Janet-

If you decide you wanna go the "pro" detailing route, BE CAREFUL!  Here
in car-crazy L.A., I see victims of cruddy detail work, namely SWIRL
MARKS on brand new Porsches, Bimmers, etc.! Thanks for ruining my clear
coat for $200 on my $50,000 car dude!  Swirl marks are caused by
detailers using the wrong products with the improper equipment, thereby
"cutting" or swirling the clear coat.  The Clear Coat is the ONLY line
of defense the paint has, so proper care is key.

Swirl marks are easy to spot on a sunny day.  The paint SHOULD be like a
mirror when finished ("hey, I can see myself!"); swirl victims will look
like, well, swirls.

If you decide to do it yourself (or w/helpers), you'll spend only around
$20-40 for products, and maybe a buddy has a buffer you can borrow.  My
system:

1. Use products by Meguirs (paint cleaner, polish, wax (in that order))
2. NEVER use dish/other detergent--only CAR wash stuff
3. Never wash/polish/wax in direct sun
4. Always towel/chamois/etc. dry; don't air dry
5. Depending on climate/useage, wash twice a month, wax 4-6 times year
or so.
6.  It's a big van with a big roof--don't forget that roof!

Have fun!
--

Nothing to disclaim at this time.

Chris Dyer  Sony Development
dyer@sdc.sre.sony.com
1120 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310/937-0779 or 818/295-2377