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.

[cooper barrett]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Anybody ever strip the clearcoat off aluminum wheels? If so, what did you use to strip it? And what did you use to recoat it?

The wheels on my truck are looking like shit...

My company did this for certain customers and we sanded,wet sanded to 2000 grit and polished with Mother's.

I did not clear coat any wheels except for one set on a caddy and I used high solids clear over a rough sanded surface and they looked good 4 years later. I understand that Wurth makes great wheel paints.

I prefer to leave naked. This set is almost 2 years old in the pic.

I never was a fan of chemical strippers. Just depends on the wheels. These were a set on a early 260Z.



I thought I had more wheels but discarded a lot of parts pics recently.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by SuperChief

Two random questions:

1) I have two vehicles - one daily driver car and an older 4x4 pickup. Just got the car, don't plan on driving the pickup much anymore (except in the winter or when needed). What type of maintenance should I do on the pickup, i.e. how often should I start it up, etc.?

2) Any recommendations for getting a slight smoke smell out of a car (leather interior)?

Thank you x2.

You keeping it inside? If not make sure you mind the rubber. Open and close all the doors windows and hood and stuff.

Make sure the wipers are good before you run them. You’ll scratch the windshield.

I’d run it no less than once a month. Unless it is carburated. Then probably every couple weeks.

[cooper barrett]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

You keeping it inside? If not make sure you mind the rubber. Open and close all the doors windows and hood and stuff.

Make sure the wipers are good before you run them. You’ll scratch the windshield.

I’d run it no less than once a month. Unless it is carburated. Then probably every couple weeks.

Unleaded gas (ethanol) does not have a good shelf life so find a place that has ethanol free gas and add fuel additive (Sta-bil) to displace moisture and preserve fuels integrity. I think that HyVee has such fuel.

[KS Smitty]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I went over that quarter panel again tonight - only did about 3 passes last time - it's now absolutely perfect - I may bang my car after this is completed - this stuff is lots of fun!

Don't be this guy: A man was found half-naked underneath a car, and he tried to have sex with it even while officers commanded him to stop, police say.

Someone had seen a naked man under a car in Newton, Kansas, on Tuesday when they reported it to police, Lt. Scott Powell of the Newton Police Department told McClatchy.

When police arrived, Powell said, the man was naked from the waist down.

"He was attempting to stick his penis into the tailpipe of the vehicle," Powell told The Newton Kansan.

https://www.kansas.com/news/local/cr...210371749.html

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by KS Smitty

Don't be this guy: A man was found half-naked underneath a car, and he tried to have sex with it even while officers commanded him to stop, police say.

Someone had seen a naked man under a car in Newton, Kansas, on Tuesday when they reported it to police, Lt. Scott Powell of the Newton Police Department told McClatchy.

When police arrived, Powell said, the man was naked from the waist down.

"He was attempting to stick his penis into the tailpipe of the vehicle," Powell told The Newton Kansan.

https://www.kansas.com/news/local/cr...210371749.html

[Simply Red]

[hometeam]

Originally Posted by tmax63

Anybody here ever build a t-bucket? I've got the itch and I'm starting to gather pieces but if someone has done it before I'd gladly accept lessons learned so I don't have to re-invent the wheel. Going with ford products, 9" rear, C-6 transmission and a roller cam 5.0L out of a mustang. May build the frame myself but not sure. Still in the early stages.

my biological dad had one when i was a kid.. didnt see it much but iirc it was a 'nice' one but it just seemed old AF~

I guess they are lol.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I use my Husqvarna backpack blower

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by loochy

I use my. Husqvarna backpack blower

Thank you.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

Thank you.

It works well as long as you have spotless water. If you have hard water, you're still going to have to go back over it with a chamois and maybe some detailer
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[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by loochy

It works well as long as you have spotless water. If you have hard water, you're still going to have to go back over it with a chamois and maybe some detailer
Posted via Mobile Device

I have a plan until I'm able to get a blower. but yeah - true.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I have a plan until I'm able to get a blower. but yeah - true.

Immediately getting on the freeway and driving 110 gets the job done too
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[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by loochy

Immediately getting on the freeway and driving 110 gets the job done too
Posted via Mobile Device

I was going to sand away with 60 grit sand paper.

[loochy]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I was going to sand away with 60 grit sand paper.

That does a good job of removing water spots
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[cooper barrett]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I was going to sand away with 60 grit sand paper.

That works well on other peoples cars.