HillsdaleHHR

Ahhh, but if you clay it before and get a nice new coat of wax on it then clean up should be a breeze

afs9

LOL! I'm anything but that!
I was told by UMA to only clay bar certain areas -- roof, hood, etc ... although the roof is still the challenge as i'm only 5'1". I did peripheral clay barring on the sides, however I did wax the whole car.

Good work out and worth the effort I think.

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HillsdaleHHR

If I'm going to take the time to clay bar I'm going to do the entire vehicle. 3-5 hours will generally do it and that includes wax time.

Len McRiddle

Excellent point. I am 6'2" and use a step stool to clay bar the entire roof.

afs9

Dang. If ya'll have that much trouble, you can imagine the fun I have trying to clean the roof!

I spend more time on the hood, roof and back end (that area *never* stays clean!) -- mainly for the pin stripping. Extra careful there, but those pins aint coming off anytime soon.

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doogal123

The first time I clayed my black finish it took at least 6 hrs, but I was very careful, and also it was the first time. I think once you get it clayed and very clean (and then immediately get a coat or two of sealeant and or wax on it) then the next clay session in approx 3-6 months should be better. If you clay it quarterly, it shouldn't be very bad and it should go fast. Of course, I baggie test it as I am claying to make sure I get all the gunk off, not just the big stuff. (Since I am spending the time claying, I want to do a good job and not miss anything.) After the claying is an opportune time to work to remove swirls in the finish before you get the wax on.

egadgetguy

I have never clayed a car, but I did use Mr clean bars on one once. I could not believe how clean it got. It was an '03 Caddy and it shined like it was just off the line. I also kept it wet, but the difference is, I used it on everything, even the leather, which looked like new after. here 's a pic

VinceP

Hey everyone. I have been using a clay bar for several years. I use it about every 6 months on my HHR. I am only 5'6" and also have to use a step stool for the roof. It usually takes the better part of the day for me to do mine. After I wash it I use the clay bar and then use my Mequires d/a polisher on it. After that I give it a good coat of wax. It is a little time consuming but she sure does look good after that.

I also used a clay bar on my mothers old pick-up truck that I dont beleive had ever been waxed. It made a huge difference in her paint as well. Using the clay bar makes a big difference in the next washing too. Much easier to wash.

843de

Twice a year for me, I've found that clay baring is very relaxing, almost a zen like thing. Last year I did break my wrist doing the '61, kinda forgot I was on the step stool and boom! The doc at the emergency room was very interested in what I was doing when I went thud. He e-mailed me about a week later to say he'd done his Porsche and was amazed with the shine. One new clay bar convert, and a nice hospital bill I could have done without.

jay loukakis

it is a lot of work but worth it, a car wash here in Hemet charges $48.00 for wash and clay when the weather gets better I think Ill letm them clay and then Ill wax my HHR.