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.

[TrebMaxx]

Thanks SR. I will look into your suggestions. Will using a clay bar with window cleaner harm it for use on paint? Not that it matters that much but I thought maybe keep one for paint and one for glass.

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by TrebMaxx

Thanks SR. I will look into your suggestions. Will using a clay bar with window cleaner harm it for use on paint? Not that it matters that much but I thought maybe keep one for paint and one for glass.

I wouldn't recommend it - I thought you just meant glass - so here - do this - go to walmart and buy the Mothers Clay kit for 14.99 or so - use the instant detailer for the lube (this comes in the kit) - this will work on paint and glass - i was just trying to save you money since most households have glass cleaner - just finish with glass cleaner and microfiber. if you do end up claying w/ the super clean - which is fine for glass - protect your hands - it's pretty agressive.

[Indian Chief]

SR has some good suggestions. The follow is for the GLASS ONLY. If you want to try something that you might already have around the house, mix up some Dawn with warm water and use 0000 steel wool. Float it lightly over an inconspicuous spot. I've gotten some odd residues off my windshield that way.

[cooper barrett]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

Don’t live in a swamp

Desert dwellers don’t have these problems.

Is it paint or windshield? EDIT: those are paint.

Elbow grease is the only thing I know of.

It's not a swamp, it came from the mulch in a friend's next door neighbor's yard. It will shoot 20+ feet toward bright shiny objects such as cars, fences and siding.

[lewdog]

Tire shine product that isn’t super shiny, protects, won’t turn tires brown over time and is easy to apply?

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Tire shine product that isn’t super shiny, protects, won’t turn tires brown over time and is easy to apply?

well I like Endurance by Megs - it is purple and smells like grape. It lasts but may be too shiny for you. Go w/ Adams.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

well I like Endurance by Megs - it is purple and smells like grape. It lasts but may be too shiny for you. Go w/ Adams.

I used that. Was gel like and seemed to sling, even if car sat for 24 hours after application.

Shine was good. Just right.

[cooper barrett]

I'm not into shiny tires just black ones. If you like shiny...

[cooper barrett]

I have a new car (2 months old that has never seen rain since new) that I am prepping to paint correct.

I have been doing research on Nano-coatings (ceramic) for the paint, wheels and calipers.

Anyone have experience with this? I have learned that proper touch up of paint and coating is required for some warranties. Others tell me that the warranty is worthless but the manufacturer offers it so hey sell it

Anyone done this to their babies or better yet done it yourself?

I have one company that wants me to become a dealer and will offer me a 48 hour (with formal dinners on them) training class. I know they want to sell me a pro dealer license and refunding my expenses might make me fold. I have a new tenant who does detailing so being a dealer myself and letting him do the work, maybe a good thing.

Before making the trip paying for 5-6 nights hotel and a car I want to know if someone with my experience can do this using pro materials as a DYI without training

I owned a touch up paint business for several years air brushing paint into chips, scratches, and painting window trim, mirrors and eventually glazing noses and blending hoods, dually fenders, and fogging/ painting truck beds.



I have painted several cars including this Z which was painted right where it sits. I layed down 6 coats PPG w/ 2 part Urethane hardener from Dupont, wet sanded to 2000 and them polished. I have not done any paint polish work for 10 years

I no longer have body or detail gear but do have access to some though my tenant.

Anyone had this done, DIYed it? Can you give me some input

Including paint correction they want $2700 to 3K and one shop declined the job if I did the correction. Another said to do the correction and they would quote it then.

[hometeam]

I used cquartz on both of my Focus STs that we have for dailies, and my truck. Easy peasy. Any yahoo could do it in there garage, though, whatever company may have some specific process to be followed to be under warranty, but if you can wax a car, you can coat it.

[cooper barrett]

Which one? How many coats?

The certified coating require infra-red curing.

The pro version suggests using it.

Tell me you know a guy who knows a guy

Originally Posted by hometeam

I used cquartz on both of my Focus STs that we have for dailies, and my truck. Easy peasy. Any yahoo could do it in there garage, though, whatever company may have some specific process to be followed to be under warranty, but if you can wax a car, you can coat it.

[lewdog]

Any recommendations on ceramic sprays with high levels of SiO2?

[mcknzAlex]

Thinking of installing diamond covers for a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado.
Anyone who has purchased auto parts and accessories from 4wheelonline?

[lewdog]

Cleaned the engine compartment of my wife's car. Hadn't been done in close to 3 years. Woof, it was dusty. Not a perfect job but way better. After wiping surfaces down I dressed with Chemical Guys Silk Dressing.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Cleaned the engine compartment of my wife's car. Hadn't been done in close to 3 years. Woof, it was dusty. Not a perfect job but way better. After wiping surfaces down I dressed with Chemical Guys Silk Dressing.

If it's oil based it will attract more dust.

You learn that shit living in a desert wasteland.