Guys help. I've got a new GT scheduled to arrive 5/8 (according to dealer). Build date was 4/13. When can I wax and polish? Right away or wait for a few months?

 

New car has baked paint. You can do it right away.
More importantly, what are you using for polish?

 

picked Meguires DC polish and then follow up with NXT paste. OK for new paint? also got the clay kit just in case.

 

I was told to wait 6 weeks by my dealer.

I'm sure there will be many opinions.

 

Dealer (owner of dealership) or salesman?

 

They don't ship it the day they make it, the paint's already 2 weeks old by the time it gets to the dealer(and already subjected to harsh elements when shipping. You can do it right away. The NXT stuff is the best bang for the buck IMO. I would get some protection on the paint asap.

 

As mentioned above, lots of opinions. Here's mine:

Personally, I would (and did) skip the polish for the first coat of wax or two.

However I would absolutely clay after the first wash.

Don't put too much wax on - two thin coats will give you better, more even coverage.

 

Any reason to skip polish? Just not needed?

 

Your paint (clear coat, actually) will probably NEVER be in better shape and, after a good wash and clay, I don't think you'd see any difference with polish.

The theory of paint care is pretty simple: get the clear coat as clear as possible, then protect it. Wash, clay, paint cleaner and polish (and scratch removal if necessary) do the first part. Wax does the second.

Here's a good spot to spend some time. http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/index.php

Keep in mind, while the basics are pretty standard, everyone has their own opinion and technique. And some of it is pure superstition (because something we do just because it's fun to do ). It sounds like you're going to take care of your car. If you wash it regularly, and keep it waxed, the paint will look good for many, many years doing little else.

BTW, if you ordered polished aluminum wheels, you'll want to treat those as painted surfaces as well - wash and wax. (I use a separate can of wax and wipes for my wheels.)

Keep in mind, all of this is just my two cents - you WILL get other opinions.


Hey, have you thought about how you're going to detail the interior? (Just kidding )

 

Thanks for the tip Paul. It's been 15 years since I bought a new car and I can't even remember now what I did after the first wash. Expecting Redfire/parch GT in exactly 13 days.

 

Davam1, there is some excellent comments here and I'd follow every one, I have done these as stated above. I don't know about the clay right away but like it was said everything you do is right if directions are followed.
I'd like to steer you to a product I just bought, I detailed cars for 3 years at an exotic car dealership and have been doing my own cars for 20 years. I never used a product like ZAINO wax, $14 for the bottle and you can only buy it on the internet. If you think I'm talking crazy just do a search on GOOGLE about Zaino or better yet do a search here for Zaino and look at how many hits you get.

The stuff is incredible. Fast, easy on and off, very protective and it makes your car look incredible.
Here is the site: http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

P.s. congrat on the new stang you'll love it.

 

I KNOW how hard the wait is! You're gonna have a beauty, just in time for that lovely New England Springtime!

Congrats!