Miata Case Study

[imported_martin]

A friend of mine introduce me to Autopia, and convinced me that I needed to detail my `03 Midnight Blue Mica Mazda Miata. However, when I decide to do something, I don`t like compromises. After reviewing many threads, I decided that the best combination for my Miata was

Clay

Klasse All-In-One

Klasse Sealant Glaze

Pinnacle Souveran



Here are the results.

This is the bare finish after claying.

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20050miata_step1-med.jpg



I then applied AIO. It didn`t appear to provide much benefit.

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20050miata_step2-med.jpg



The SG seemed to offer the most pleasing results; although it was the most difficult to use. I found that if I didn`t keep the applicator moist enough, it left a haze that was very difficult to remove. But I discovered that a little moisture simply from my breath was enough to buff out the haze. The color appeared much richer and deeper after the SG.

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20050miata_step3-med.jpg



The Souveran really made it shine.

http://autopia.org/gallery/data/500/20050miata_step4-med.jpg



I was very pleased with the results, but next time I will probably use S100 instead of the Souveran to save a few bucks.

[ZaneO]

You car looks very nice :cool:



You`ll be much more impressed with the AIO when you use it with a Porter Cable and polishing pad ;)

[dcswd]

Looks very nice. I hope you enjoyed the work. What did you use on the tires?

[TW85 HHI]

S100 looks different than Souveran. Natty`s is probably a better choice if you like the look of Souveran but want something less expensive.

[beastie]

Hi,

I also have a blue Miata (a 10AE) and the Klasse twins really make it sparkle. I also top it with Souveran during the summer for an even more beautiful look. You might want to build up 3 to 5 layers of SG before you pass judgment on it. It becomes mcuh better looking with multiple layers. I was underwhelmed with just 1 SG layer. I also used to use S100 carnauba on my car and I didn`t like it. On other colors, S100 is an excellent wax. I`ve seen someone use NXT on a blue Miata. It also came out nice.

[JustinR32]

Don`t you love the way the curves in the hood and fenders make the reflections swim?





Tom

[sgtmattie]

I too have a miata (91 BRG), Thought I recognized Mosca from Miata.net. Anyway, I brought it out of winter storage and treated it to Sonus SFX I, II, and III, topped with Meguiars #16.



Very impressed with the results..........will post pictures when I figure out how to do it.



Drove it back to my mom`s, plugged in the battery charger, and covered it.



Will wait till late March or April to bring it out again.



Ciao,

Sarge

[hirosh]

wow, looks awesome! the souveran makes the hood look liquidy. :p

[sgtmattie]

Hope these pics worked



http://http://photobucket.com/albums/v224/sgtmattie/th_100_0421.jpg

http://photobucket.com/albums/v224/sgtmattie/th_100_0419.jpg

http://photobucket.com/albums/v224/sgtmattie/th_100_0417.jpg

[sgtmattie]

one more



http://http://photobucket.com/albums/v224/sgtmattie/th_100_0421.jpg

[sgtmattie]

http://http://photobucket.com/albums/v224/sgtmattie/th_100_0421.jpg

[Gonzo]

martin,

A single layer of SG over AIO give great results, but if you can find the time to apply 3-4 layers of SG, this will maximize the shine before adding your carnuba topper.



WRT SG difficulties - I take a 12"x12" microfiber towel and soak it with water, then almost wring it dry (leaving 2-4 tablespoons of water in it). Fold it in half, then into 1/3`s along the long side. Drizzle a line of SG about 1/4 inch wide along the middle of the 1/6`th surface and wipe over a body panel, 1/2 hood, 1/2 roof, etc. This gets the SG on very thinly. Immediately after application, wipe it off using a clean dry MF. Only then move on to the next section. During application, you may notice a little "stickiness" on your hands - just rinse out the MF applicator or refold it and keep going. Let it cure for a couple of days (in these temps) , just rewash the car if necessary and do the SG thing again.



Remember, with SG, if you think it is thin enough it is too thick.



Some Sonus Acrylic Spritz will help to brighten up the SG layer under it between applications (if you cannot do the 3-4 day separation and end up at 2 weeks or longer). It is completely Klase friendly. 4*UPP is also Klasse friendly, brightens up the SG and provides awesome slickness.

[imported_martin]

Thanks for the tips. Fortunately I have another car, and a garage, so I can afford to park the Miata in the garage for a few weeks while I detail. Otherwise I wouldn`t usually have the time to apply several layers of anything.



I was going to apply another layer of Souveran in a few weeks. However, a few of you have recommended applying several layers of SG. Can anybody tell me if its ok to apply the SG on top of the Souveran?



I didn`t apply AIO or SG to the wheels, but I did apply a layer of Souveran.



I also love the look of the hood and fenders. The curves and the reflections look so sexy. It reminds me of the classic Jaguar hoods and fenders.

[Gonzo]

Once you put wax over the K-twins, you are hosed - the synthetics won`t adhere to the wax. You will need to reuse the AIO and start over from the beginning. Only when you think you have enough SG layers on the car can you apply a wax topper. Sorry......



Souveran on the wheels is a waste of good product. Here`s why. Wax will melt/sublimate off once the temperature reaches 130-140 F. You CAN pull the wheels, wash them thoroughly, inside and out to remove all the brake dust. Then use the K-twins on them. This will help a lot with dust remediation and in most cases, brake dust will just wash off. Synthetics won`t come off as easily as wax as their "critical" temperature is somewhere around 300 F.