Home and Auto Car Care and Detailing Thread - Page 33

**lewdog** · 03-07-2015, 10:44 PM

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.

Simply Red · 07-17-2016, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles

How are you liking the downsizing to the M3? I am coming up on 3 years for my 2012 and haven't at all gotten the itch for something else.

Nice, I haven't driven her a whole lot - trying to put all the miles on the 135 because probably going to sell the one soon.

jspchief · 07-17-2016, 12:26 PM

I have a few questions. I'm not as anal as some of you guys, nor is my vehicle worth the effort, but thought you guys could help.

1. Bugs. I drive a lot at dawn and dusk and rural iowa highways in the summertime means I get slaughtered with bugs. I'd like to get the front end and mirrors cleaned up well and then find a way to make cleaning it up every weekend a lot easier. Would a heavy coat of paste wax help? Can I use it on the plastic "chrome"? Any tips for managing the bug issue are appreciated.

2. Black weathertech floor mats. How do you clean them and keep them looking new/black.

El Jefe · 07-17-2016, 08:12 PM

Anyone have any recommendations for a good da/buffer? I was looking at the Flex,chemical guys Torqx, porter cable and Rupes, the Rupes is way out of my price range though. My wife's 09 highlander has more spiderwebs in the paint than Carter has liver pills. My budget is 200-300 bucks, paint correction is my main desire.

**lewdog** · 07-17-2016, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

I have a few questions. I'm not as anal as some of you guys, nor is my vehicle worth the effort, but thought you guys could help.

1. Bugs. I drive a lot at dawn and dusk and rural iowa highways in the summertime means I get slaughtered with bugs. I'd like to get the front end and mirrors cleaned up well and then find a way to make cleaning it up every weekend a lot easier. Would a heavy coat of paste wax help? Can I use it on the plastic "chrome"? Any tips for managing the bug issue are appreciated.

2. Black weathertech floor mats. How do you clean them and keep them looking new/black.

1. Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover works great for me. I spray it across the entire front bumper, let it sit for 30 seconds, then wipe off with a soft microfiber. The key to not harming your paint with these is to then follow up with a quick detailer spray on the entire area and wipe off afterwards so the chemicals of the bug remover don't sit on your paint. If it's a massive amount of bugs, you can also try WD40. After my Mustang was delivered here, I needed to do that as the entire front end was just covered. The key again is to not let the WD40 sit on your paint. Always give your car a full wash or a detail spray and wipe afterwards with these products to be safe.

I bought a bug removing bar but with the Turtle Wax product, everything pretty much just glides right off. Key is to not let is sit an entire week before your clear that area. Having Wax on the car helps remove bugs more easily, yes.

Do not wax anything plastic. If you're talking about the "chrome" look to a car's grill though, that's likely painted plastic or chrome plated and can definitely be waxed and treated just like your car's paint.

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-T-...nd+tar+remover

2. Black plastic floor mats are the worst. My wife's car has them. Outside of hosing them off every few weeks, they are a real bitch as they always look dirty or dusty.

Get some new floor mats and next time choose brown.

displacedinMN · 07-17-2016, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

I have a few questions. I'm not as anal as some of you guys, nor is my vehicle worth the effort, but thought you guys could help.

1. Bugs. I drive a lot at dawn and dusk and rural iowa highways in the summertime means I get slaughtered with bugs. I'd like to get the front end and mirrors cleaned up well and then find a way to make cleaning it up every weekend a lot easier. Would a heavy coat of paste wax help? Can I use it on the plastic "chrome"? Any tips for managing the bug issue are appreciated.

Turtle wax bug and tar is good. Unfortunately it only works after bug suicide.

Quote:

2. Black weathertech floor mats. How do you clean them and keep them looking new/black.

I wonder that too. I think Armor All would be too slick. I have seen a commercial for a 'refresher wipe' That may work. Can't remember the real name of it.

**BigRedChief** · 07-18-2016, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

I have a few questions. I'm not as anal as some of you guys, nor is my vehicle worth the effort, but thought you guys could help.

1. Bugs. I drive a lot at dawn and dusk and rural iowa highways in the summertime means I get slaughtered with bugs. I'd like to get the front end and mirrors cleaned up well and then find a way to make cleaning it up every weekend a lot easier. Would a heavy coat of paste wax help? Can I use it on the plastic "chrome"? Any tips for managing the bug issue are appreciated.

2. Black weathertech floor mats. How do you clean them and keep them looking new/black.

I use Garry Dean's "Detail Juice" line of products to get road grime, bugs etc off my car.

Warpaint69 · 07-18-2016, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Jefe

Anyone have any recommendations for a good da/buffer? I was looking at the Flex,chemical guys Torqx, porter cable and Rupes, the Rupes is way out of my price range though. My wife's 09 highlander has more spiderwebs in the paint than Carter has liver pills. My budget is 200-300 bucks, paint correction is my main desire.

I just bought the Griots Garage Boss Long Throw G15 (15 mm throw and comes with a 5 inch backing plate) Dual Action and love it. They also make a 21 mm throw version (comes with a 6 inch backing plate). I paint corrected my 2014 Silverado LTZ White Diamond Tricoat this weekend with it. I'd been using Menzerna FG400 hated the dusting, but I tried the Griots Boss Fast Correcting cream, no dusting, long work time, and wiped off like a dream also only $20. The Griots Fast correcting cut and finished down perfect in one step polishing with a buff and shine microfiber cutting pad.

I don't know what the Highlander paint is like in regards to hardness, so you might have to buy some different types of pads and do some test spots to see whats going to work best for you.

After previously paint correcting with a regular dual action polisher, I honestly wouldn't waste your time with anything, but a long throw. The paint correcting time is cut down drastically with a long throw. I went with the Griots long throw because of their warranty and they have one of the most powerful motors in the polisher on the market compared to the competitors. But, being your on a budget the Porter Cable 7424XP is a great DA for the price, it will get the job done.

If you have any questions about pads, polishers, or compounds/polishes I'll be glad to help.

Warpaint69 · 07-18-2016, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

I have a few questions. I'm not as anal as some of you guys, nor is my vehicle worth the effort, but thought you guys could help.

1. Bugs. I drive a lot at dawn and dusk and rural iowa highways in the summertime means I get slaughtered with bugs. I'd like to get the front end and mirrors cleaned up well and then find a way to make cleaning it up every weekend a lot easier. Would a heavy coat of paste wax help? Can I use it on the plastic "chrome"? Any tips for managing the bug issue are appreciated.

2. Black weathertech floor mats. How do you clean them and keep them looking new/black.

For bugs I use Poor Boys bug squash

https://www.amazon.com/47ml-16oz-Bug...oys+bug+squash

I take my bottle with me to the car wash, treat the bug areas, let it dwell awhile, and then pressure wash the bugs right off. For the stubborn ones I use a Lake Country bug sponge. I just pre soak the sponge per directions, put it in a zip block bag, and then use it at the car wash if needed.

http://www.autogeek.net/best-bug-sponge.html

**Indian Chief** · 07-18-2016, 06:44 AM

Bugs - above suggestions are good. I use Stoner's Tarminator.

DA - I've had a Porter Cable 7242 for years and it has never let me down. If you look around, online retailers often have great package deals with different pads.

Floor mats - Try using Aerospace 303. It doesn't get super slick like other chemicals. A few times per year I pull the mats out, get a stiff bristled brush, and clean them with the hose and shampoo after I get done with the car itself. Let them dry. Apply the 303 and then wipe off excess after a few minutes. After that I occasionally pull them out to hose them off and reapply the 303. If you stay on top of it, you don't have to go crazy cleaning them all of the time.

Frosty · 07-18-2016, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

I have a few questions. I'm not as anal as some of you guys, nor is my vehicle worth the effort, but thought you guys could help.

1. Bugs. I drive a lot at dawn and dusk and rural iowa highways in the summertime means I get slaughtered with bugs. I'd like to get the front end and mirrors cleaned up well and then find a way to make cleaning it up every weekend a lot easier. Would a heavy coat of paste wax help? Can I use it on the plastic "chrome"? Any tips for managing the bug issue are appreciated.

For an over the counter product, I really like Bugs-B-Gone. I don't think there is any way to prevent the bugs from building up in the first place, but this works nicely to remove them, even the old, dried on bugs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jspchief

2. Black weathertech floor mats. How do you clean them and keep them looking new/black.

Here's what I do and they end up coming out amazing.

Take the mats out and shake out the gunk. Use a little car wash and a soft brush to wash the worst out. Dry the mats and then spray them down with Eagle A2Z. It's a tire cleaner but it works well with any dark rubber or plastic.

Let it soak a bit and then hose the mats off. They will be a nice deep black. The A2Z doesn't leave a residue like some tire cleaners so there is no problem tracking anything on your shoes.

We have all-weather mats in all of our vehicles and I use the A2Z on them and it hasn't caused any problems. They also stay looking nice longer. You can get A2Z at Walmart or pretty much any auto parts store.

Warpaint69 · 07-18-2016, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frosty

For an over the counter product, I really like Bugs-B-Gone. I don't think there is any way to prevent the bugs from building up in the first place, but this works nicely to remove them, even the old, dried on bugs.

Here's what I do and they end up coming out amazing.

Take the mats out and shake out the gunk. Use a little car wash and a soft brush to wash the worst out. Dry the mats and then spray them down with Eagle A2Z. It's a tire cleaner but it works well with any dark rubber or plastic.

Let it soak a bit and then hose the mats off. They will be a nice deep black. The A2Z doesn't leave a residue like some tire cleaners so there is no problem tracking anything on your shoes.

We have all-weather mats in all of our vehicles and I use the A2Z on them and it hasn't caused any problems. They also stay looking nice longer. You can get A2Z at Walmart or pretty much any auto parts store.

This is the best I've found for tires and trim
http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-tire-trim-guard.html

HonestChieffan · 07-19-2016, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewdog

1. Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover works great for me. I spray it across the entire front bumper, let it sit for 30 seconds, then wipe off with a soft microfiber. The key to not harming your paint with these is to then follow up with a quick detailer spray on the entire area and wipe off afterwards so the chemicals of the bug remover don't sit on your paint. If it's a massive amount of bugs, you can also try WD40. After my Mustang was delivered here, I needed to do that as the entire front end was just covered. The key again is to not let the WD40 sit on your paint. Always give your car a full wash or a detail spray and wipe afterwards with these products to be safe.

I bought a bug removing bar but with the Turtle Wax product, everything pretty much just glides right off. Key is to not let is sit an entire week before your clear that area. Having Wax on the car helps remove bugs more easily, yes.

Do not wax anything plastic. If you're talking about the "chrome" look to a car's grill though, that's likely painted plastic or chrome plated and can definitely be waxed and treated just like your car's paint.

https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-T-...nd+tar+remover

2. Black plastic floor mats are the worst. My wife's car has them. Outside of hosing them off every few weeks, they are a real bitch as they always look dirty or dusty.

Get some new floor mats and next time choose brown.

I have dark brown in my new pickup and its terrible to keep looking good but WT mats are amazing

displacedinMN · 07-23-2016, 08:59 AM

Just saw on DIY Rejuvinate products.

http://www.rejuvenateproducts.com

Could be a good one for plastic and weathertec mats

**SAUTO** · 07-23-2016, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HonestChieffan

I have dark brown in my new pickup and its terrible to keep looking good but WT mats are amazing

I think that saddle interior like you have holds up the best out of anything.

I've seen trucks with over 250k on them and that shit looks brand new.

Miles · 07-23-2016, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indian Chief

Bugs - above suggestions are good. I use Stoner's Tarminator.

DA - I've had a Porter Cable 7242 for years and it has never let me down. If you look around, online retailers often have great package deals with different pads.

Floor mats - Try using Aerospace 303. It doesn't get super slick like other chemicals. A few times per year I pull the mats out, get a stiff bristled brush, and clean them with the hose and shampoo after I get done with the car itself. Let them dry. Apply the 303 and then wipe off excess after a few minutes. After that I occasionally pull them out to hose them off and reapply the 303. If you stay on top of it, you don't have to go crazy cleaning them all of the time.

For the DA can't go wrong with the Porter Cable or Griots Garage. Autogeek and Autopia have sales where you can get a great package deal like you said.

Aerospace 303 would be by suggestion as well. That stuff is great.

03-07-2015, 10:44 PM
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $431900	Car Care and Detailing Thread 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.
Posts: 46,066

07-17-2016, 12:26 PM	#482
jspchief BAMF Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Your Face Casino cash: $9998710	I have a few questions. I'm not as anal as some of you guys, nor is my vehicle worth the effort, but thought you guys could help. 1. Bugs. I drive a lot at dawn and dusk and rural iowa highways in the summertime means I get slaughtered with bugs. I'd like to get the front end and mirrors cleaned up well and then find a way to make cleaning it up every weekend a lot easier. Would a heavy coat of paste wax help? Can I use it on the plastic "chrome"? Any tips for managing the bug issue are appreciated. 2. Black weathertech floor mats. How do you clean them and keep them looking new/black. __________________ Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.
Posts: 27,207

07-17-2016, 08:12 PM	#483
El Jefe Don't tread on me. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Where the peaches grow Casino cash: $9030572	Anyone have any recommendations for a good da/buffer? I was looking at the Flex,chemical guys Torqx, porter cable and Rupes, the Rupes is way out of my price range though. My wife's 09 highlander has more spiderwebs in the paint than Carter has liver pills. My budget is 200-300 bucks, paint correction is my main desire.
Posts: 8,540

07-18-2016, 06:44 AM	#489
Indian Chief Supporter Join Date: Jan 2014 Casino cash: $739236	Bugs - above suggestions are good. I use Stoner's Tarminator. DA - I've had a Porter Cable 7242 for years and it has never let me down. If you look around, online retailers often have great package deals with different pads. Floor mats - Try using Aerospace 303. It doesn't get super slick like other chemicals. A few times per year I pull the mats out, get a stiff bristled brush, and clean them with the hose and shampoo after I get done with the car itself. Let them dry. Apply the 303 and then wipe off excess after a few minutes. After that I occasionally pull them out to hose them off and reapply the 303. If you stay on top of it, you don't have to go crazy cleaning them all of the time.
Posts: 1,907

07-23-2016, 08:59 AM	#493
displacedinMN It was not a fair catch Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Correcting papers Casino cash: $1442630	Just saw on DIY Rejuvinate products. http://www.rejuvenateproducts.com Could be a good one for plastic and weathertec mats __________________ #investigatecarlcheffers
Posts: 37,868