Re: Spring Cleaning

[Gross Scruggs <GScruggs@wposmtp.nps.navy.mil>]

The request for Griot's number gives me an excuse to share something I found
this weekend.  Went to an auto paint supplier to get a foam buffing pad to go
over the pearl white, well clearcoat actually, of my 87 5kTQ to smooth it out
and get rid of that fallout residue.  (Didn't have one to fit the 13mm arbor of
my Makita buffer.)  The guy asks if I've tried 'that clay stuff.'  No, never
heard of it.  He did a demo on my RF fender and I immediately bought some.  

What you get is a plastic box with what looks like modeling clay in it.  You
flatten out the clay and using a spray bottle of lubricant rub the stuff over
the finish like you were sanding, gently and in the same direction.  Wipe the
stuff off with a clean rag and rub your hand over it.  WOW!  Nothing but
paint... flat, smooth, silky paint!  Then wax with your favorite.  I use Zymol
liquid as a sealer then Blitz One Grand.  Very, very nice!  The stuff is called
Clay Magic.  Box of clay and bottle of lube was about $30.  Lube goes fast but
clay will probably do twenty cars.  Just don't drop the clay on the ground.  As
you can imagine it picks up all the sand and grit it fell on and you just have
to throw it away.  Secret is to divide the new clay into two or three parts and
use one at a time... just in case.

BTW Blitz One Grand is hard to find.  I got it from a place called Car Care
Specialties, Saddle Brook, NJ, (201) 796-8300.  Owner, Larry Reynolds is very
savvy about high-end car care and has a good catalog.  Why Blitz One Grand?
Paint shop in LA called Junior's House of Color does $75,000 paint jobs.  Yes,
$75,000!  Really interesting process, but that's another story.  The last step
that Junior does is wax these cars with Blitz One Grand.  Enough said.

Now my question.  Has anyone tired to patch or spot the clearcoat over Pearl
white?  With careful preparation I don't see why this won't work but I got a lot
of grimacing and head shaking at the paint store when I suggested it.  Stories? 
Ideas?

Regards,  Gross