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.

[Miles]

This might be one of my least favorite things to deal with because it's tedious but probably much easier to deal with on something that isn't a daily driver. Biggest tip I have is to very slowly build up the touch up pain in the chip with multiple coats rather than do it all at once. I have used a paper matchstick cut at a angle to kinda carefully dab at it.

[Miles]

Also as you'd noted a sanding block is a must and I've had good luck with the blocks that have the sandpaper integrated.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Miles

This might be one of my least favorite things to deal with because it's tedious but probably much easier to deal with on something that isn't a daily driver. Biggest tip I have is to very slowly build up the touch up pain in the chip with multiple coats rather than do it all at once. I have used a paper matchstick cut at a angle to kinda carefully dab at it.

I did the slow process, but as you can see, some are better than others. I'll give the small angle matchstick a try as the paintbrush option, even letting it simply bleed into the hole, was not consistent.

Originally Posted by Miles

Also as you'd noted a sanding block is a must and I've had good luck with the blocks that have the sandpaper integrated.

Do you have an recommendations for the type of compounds to use after the wet sanding? Do you think Ultimate Compound followed by the 205 will be enough?

[thabear04]

Has anybody tried this site before.

http://adamspolishes.com/

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Sorry if this has been asked but I don't want to go through the thread lol.

But what automatic carwash is best for your car, the touch free carwash or soft touch/friction/soft towel or whatever you call that kind? Or does it matter? Some think the touch one scratches your car right?

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by thabear04

Has anybody tried this site before.

http://adamspolishes.com/

They do have a following from a few people. They don't make a wax it seems though?

I have never tried their stuff, however. Looks fairly expensive given plenty of good options on the market for the same stuff and much better prices. Only things I might splurge on from time to time is an expensive wax. Paying that much for detail spray (easy to make your own), tire shine and wash seems pretty silly.

That h2O gloss and guard looks intriguing though.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I did the slow process, but as you can see, some are better than others. I'll give the small angle matchstick a try as the paintbrush option, even letting it simply bleed into the hole, was not consistent.



Do you have an recommendations for the type of compounds to use after the wet sanding? Do you think Ultimate Compound followed by the 205 will be enough?

I used wolfgangs swirl remover then followed up with whatever they call their jewling polish and got rid of everything.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

Sorry if this has been asked but I don't want to go through the thread lol.

But what automatic carwash is best for your car, the touch free carwash or soft touch/friction/soft towel or whatever you call that kind? Or does it matter? Some think the touch one scratches your car right?

Even the good touch ones will put micro scratches in your paint which can give it a dulled look over time or if a dark color can actually see them. If you have a neural to light color you can get away with it more.

The touchless use pressure and chemicals to remove dirt which is rough on your finish and/or doesn't really get it clean. Not positive but assume it strips off anything you did for wax or sealant to protect the paint.

[displacedinMN]

Hate it when kids at school but boxes/crap on my kids car. Then drags the box off. Leaves scratches on the trunk.

I have been able to clay bar and wax two cars in the last few weeks. Makes them sparkle.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Originally Posted by Miles

Even the good touch ones will put micro scratches in your paint which can give it a dulled look over time or if a dark color can actually see them. If you have a neural to light color you can get away with it more.

The touchless use pressure and chemicals to remove dirt which is rough on your finish and/or doesn't really get it clean. Not positive but assume it strips off anything you did for wax or sealant to protect the paint.

So which one is better? My car is silver.

[Miles]

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

So which one is better? My car is silver.

Really neither. A bucket and in driveway is best but one of the newer places that say scratch free is likely ok for silver since it hides a lot.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Chiefs Pantalones

Sorry if this has been asked but I don't want to go through the thread lol.

But what automatic carwash is best for your car, the touch free carwash or soft touch/friction/soft towel or whatever you call that kind? Or does it matter? Some think the touch one scratches your car right?

i've used the touchless car wash. But like Miles said, you have to be careful with chemicals in the wash.

The best method is the "two bucket" car wash. Google it. It varies a little but it's basically the same.

I've used the two bucket wash and the touchless wash when I'm lazy. I've seen no detoriation of the paint shine or the paint sealant in the two years I've had the car.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

i've used the touchless car wash. But like Miles said, you have to be careful with chemicals in the wash.

The best method is the "two bucket" car wash. Google it. It varies a little but it's basically the same.

I've used the two bucket wash and the touchless wash when I'm lazy. I've seen no detoriation of the paint shine or the paint sealant in the two years I've had the car.

Since my Mustang no longer sits outside or sees rain (3rd car), I use the Gary Dean wash method that you told me about and it takes me 2/3 less time and seems to be really easy on my paint.

I love doing it this way now, since all I am washing my car for now is to remove dust. So thanks a ton!

[BWillie]

So, I've called 5 car washes in the Shawnee, Olathe, Lenexa area and none of them are touchless. I was told I need to wash my new-used car in a touchless only car wash. Anyone know of a good one? I'm not washing by hand. Too lazy.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by BWillie

So, I've called 5 car washes in the Shawnee, Olathe, Lenexa area and none of them are touchless. I was told I need to wash my new-used car in a touchless only car wash. Anyone know of a good one? I'm not washing by hand. Too lazy.

There is one in Scott City