So I am getting my abarth in a few weeks and wondered what would be best, a protective film on the body work or a good valet with protective products applied. Anyone have any experience with these methods on a fiat 500? My dealer does a GuardX but in the small print it mentions that you have to reapply a sealer which isn't supplied.

I can recommend Zaino Z2 Pro, it's not one of these so called wonder sealants, but it's a dam sight cheaper, a decent Zaino kit can be bought here, it lasts about 4-6months and looks stunningly glossy & wet when applied. 2oz of Z2 shoud be ample to give 3 coats to a 500.

The bottle contains 8oz, so should last you up to 2 years.

I have an increasing number of customers asking for Zaino on protection details these days due to it longevity.

Or just buy a tub of Finish Kare 1000P for £15 and have it last you a lifetime. Bargain!

but which is best, Zaino Z2 or Finsh Kare 1000P? Only one way to find out...

FIIGGGHHTTT!!!!!!

nottsfiat07 said:

but which is best, Zaino Z2 or Finsh Kare 1000P? Only one way to find out...

FIIGGGHHTTT!!!!!!

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There is no question, Zaino, but it is more expensive.

Thanks for the link to the kit mark, Im hoping to do a bit of a fettle when the weather improves, so its good to get some ideas of what to buy! Also leaving it til I get my new bumper!

Mark Elvin said:

I can recommend Zaino Z2 Pro, it's not one of these so called wonder sealants, but it's a dam sight cheaper, a decent Zaino kit can be bought here, it lasts about 4-6months and looks stunningly glossy & wet when applied. 2oz of Z2 shoud be ample to give 3 coats to a 500.

The bottle contains 8oz, so should last you up to 2 years.

I have an increasing number of customers asking for Zaino on protection details these days due to it longevity.

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Agreed. I first used Zaino back in 2005 on my very first car and have used it (off and on I must admit) over the last 4 years. It's really nice stuff. It may seem expensive, but it can hold it's own againsts products costing 10 times as much and you only use a tiny, tiny amount.

alainmengoli said:

So I am getting my abarth in a few weeks and wondered what would be best, a protective film on the body work or a good valet with protective products applied. Anyone have any experience with these methods on a fiat 500? My dealer does a GuardX but in the small print it mentions that you have to reapply a sealer which isn't supplied.

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I went for gard-x (spent my VAT reduction!) and you do get sealer to reapply once a month - only a very small amt used each time. Too soon to say re effectiveness but you probably need something extra on modern water-based paint, esp if non-metallic and parked outside

https://www.fiatforum.com/gallery/data/500/new_cinqui_012.jpg

padgman said:

I went for gard-x
https://www.fiatforum.com/gallery/data/500/new_cinqui_012.jpg

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Sorry, if you knew how much that stuff costs to buy you would feel ripped off.

nottsfiat07 said:

but which is best, Zaino Z2 or Finsh Kare 1000P? Only one way to find out...

FIIGGGHHTTT!!!!!!

Click to expand...

Zaino, without a doubt. But the average consumer isn't going to want to spend that much money on a product they probably won't get the most from. Both products protect for the same amount of time though, so the price is a big deciding factor on what to buy IMO.

As for Gard-X, what exactly is it? Just a type of sealant?

Lloyd71 said:

As for Gard-X, what exactly is it? Just a type of sealant?

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It's one of these £250ish sealant which alot of dealers try to sell to their customers. It's the same as systems like JewelUltra DiamondBrite that alot of Ford garages sell.

Stay well clear, they're a complete rip off

I got a quote from venturesheild http://www.car-shine.co.uk/information.php?info_id=18&osCsid=d34c9f5a1bedc3a823a7040a043cb5ae

of £299 fitted which would include bumper, mirros and cerca 12 " on bonnet methinks. Not bad as I beleive a poly film will protect the car better against stone chips.

I was also told about Jet Seal 109
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/sealants/chemical-guys-jet-seal-109/prod_484.html

Kinda same price as Zaino isn't it?

Ok just an update. I am having the Abarth ventureshielded at the dealership i.e. under cover and when the car is not driven, cost £299 + plus £35 travel expense. That way I am sure when I drive it home it wont get damaged. Then valeted:
- foam wash
- rinse
-2 bucket clean
-clayed
-any fault fixed
- Ziano'd
- wheels sealed
-leather and dash done.
all for £200 on my drive (very reasonable).

You may ask why have both done. WEll the venture shield is the best for stone chip protection. and the valet with seal the car and make it not only look better but protect it and future cleaning easier.

It might all seem expensive but i haven't had a new car (I have had over 30 used ) and I belieive it will make a difference.

Will try and get pics in a few weeks.

I'd have done the detail for £150!!!!!

Who's doing it for you?

the guy you recommended!!! Am I being ripped off.

alainmengoli said:

the guy you recommended!!! Am I being ripped off.

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No, that's a fair price, it's just that I'm a little cheaper.

Lol I am ok with the price but must admit I was tempted to buy all the stuff myself and DIY it. But for the first time I will let the pro do it.

alainmengoli said:

Lol I am ok with the price but must admit I was tempted to buy all the stuff myself and DIY it. But for the first time I will let the pro do it.

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Don't forget to let him know I sent you.

you could get the whole car clear ventureshield wrapped for a few grand, know some guys with Porsches that have had that done recently...

...if you like wasting your money

lol the stuff is expensive, i asked him how much to cover the whole bonnet and wings and the price doubled never mind the whole car.