[Rachelsdad]

I washed the Bonneville today, in preparation for tomorrow's 59th annual AACA show at Old Westbury Gardens on Long Island. Washing this car is a process. Normally, I start with the 8-lugs and tires, but today, I started by wetting the whole car, then used Wolfstein's RaggTopp cleaner on the top. I got their telescoping brush, which takes some of the back-break out of it. Next, I used their plastic rear window cleaner. From there, it was a straight, regular bucket wash with Griot's shampoo (the pink stuff...whatever it's called).

Seeing the water sheeting on the hood, I was reminded that it had been a while since I waxed, so I used Meguire's Premium Carnauba for a hand wax job (somewhere in my garage is my gallon of carnauba from decades ago, but, oh, well). I gave the chrome a once over with wax, too, for good measure.

In between the wash and the wax, though, I took the time to apply the Wolfstein's RaggTopp convertible top protectant. No telescoping help for this, but, oh, well.

I used RainX 2-in-1 cleaner and rain repellant on the windows, which did a really nice job (first time with this stuff, though I've used RainX for years).

Last for the exterior was the RaggTopp plastic rear window protectant. I was hesitant to use this this time, however, as the rear window cleaner really seemed to leave swirl marks, despite repeated rinsing. However, figuring I had nothing to lose, the protectant actually dispatched most of the marks, so no complaints.

I have a couple of minor spots to buff a bit more, and I'll get the tires dressed when I get to the show in the morning (about 20 minutes due west for me). All in all, a successful day, save for the blasted wind which kept blowing cr-p out of the stupid pine trees on the berm next to the driveway. At one point, I go so fed up, I backed the car up onto the front lawn to escape the fallout. (One of the hazards of having a white top is that when it's wet and junk falls out of trees, the stains are really nasty.)

Of course, I overdid things (physically). Aleve helps, but I have to keep reminding myself that I'm not 18 anymore, and I will pay for this tomorrow morning - just when I need to get out of bed bright and early.