with two of these towels. <<LINK>> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffIsHereToo Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 You might also find options in the Detailing thread: http://forum.teamshelby.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=24464 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKurgan Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use these for drying: http://www.meguiars.com/?car-drying-tools/...et-Drying-Towel I use a microfiber sponge to wash with Zip car wash and try not to put anything else on it but the Mequires wax system about every 3 or 4 months. I NEVER take it to a car wash. Hand wash ONLY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShowCar Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use microfiber towels and compressed air. The Absorber can marr and scratch paint after a about one year of use.Give or take. Windex on paint is horrible. It has no Lubricating properties what so ever, causing scratches and definately marring. Get a good set of microfiber towels and a good detail spray and this will work alot better in the long run. And keep in mind Black is not a color its a Part time Job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGT2666 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 To dry I first use the California water blade then finish with two of these towels. <<LINK>> I use a micro fiber drying towel, I've been looking at the blade for a while but have been scared it might scratch sometihing. No issues with the blade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaiserkreb Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use a micro fiber drying towel, I've been looking at the blade for a while but have been scared it might scratch sometihing. No issues with the blade? I'm not sure I'm brave enough to use the blade on my SGT yet but it does work fantastic, I don't think it's ever scratched my 89 Tbird SC, and it is a deep blue so everything shows up as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwhite1967 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I take mine to the local car wash and use their low pressure prewash soap to wet the car and then hand wash using Zaino Z-7 car wash. I rinse with the no spot rinse only, no high pressure rinse. I use two large, white, cotton bath towels to dry. I later use the Zaino gloss enhancer spray or finale spray, wiping with white cotton hand towels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheKurgan Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use microfiber towels and compressed air. The Absorber can marr and scratch paint after a about one year of use.Give or take. Windex on paint is horrible. It has no Lubricating properties what so ever, causing scratches and definately marring. Get a good set of microfiber towels and a good detail spray and this will work alot better in the long run.And keep in mind Black is not a color its a Part time Job. So are you saying the absorber will NOT scratch the paint after say...4 or 5 washes? I throw mine away after 4 or 5 uses and buy new ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastor Passum Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 If we use the local carwash I use the spotfree and let it air dry. Any other time it's cotton or microfiber and then a quick mist with Windex or Eagle wax-as-you-dry to finish it off. Doesn't Windex have amonia in it? Not on my paint :jackinbox: Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ingram4868 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 Windex will remove the wax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
racephan Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 I use a Scotchbright synthetic ...this is what was used at the dealerships for years. As a kid, I worked at a Caddy dealer cleaning cars...it is the best I have ever used. i still have it and its been 16 years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dh777 Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 To dry I first use the California water blade ............ That thing is amazing, I got one a week after I picked up my car. It get 85-90% of the water off your car and then you only have to dry up what is left. And its fast :happy feet: :happy feet: leaves more time for driving Here the link http://calcarduster.com/autoOriginalCaliforniaWaterblade.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatboy Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 That thing is amazing, I got one a week after I picked up my car. It get 85-90% of the water off your car and then you only have to dry up what is left. And its fast :happy feet: :happy feet: leaves more time for driving Here the link http://calcarduster.com/autoOriginalCaliforniaWaterblade.asp does the chick in the picture come with that cali squeegy? yeah i used to have a black F-150...never never never never never never owning a black vehicle again. black paint is never clean. i'm glad i got a white SGT. as for drying i just use a chamois and wipe in long straight strokes. i try to wash the car in a shade so the water wont dry too quick. edit: crap. i just went outside and found bird poo on my SGT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShowCar Posted March 28, 2008 Report Share Posted March 28, 2008 The absorber should be washed everytime you use it. I have seen these Absorbers hurt the paint with fine dirt trapped in the towels because its never washed or washed a few times a year. The material breaks down over time making it proned to scratching. Thats why I say get a new one once a year this includes wash mitts, towels, and applicator pads. The water blades can scratch if you are not careful,plus the rubber dry rots and will scratch. Its not a matter of if but when. Use these blades on the glass and thats it. Then demote it to window washing around the house. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twobjshelbys Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Still looking for something better than my 20+ year old terry cloth bath towels. They are washed and dried after every use and are so absorbent and soft. Sort of like a toddler's baby blanket. Microfiber towels are nice, but I've only found small ones - it would take me dozens of them to dry my cars (I usually do them all at once). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965coupe Posted March 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 The absorber should be washed everytime you use it. I have seen these Absorbers hurt the paint with fine dirt trapped in the towels because its never washed or washed a few times a year. The material breaks down over time making it proned to scratching. Thats why I say get a new one once a year this includes wash mitts, towels, and applicator pads. The water blades can scratch if you are not careful,plus the rubber dry rots and will scratch. Its not a matter of if but when. Use these blades on the glass and thats it. Then demote it to window washing around the house. I do wash the absorber every wash.. I also wash all of my car towels in their own load and let them air dry- they last a lot longer. I agree though about the blade.. I have one, but have only used it once on the truck.. I am just not too sure about it. Plus, I use wax-as-you-dry.. The blade won't work with that.. it will just wash everything off.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965coupe Posted March 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 Still looking for something better than my 20+ year old terry cloth bath towels. They are washed and dried after every use and are so absorbent and soft. Sort of like a toddler's baby blanket. Microfiber towels are nice, but I've only found small ones - it would take me dozens of them to dry my cars (I usually do them all at once). I know Zaino recommends terry towels.. I just don't know though. Any of you guys have close-up pictures of your paint in direct sunlight?? At this point, I think the method I am using is okay.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965coupe Posted March 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 never never never never never never owning a black vehicle again.black paint is never clean. I hear ya! My next car will be metallic red or any color that hides swirl marks.. It's not necessarily a dirty car that I hate, it's swirl marks! I cannot stand them. I cringe every time I drive by a full-service car wash where they use towels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stump_breaker Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 I know Zaino recommends terry towels.. I just don't know though. Any of you guys have close-up pictures of your paint in direct sunlight?? At this point, I think the method I am using is okay.. Not to question the mighty Zaino but I will not ever again let a terry cloth towel touch my car. It scratched the gel coat. You really want to test your abilities, park in flourescent light. Also, Windex will NOT hurt your car. It does not scratch the car, cloud the shine or anything like that but you must not let it sit. You are not working with the paint anyway. You can use it to quickly remove streaks and spots after drying. Believe and do what you want but a mist and wipe with Windex will cause one heck of a high polish shine as long as your religious about washing and waxing the clearcoat which I'm pretty sure we all are. Yes, soaking the car in Windex and letting it sit will remove the wax but Tide works much better. Just be careful of the stripes. The amount of amonia in Windex is very small and the main solvent - Ethylene Glycol (about 1%)- evaporates quickly which is great for quick mist and wipe touch-up's in the sun. Windex Original is also about 4% Isopropanol (alcohol) and 90-95% water (I'm sure the Amonia is included in this range with the water). All ingredients are averages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbydream1 Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 I use a freshly rinsed absorber, followed up by microfiber towels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatboy Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 i dry mine off with a leaf blower just kidding Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965coupe Posted March 29, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 i dry mine off with a leaf blower just kidding Actually, I do use a leaf blower, for all of the gaps and crevices. I used to used an air chuck but the leaf blower puts out more air. Been doing this for as long as I can remember... works like a charm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pastor Passum Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 I've also used a leaf blower for years on both my cars and motorcycles. Especially on the bikes, gets water out of all the nooks and crannies and makes short work out of the micro fiber towel. Saves a lot of time as well as rubbing. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrhugger Posted March 29, 2008 Report Share Posted March 29, 2008 everyone is missing the simple answer buy the faster one, the white one! leaf blower, echo brand preferred, and zaino #6 spray and you are done! Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustangcars Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Try not to touch the paint while drying. I use a Toro 205 mph leaf blower on mine. If you have a good wax job the water just runs off. You can also add wetting agents to your carwash mix to help the water run off even more. I learned this from a 20yr vet of detailing high end cars. Works great and eliminates the scratches from unnecessary paint contact. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustangman33 Posted March 30, 2008 Report Share Posted March 30, 2008 Just put them in a wind tunnel !!! Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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