Delivery of '06 from dealer
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From: SoCal
Delivery of '06 from dealer
I put down a deposit on an '06 Laguna Blue Pearl this evening. She's expected to arrive late this week or sometime next. I asked the salesman to leave the car unwashed, which he thought was a little strange (if I hadn't started reading this forum I would have too 
), but said he would ask "the guys" to remove the plastic and inspect the car, but not to wash it. I assume he's talking about some type of protective plastic sheeting. Should I ask him to let me take the plastic off myself (I'm not sure this is even feasible or what this would entail). Thanks for all the information I've already gleaned from you all and thanks in advance for any input on this topic. This one's gonna be my baby and I plan to keep her looking good.
), but said he would ask "the guys" to remove the plastic and inspect the car, but not to wash it. I assume he's talking about some type of protective plastic sheeting. Should I ask him to let me take the plastic off myself (I'm not sure this is even feasible or what this would entail). Thanks for all the information I've already gleaned from you all and thanks in advance for any input on this topic. This one's gonna be my baby and I plan to keep her looking good.
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: In the ether.
Ask to be there to witness that step and to make sure it's done in a very well-lit area. This will allow you to ensure that they don't buff/polish/scratch the heck out of it.
I don't believe most dealerships will let you go without the plastic being removed and I don't think you'd want to. There could (however unlikely) be dings or paint defects under that protective sheeting (used during shipping to protect the finish, a thin white plastic film).
In addition to not washing it, you might ask that they don't remove any excess adhesive that could be stuck to the car from the sheeting. Of course, this leaves that step up to you and you may need a good adhesive remover or chemical polish to remove it... Klasse AIO works fine for small spots, but if you have larger AREAS you're best off using something like 3M adhesive remover (with the proper protection, of course - that stuff's nasty!).
I think that's the best you can hope for, as well as being there when they offload it from the truck.
Good luck and congrats.
I don't believe most dealerships will let you go without the plastic being removed and I don't think you'd want to. There could (however unlikely) be dings or paint defects under that protective sheeting (used during shipping to protect the finish, a thin white plastic film).
In addition to not washing it, you might ask that they don't remove any excess adhesive that could be stuck to the car from the sheeting. Of course, this leaves that step up to you and you may need a good adhesive remover or chemical polish to remove it... Klasse AIO works fine for small spots, but if you have larger AREAS you're best off using something like 3M adhesive remover (with the proper protection, of course - that stuff's nasty!).
I think that's the best you can hope for, as well as being there when they offload it from the truck.
Good luck and congrats.
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: manhattan beach, calif
and remember that the reason that you are asking the dealer not to do the prep is so you can...
which means washing and also putting some good protection on it-
have you decided whether to go carnuba or synthetic?
and if you can, put up some before and after pics-
i wanna see that blue car done up!
which means washing and also putting some good protection on it-
have you decided whether to go carnuba or synthetic?
and if you can, put up some before and after pics-
i wanna see that blue car done up!
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From: NA
For the most parts, dealers will not let you leave with the protective shipping plastic still on. They do this for a few reasons:
1.) Safety. The shipping plastic is not designed to be on your car at higher speeds. You don't want a big sheet of plastic coming off on the freeway as it could be dangerous to you or someone else on the road.
2.) The PDI tech needs to remove the plastic to check the condition of the paint for his PDI checklist.
3.) The plastic is attached to the car with a relatively sticky glue that needs special attention to be removed.
But believe me, I felt exactly how you did before I got my car. I didn't want someone detailing my brand new car in a way that would ruin the paint. So here's what I recommend you do. See if you can have them wait to do PDI until you arrive. Then, when you're there, you can watch them remove the plastic yourself. Once that's done, tell them not to wash your car. Many dealers will resist this as they feel that the car should be cleaned up as most customers want that, but since you'll be there, you can keep an eye on your baby and make sure that they don't wash it. Good luck and enjoy your new S2000!
Jim
PS: Post pics up as soon as you get your 06!
1.) Safety. The shipping plastic is not designed to be on your car at higher speeds. You don't want a big sheet of plastic coming off on the freeway as it could be dangerous to you or someone else on the road.
2.) The PDI tech needs to remove the plastic to check the condition of the paint for his PDI checklist.
3.) The plastic is attached to the car with a relatively sticky glue that needs special attention to be removed.
But believe me, I felt exactly how you did before I got my car. I didn't want someone detailing my brand new car in a way that would ruin the paint. So here's what I recommend you do. See if you can have them wait to do PDI until you arrive. Then, when you're there, you can watch them remove the plastic yourself. Once that's done, tell them not to wash your car. Many dealers will resist this as they feel that the car should be cleaned up as most customers want that, but since you'll be there, you can keep an eye on your baby and make sure that they don't wash it. Good luck and enjoy your new S2000!
Jim
PS: Post pics up as soon as you get your 06!
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From: columbia, sc
I think we're all anxious to see that new blue freshly detailed. Get yourself some quality supplies, ie. good wash mit, drying towel, and some good protectants. Doing a good job right from the start of preventing swirls is the best swirl-removal procedure there is.
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: manhattan beach, calif
dryfly- just a quick comment-
you probably wont really need a pc yet...
the machine is really needed for polishing (removing swirls, etc.)- you are detailing the car to avoid the need to polish.
that said, i often do use my pc to apply and remove my protectants (wax or synthtetics)- but that step really can be done well by hand (lotsa guys prefer hand app and removal).
another tip- if you want to try to app the s100 with the machine-
you have to tap the jar upside down carefully to get the wax outa the jar (dont let it hit the ground!!)- then rub it on the pad. again, this is a bit more advanced and no need to do this your first time out.
o.k.- i promise this is the final tip! as soon as you app the s100 to a small area remove it immediately. it does not want to cure like other products- it wants to be on and off immediately. i used to have my daughters help me with this- i apply and as i am finishing one area, they remove and buff- and i move on to the next area applying as they are removing from the area i just applied to... now i am stuck applying and them immediately removing one area at a time.
you probably wont really need a pc yet...
the machine is really needed for polishing (removing swirls, etc.)- you are detailing the car to avoid the need to polish.
that said, i often do use my pc to apply and remove my protectants (wax or synthtetics)- but that step really can be done well by hand (lotsa guys prefer hand app and removal).
another tip- if you want to try to app the s100 with the machine-
you have to tap the jar upside down carefully to get the wax outa the jar (dont let it hit the ground!!)- then rub it on the pad. again, this is a bit more advanced and no need to do this your first time out.
o.k.- i promise this is the final tip! as soon as you app the s100 to a small area remove it immediately. it does not want to cure like other products- it wants to be on and off immediately. i used to have my daughters help me with this- i apply and as i am finishing one area, they remove and buff- and i move on to the next area applying as they are removing from the area i just applied to... now i am stuck applying and them immediately removing one area at a time.
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From: SoCal
The tips are much appreciated, wanabe. I'll try to get some pictures up after the car arrives and I've had a chance to work on it/take pics, but I have some travel plans for shortly after the ETA so it may take a while.
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From: Wilmington, DE
This isn't Wash/Wax related, but it's VITAL (IMHO) to your safety.
If you are taking delivery of a brand new Stookie, ensure that the dealer removes ALL of the spring spacers. Spring spacers are these little plastic wedges that are inserted into your coilovers. They raise the overall height of the car, which makes it easier to get on and off the delivery trucks. They are deadly to drive with.
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44024
In fact, when I took delievery of my Stookie, I found the 5x8 placard in the passenger seat detailing the spring spacer removal procedures. After finding that, I insisted on seeing the car on a lift with the wheels off.
You might also want to specifically ask for the front license plate plugs that come with each S2k. I live in a state where you don't need a front plate, and my dealer was kind enough to say "Hey, do you want the plugs for those holes up front? They came with the car, they're yours!"
Not vital, but might I suggest you look into getting some sort of clear bra to protect your baby's front? It was a bit pricey (the front of these cars is VERY curvy), but WELL worth it, as I don't fall back when a truck is in front of me. 6 months and no dings (knock on wood).
Enjoy that new car, and welcome to the club!
If you are taking delivery of a brand new Stookie, ensure that the dealer removes ALL of the spring spacers. Spring spacers are these little plastic wedges that are inserted into your coilovers. They raise the overall height of the car, which makes it easier to get on and off the delivery trucks. They are deadly to drive with.
http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=44024
In fact, when I took delievery of my Stookie, I found the 5x8 placard in the passenger seat detailing the spring spacer removal procedures. After finding that, I insisted on seeing the car on a lift with the wheels off.
You might also want to specifically ask for the front license plate plugs that come with each S2k. I live in a state where you don't need a front plate, and my dealer was kind enough to say "Hey, do you want the plugs for those holes up front? They came with the car, they're yours!"
Not vital, but might I suggest you look into getting some sort of clear bra to protect your baby's front? It was a bit pricey (the front of these cars is VERY curvy), but WELL worth it, as I don't fall back when a truck is in front of me. 6 months and no dings (knock on wood).
Enjoy that new car, and welcome to the club!