Taking care of new car (wax removal and clay)

First non Hey there post. Just got a new Lexus IS 350 C (Mica Blue Metallic). The more I look at it, the more I realize the dealer destroyed the finish. Went ahead and let them 'prep' it for me (company policy yada yada) against my detailer forum buddies' advice. I'll probably end up waiting for the spring to take care of the swirls (not too bad and running out of time to do it before winter here)

So here's the question:

Do I need to worry about removing the wax they put on before I clay?

The product they used is 'technicians choice'.

I'm thinking of three COA's:
1. just wash (I'm an ONR convert), clay, and LSP (not worrying about the wax they have on there because it's probably already worn off)

2. Spray with P21S TAW then ONR wash and continue as COA 1.

3. Full traditional wash with TAW then clay etc.

I'm leaning toward the middle one but not sure if it would work. What do y'all think?


(Side question: am I making a mistake by not trying to polish it out now?)

TIA,
Tony

 

I would do COA #2, if the TAW doesn't take away the wax, the claying will. BTW, I wouldn't polish it before winter, just wait for spring. With all the cold and snow, you're probably not going to be washing it too too much anyway, and winter is gonna leave some swirls on there so IMO just wait for spring.

BTW, what is gonna be your LSP for the winter?

 

Unless the car needs claying now, you can skip it until spring.

Usually during winter you get one or two warm up's where you can wash and wax your car without turning into a human icicle. If you can do #2, that would be great. If not, just do #1, maybe skip the claying, and get some protection on the car now while you can. If you get a chance sometime this winter, do a good clean up and re-wax. Save up your strength for the big springtime detail.

 

I've got some Opti-seal on order that I think I'm going to try. I've also gotta prima Epic and Banana Gloss but i like the idea of the ease of use for the OS and I've been happy with the OPT products so far. Also getting the OCW for boosting during the winter. Gonna use my prima stuff on my wife's car and the OPT on mine to see how they go through the winter (other than the ONR).

BretFraz, think I'm gonna go ahead and clay now. Doesn't take too long and judging by the condition of paint, probably would benefit immensely after lot neglect.

 

Oh, here's the new ride if anyone is interested.

 

Oh, I didn't realize it was the new convertible. Very nice car. I really like the color, too.

Yeah, if you can clay, might as well do it. It'll only take 20 mins or so. It sounded like you wanted to get this done very quickly so I thought you could skip it, but it's all good.

Consider getting some protection on those wheels, too, and the rubber seals around the top mechanism. With a brand new car you could do a basic protection detail in an afternoon.

Good luck with the new car!

 

I'm hoping to get it all done next weekend. Did a quick onr today to get the dust off and try to get a look at the condition. Looks good now but think it will look super when I get the DISO off in the spring.

 

If its warm enough, presoak with TAW, wash, clay and LSP. Great looking car.

 

nice car dude ...