Car Care and Detailing Thread

[lewdog]

Others mentioned I should start this thread in my other thread. And while I won't have the new car for a while, I'd like to hear some thoughts and recommendations so I can have most of it on hand before the car shows up. My other thread had a lot of great posts in it and you guys have been a big help.

While black cars looks great clean, keeping it relatively clean in Phoenix might be the death of me. But I'll sure as shit give it my best shot.

I actually like cleaning and waxing our current cars but it's not like I am being meticulous about it. I've never had a car with rims either and I know those can get dirty quick. I've never owned a dark colored car and I've never had a car with leather. I plan to take really good care of this car and would like some tips on doing so. But I'm just a ****ing n00b.

I'll throw some links out from Amazon as I mention things.


Some of the things already on my list are:
1. Not sure if everyone recommends wool wash mitt over micorfiber here but many people I know do?
http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Genuin...wool+wash+mitt

2. Grit guard and two wash buckets. One for rinse and one for soap/water.

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Genuin...wool+wash+mitt

3. Waffle Weave Drying towel. There are tons of towels out there but this seems to be able to take up a lot of water.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q8DMA0/...I21164SXVV1AWB

4. Car Wash

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IQXFO/...b_recs_2_title


Some mention that after washing you should use a paint cleanser before waxing. But wondering if washing then clay baring is sufficient prior to wax?

I've seen this P21S Paintwork Cleanser mentioned on a few reads. Looks like good use for water spots and swirls prior to waxing if needed. Not sure if you would do entire car first or just use it for bad spots before waxing?

http://www.amazon.com/P21S-12350B-Pa...twork+Cleanser


Also, a company called Zaino has great reviews and recommendations. They have a package that looks like it includes all products I'd need together including wash, polish, wax, leather and tire care.

http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/mercha...y_Code=prokits



I do not have a polisher and would need to get one of those as well but not sure where to start on that front.



Can't wait to see what you guys have tried and recommend.

[SAGA45]

How do you guys feel about Quick detailer sprays? I use Meguiars during the week if I get a light layer of dust then water wash on the weekend.

[MIAdragon]

Originally Posted by SAGA45

How do you guys feel about Quick detailer sprays? I use Meguiars during the week if I get a light layer of dust then water wash on the weekend.

I'd go with an "no rince" like optimum no rince before a QD.

[Warpaint69]

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

I'd go with an "no rince" like optimum no rince before a QD.

I 2nd on this.

https://www.amazon.com/Optimum-NR201...o%2Brinse&th=1

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

The only time a cover should touch your car is right after its been thoroughly cleaned and in your garage. You wouldn't rub a dry towel across your dusty paint all day long, that is all a cover does. I wouldn't do it.

This especially when yup worry about micro scratches on black paint.

Just don't ****ing do it

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

I'd go with an "no rince" like optimum no rince before a QD.

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

This especially when yup worry about micro scratches on black paint.

Just don't ****ing do it

You're all right. I will not ****ing do it. Car can stay a bit more dirty instead of doing more damage taking a cover on and off.

Originally Posted by SAGA45

How do you guys feel about Quick detailer sprays? I use Meguiars during the week if I get a light layer of dust then water wash on the weekend.

I use two cap fulls of Optimum No Rinse wash in a 16oz spray bottle as a quick detailer. Mist the car heavily one section at a time, let it sit for 30 seconds, wipe off in one solid stroke from top to bottom. Flip towel over and do the next section on a clean side of the towel. Use a soft microfiber and with flipping you should have 8 clean sides to work with per towel. Change towel often and don't try to use one to get the entire car done. I'll use about 4-6 medium sized ones to do my entire car

[lewdog]

What's the best way to removed dried wax from plastic trim?

I realize getting it off before it dries would be smart but sometimes I don't see it and days later I have a white line of dried wax in my black car trim. And it doesn't seem to want to come off with normal car cleaning products.

****!

[SAUTO]

Best way to get it off is not get it on in the first place

[DJJasonp]

THis is a great thread guys....much appreciated.

Quick question....I've got a black '15 mustang that I bought used. I've bought and used some pretty good products and have done all I can with it, but I think it was taken to automatic cleaners, and therefore, you can see scratches in the paint when the sun is shining on it (and you're as picky/eagle-eyed as I am).

Looking into Paint correction services.....any idea how much that might run me (and if anyone has had it done, we're they happy with the results?).

Thanks!

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by DJJasonp

THis is a great thread guys....much appreciated.

Quick question....I've got a black '15 mustang that I bought used. I've bought and used some pretty good products and have done all I can with it, but I think it was taken to automatic cleaners, and therefore, you can see scratches in the paint when the sun is shining on it (and you're as picky/eagle-eyed as I am).

Looking into Paint correction services.....any idea how much that might run me (and if anyone has had it done, we're they happy with the results?).

Thanks!

If you're as anal about it as i am just give up and look the other way when you are walking towards it.

Otherwise you are gonna drive yourself crazy no matter how much you spend on it.

[DJJasonp]

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

If you're as anal about it as i am just give up and look the other way when you are walking towards it.

Otherwise you are gonna drive yourself crazy no matter how much you spend on it.

Good point. Every time it's time for a new ride, I always say 'never doing black' again.....welp, I'm on my 3rd black ride in a row now....

Guess I'll never learn!

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by DJJasonp

Good point. Every time it's time for a new ride, I always say 'never doing black' again.....welp, I'm on my 3rd black ride in a row now....

Guess I'll never learn!

Everything I own for myself is black, I'm a glutton for punishment.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by DJJasonp

THis is a great thread guys....much appreciated.

Quick question....I've got a black '15 mustang that I bought used. I've bought and used some pretty good products and have done all I can with it, but I think it was taken to automatic cleaners, and therefore, you can see scratches in the paint when the sun is shining on it (and you're as picky/eagle-eyed as I am).

Looking into Paint correction services.....any idea how much that might run me (and if anyone has had it done, we're they happy with the results?).

Thanks!

You should be able to get it pretty close to perfect with paint correction using a machine polisher. Unless you remove those microscratches from previously autowash it will keep you from getting a deep shine regardless of what else you do.

However, anything that touches the surface has a chance to put micro-scratches on the paint regardless of how careful you are which is even worse if you have jet back (metallic black is slightly less awful). From what you are describing, if you do fix it and be careful it might never get as bad as it is now and probably look great for a while. Though if you want to always keep it perfect is the path to madness.

If you enjoy working on this type of stuff its actually pretty easy to learn (lots of great youtube vids) and machine polisher and everything else you need is maybe $125-200 total vs. paying someone else to do it which I think is significantly more. I have a black car and polish everything out maybe every 18 months or so and just know I have to look past microscratches slowly turning up.

[Indian Chief]

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Best way to get it off is not get it on in the first place

He's right.

But if you've already failed, you can try two things that have worked for me in the past. I've used a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with decent success, and I've also sprayed a small amount of WD-40 and used a brush to scrub it off. WD-40 is safe to use (I use it when debadging), just make sure you clean it off with soap and water after. After you get the wax off, follow up with some 303 on the plastic.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Best way to get it off is not get it on in the first place

Tell me something I don't know, jackass!


**** you for all your help!!!!

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by DJJasonp

THis is a great thread guys....much appreciated.

Quick question....I've got a black '15 mustang that I bought used. I've bought and used some pretty good products and have done all I can with it, but I think it was taken to automatic cleaners, and therefore, you can see scratches in the paint when the sun is shining on it (and you're as picky/eagle-eyed as I am).

Looking into Paint correction services.....any idea how much that might run me (and if anyone has had it done, we're they happy with the results?).

Thanks!

Black '05 Stang here. **** the color black.

Got quoted $1,800 for paint correction and seal, just for your information.

I honestly might just get mine repainted a different color someday.