2000 Dodge Viper Restorative Correction by Richie`s Custom Detailing

**Bruce Campbell** · 02-27-2002, 11:49 AM

I`m sure these ?? are pretty basic to most of you guys, but I`m fairly new to "high tech" detailing and have a few questions:

I have used the Zymoil cleaner wax for several years. Should I use a polish afterwards for a "wetter and richer look"? and what brand is compatible with that. I thought this was one of the better waxes, true or not true?.

I have always used a clean chamois to dry my vehicles. Now I see this water wand on the site, and priced one at Walmart, $20. Not much more than a good chamois, but is it really better?

thanks for your patience.

**Lemonxxs** · 02-27-2002, 12:15 PM

Welcome to the FORUM.

For drying there is a lengthy thread about the members techniques. DO a search and I am sure many threads will have some of the info you desire.

Some like me use a leaf blower first then follow up with Microfiber towels. Most first use the low pressure water hose technique which will allow most of the water to sheet off then follow up with either towels or some sort of synthetic Chamois.

As for Zymol most believe it is over priced for what it does as there are other products out there much cheaper that do a better job.

HTH

**imported_Intel486** · 02-27-2002, 05:58 PM

If you use a polish after you wax, then the polish will strip the wax off. You should use any polishes before you wax.

I`ve stopped using chamois after I heard they pull wax up. I`ve actually pretty much stopped rubbing at all when I dry. I went to a department store and bought two large bath towels for $9 each. I then use an open nozzle on a hose to sheet as much water off as I can. I then blot the rest of the water off using the towels. I don`t rub the surface at all!

I can dry my big pickup with one bath towel. Sometimes I have to use the second to hit up some steaks of water than ran out of door handles and mirrors. It helps the open and close the doors a few times to get the water outta the door handle and mirrors.

**vettefan67** · 02-27-2002, 06:34 PM

Hi Bruce, and welcome to the forum!

I`m not sure if we are all on the same boat as far as terminology goes, but the generally accepted meaning of "polish" on this forum is an abrasive product that removes swirl marks or other paint marring.

Meguiar`s and some other manufacturers use the term "polish" to mean both what I said above and also a different type of product we call a "glaze." These products are pre-wax products that fill in swirl marks and other imperfections.

Which did you mean? Polish or Polish?

**imported_Intermezzo** · 02-27-2002, 06:36 PM

Guess My Name, I think he`s referring to the Turtle Wax owned Zymol. The main cleaner product for the `expensive` Zymol is HD Cleanse.

Bruce,

Zymol cleaner wax (the one that comes in a salad dressing shaped bottle) is number one rated by Consumer Reports. But the test they conducted was a complete joke. In any event, the Zymol cleaner wax works fine for the non-enthusiast who just wants to keep his/her car looking decent with a minimum of fuss.

To take your detailing to a new level, consider using separate products for your cleaner/polish and your protectant (wax). Do a search in this forum to get an idea of what people here like to use to prep their paint and then protect their paint.

**John0087** · 02-27-2002, 06:44 PM

AS a newbie as well, I can guarantee that you will lean a lot from this site. I suggest that you take a look at the Autopia home page. There, there is much information on techniques and products. Thats where I went before I joined the forum.

As for using a polish, I recently justs tried Meguiars #7 polish followed by 2 coats of Meguairs #26. It was a pretty simple detail compared to many other peoples plan of attack, but the results are great. I think that it is a good way to lean proper technique without wasting money on expensive and complex products. Be sure to make that you prep your paint. I am not too knowleable on this subject, but I used Mothers Clay before I polished with good results.

Good luck and have fun

**Bruce Campbell** · 02-28-2002, 06:09 AM

Thanks, guys, I guess the answer to all of the above is "yes, I think so".

Your right, I have been using the Zymol cleaner/wax in the salad dressing bottle.

I wanted to fill any swirl marks or slight scratches prior to protecting the paint so the "polish then wax" order sequence is what I need.

I`m new to this, but this site and the fantastic advice is gonna make me a better detailer, for sure! Thanks again for all the great advice.

**Richie's Custom Detailing** · 02-23-2011, 10:24 PM

The owner of this 2000 Viper wanted the paint brought back to a proper state. He had consulted a body shop and was told it would need a repaint. (there`s a shocking development)

I was able to restore the finish to an acceptable level/

The befores.

As it was dropped off.

Hood Before.

50/50

More defects.

Rear quarter in progress.

Customer wanted the car de-badged.

This area needed a little wet sanding.

Door pull needed some help as well.

Afters.

Not a lot of afters as I had another car in the on deck circle.

**SIDetailing** · 02-23-2011, 10:29 PM

Very well done sir. That viper looks 100x better. I hate how dealerships take the easy road and say it needs to be repainted. Just Love money i guess. Great job!

**imported_yooformula** · 02-23-2011, 11:14 PM

nice job! I bet even if the dealership had painted it, it would have still needed to have been fixed!

**imported_kakeuter** · 02-24-2011, 12:01 AM

Nice work Richie, that car was in rough shape. I`m glad the owner was able to contact you before spending an obscene amount of money on a respray, just to go through the same process again.

-Kody-

**imported_Pizzano** · 02-24-2011, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by SIDetailing

Very well done sir. That viper looks 100x better. I hate how dealerships take the easy road and say it needs to be repainted. Just Love money i guess. Great job!

And if they repainted it, it still wouldn`t have looked as good as it does now.

They don`t call them Stealerships for nothing/

Great Job Richie:thumbup:

**bmw5541** · 02-24-2011, 08:44 AM

Great save once again Richie. That Viper was quite a mess, and you did an outstanding job of transforming it back to it`s natural beauty. Your client was lucky to find you!!!:notworthy:
One question though, if you don`t mind me asking. What did you use to get rid of all the water spots?

**ShineTech** · 02-24-2011, 01:10 PM

That paint was pretty bad. Great job bringing it back to life. I bet the owner was happy a repaint was not needed.

**Gimlet** · 02-24-2011, 07:09 PM

I think "acceptable" is an understatement. It looks stunning! Especially after looking at the befores. What a lucky guy... a Viper AND a Bentley GT. :drool5: