First polish on the New Vibe

[Craigmri]

Just got done cleaning up the new Vibe for the first time and after a wash and wax job I am very pleased with the paint quality. I know all the history behind the easily chipping paint and suspect mine will be no different but none-the-less the finish is smooth and beautiful. The painted lowers have the plastic texture to them that I wish were less textured but still looks great painted and polished.What does everybody do for the rubber surrounding the outside of the moonroof? It looks kinda white looking after the wax.Craig'04 Monotone Neptune

[Vibe Rater]

'Back To Black'Check this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4768Good luck!

[ragingfish]

Also try silicone lubricant once a year to keep the seals healthy, black, and supple. This can be found at any auto parts store. A can of it is just a few bucks, and you spray it on a rag, and wipe down the seals with it.Thanks to Stang2Vibe for that tip!

[Craigmri]

Thanks for the great tips! I'll get to that silicone tomorrow along with several light coats of Scotchgaurd on the interior fabrics and carpets.Craig'04 Monotone Neptune

[bellwilliam]

If you are having problem getting Prep-Sol, 3M sells the same type of stuff, they call it wax, tar and adhesive remover. Wal Mart for about $4.

[Stang2Vibe]

Just to add this BTW--using the silicone on the gaskets, I am told, helps to keep the rubber seals from freezing to the glass and other surfaces in the winter. That way they won't tear. Not that you would want to open the moonroof during a snowstorm, but just in case you bump the button accidentally.

[Vibe Rater]

Your 'drawing' of the Vibe. How'd you do that?

[Kari]

Probably a Photoshop filter, or a filter in a similar program

[Craigmri]

Vibe-R,I simply drew a sketch while standing outside this morning. Took about 5 minutes.......NOT!Used Photoimpression software that converted the photo to that cool looking pic. I have seen so many cool signatures I decided I have to start working on one for myself. This forum is excellent and I say this having participated on similar forums for the last 10 years.

[Stang2Vibe]

Thank you for your complement on the quality of the website. There are many people working together to bring you all the excellent site that many have come to love. I know I consider this to be my "home" on the web, as I spend far more time on this site than any other. But in all fairness, a site like this is greatly affected by its' membership. We are a high quality site because of high quality members like you. So to everybody, I say, "keep up the great work"!

[Stang2Vibe]

Quote, originally posted by Craigmri »What does everybody do for the rubber surrounding the outside of the moonroof? It looks kinda white looking after the wax.Craig'04 Monotone NeptuneAlso, I just thought of this. You could open your moonroof about halfway (or all the way if you want) when you go to start waxing. If you retract the moonroof into the roof, the rubber gasket around the glass will be sitting about 2 inches below the roof surface and that way you can't get wax on it. This would also give you the opportunity to wipe out the "ledge" in the moonroof opening. If the Vibe is like most new cars, there are drain holes in this ledge to allow water to drain away from the opening in case water gets past the outer gasket. If these drain holes get plugged up, it could promote leakage of the moonroof. Cleaning this area out periodically will also help to prevent any rust from forming which could also lead to leakage.

[Craigmri]

Quote, originally posted by Stang2Vibe »Also, I just thought of this. You could open your moonroof about halfway (or all the way if you want) when you go to start waxing. .Stang to Vibe......Your idea is so good I feel stupid for not thinking of it myself.

[Craigmri]

Been a week since I did the 3 stage detail on the new Vibe and it was nasty dirty thanks to some rainy driving and lotsa dust. Gave her a bath and then used the "Wax as you Dry" product and it looks sweet! I am still amazed at the results the clay bar provided. The finish is silky smooth with no hint of grit. The car actually looks better now than it did when I waxed it last week since the wax left a little streaking in the dark blue paint. Despite my bad Pontiac customer hotline call today I still love this car. Toyota good....GM bad

[Stang2Vibe]

LOL. And I felt kinda stupid because I didn't think of it sooner!