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.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

They are still high, you need to look into the type/brand of tint. The solar rejection and color retention. I can tell you at that price level they quoted you a bottom shelf tint with minimal solar rejection that will turn purple in a year. Get a decent tint, do it once.

IIRC I had a windshield done with a decent ceramic tint last year and paid around 200.

Wait, they are quoting me too high or too low? $150 was for whole car. Are you saying that's bottom shelf tint?

I know they use 3M tint and Llumar but not sure which kind. I think it's the Color Stable by 3M. I'll ask tomorrow.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I love that blue on the BMW. Nice ride!

This is the new blue on the Scat Pack Shaker. Not even close to the quality of your blue.

[Buehler445]

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

need more specifics and pics.

2010 GMC Sierra 1500.
Tan leather interior.
No grease or anything. Just dust and Dog dander. Chief dog goes to work with me every day.

If you have to have it, I can get a picture tomorrow.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Indian Chief

Don't bother. Wax is unable to withstand the heat from the brakes and the corrosive brake dust. The first drive you take after waxing the wheels will take the wax right off. You need something like a polymer polish, such as Nu Finish. It is better able to withstand the harsh conditions near the wheels, and polymer polish has the advantage of removing some of the oxidation and contaminants from wheels or paint. I personally put a coat of polish on my paint before putting a carnuba wax on top. The polish helps me clean up the paint and gives a layer of protection. The wax gives me depth/shine.

I don't use a carnuba wax on my wheels. I use this.

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Wheel_Gu..._p/wac_303.htm

[Indian Chief]

Haven't used it myself, but it looks good. According to their description it is polymer based.

[frankotank]

Originally Posted by lewdog

I'm going through all the shit my FIL brought down for the car and found this below. So that's what this is, a duster? You really wanna drag that across a dusty paint surface?

Originally Posted by KC native

Buy a new one. The one you have is toast.

When they're new, they have a slight charge that attracts dust and keeps it from being dragged across the paint. Once they get full, you have to change them out.

yeah KC is right. I'm on my second one.
I only use it if the car is clean but dusty. I waxed it last week. on dark blue paint you see the dust. that dang thing takes it right off and I kid you not it looks once again like it did when I had just finished waxing it.
if it's more than just dusty....got actual dirt behind the wheels and what not....don't use it.

[Warpaint69]

Originally Posted by Buehler445

OK, this is as good of a place as any.

I bought a pickup this winter that has a leather interior for the first time. Of course in my profession it is dirty. Any care tips for leather interior?

Being a daily driver Kansas work truck, I would suggest purchasing a horse hair brush to help loosen dirt on the leather surface. This kit here from Adams will get the job done.

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/interi...ather-kit.html

Adam's is a little more pricey, I've used Chemical Guys cleaner and conditioner and haven't be disappointed. And its more reasonably priced.

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Leather_...spi_109_16.htm

I honestly purchase the leather cleaner by the gallon, I use considerably more cleaner than conditioner. I know the Chemical Guys conditioner contains UV protection.

If your leather seats are a tan or grey over time you will notice the transfer of blue jean dye to the leather surface. I've had to use the following product to totally get it out before.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Leath...er_p_1079.html

[lewdog]

Called back and they do ceramic llumar for $300 on that car. Reviews on that brand seem good.

[MIAdragon]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Called back and they do ceramic llumar for $300 on that car. Reviews on that brand seem good.

The CTX is quality tint, great choice. I'd also recommend having the windshield done in clear ceramic well worth it IMO.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

The CTX is quality tint, great choice. I'd also recommend having the windshield done in clear ceramic well worth it IMO.

Good news. Thanks. What's the point of clear tint, just heat reduction?

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by MIAdragon

The CTX is quality tint, great choice. I'd also recommend having the windshield done in clear ceramic well worth it IMO.

Who's the good retailer you know in my area?

[BigRedChief]

What about the clear bra/film that some are putting on their cars? Anyone ever do that?

[MIAdragon]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Who's the good retailer you know in my area?

Damit, I keep forgetting to pm you that detailer

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

What about the clear bra/film that some are putting on their cars? Anyone ever do that?

I mentioned it a few posts up. Seems like mixed reviews. Many note oxidation. Others wax buildup around edges that takes extra time to remove. Still shows most rock dings. I'm saving that money and not doing it. I'd repaint it for that money if it ever got bad enough which would take years anyway.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

Thanks for the suggestions... I'll probably try some wheel wax first, and maybe consider covers over the winter when I'll be lazier about cleaning them.




Heh, I'd say I don't have time for that shit, but I guess it would only take a few minutes... guess I've never had wheels nice enough to care, but the difference in dust was a bit of an eye opener.

Hey Bearcat, you garaging that thing or using a car port?