Details on Detailing

[buzzkillwill]

Spring time is here. Today was the first day in a very long time that it wasn't either raining or too cold to be outside, so I've got spring fever! And nothing says spring time like shinny, clean vehicle.

The past few vehicles I've owned, I would generally wash once or twice a week. I would use some basic car wach stuff, armor-all the inside, vaccuum, and that would be about it. Throw on a coat of wax, once a year.

But with the Titan, I want it to shine, and shine right-not too mention, protect my investment.

With that said, could some of you wax and detailing buffs give me some ideas on what products to use, and when. Now keep in mind, I get about an hour a week to do this. I have family and work committments that won't allow two hours every other day detailing the truck, wish I could though! Also, I don't want to spend large amounts of money on wax and other items. Are there some decent brands to use that don't cost and arm and leg.

So, in a few words tell me about which product for which thing/place to use it:

Car Wash;Cleaning and bug remover-
Wax; What kind, how often-
Tires; Cleaning and shine-
Interior; Cleaning Protection-

Thanks...

[jpup]

good topic.

[raskm]

http://www.autopia.org/

[Bayou Titan]

With all the sheet metal on the Titan, the first thing you need to do is buy a PC (Porter Cable).

Also buy a good clay bar and use it before you wax your Titan for the first time. This is probably the best detail item there is.

[Vegas04]

what does a clay bar do?
how do you use it?
do they come in different grades or grits or anything?
what leaves those horrifying swirl marks that look like crap?
will any kind of wax or other treatment make your clear coat look totally clear without any swirlmarks? Like wet paint again?

I have always just washed w/ a mitt and then dried with a synthetic chamois (sp?)
I learned the hard way that common bath towels are way to coarse to dry an automotive finish. luckily I learned that on a chevrolet.

[Bayou Titan]

Originally Posted by Vegas04

what does a clay bar do?
how do you use it?
do they come in different grades or grits or anything?
what leaves those horrifying swirl marks that look like crap?
will any kind of wax or other treatment make your clear coat look totally clear without any swirlmarks? Like wet paint again?

I have always just washed w/ a mitt and then dried with a synthetic chamois (sp?)
I learned the hard way that common bath towels are way to coarse to dry an automotive finish. luckily I learned that on a chevrolet.

Basically, when a car or truck is painted at the factory there are huge peaks and valleys that are left in the paint or clear coat. These peaks and valleys trap all kinds of contaminates that harm and make the finish of your car look bad. A clay bar is a very very mild abrasive that is very safe on finishes. After you wash and before you wax your car you should rub a clay bar over your car's painted surfaces while using a clay bar lubricant. All of the "peaks" will be removed along with any unseen contaminates that washing leaves behind. These contaminates will be picked up by the clay. You will occasionally fold the clay to draw the sediment deep inside so that you won't scratch your car. Clay Magic gives you a plastic test glove to use before and after you clay your car. Before you clay your car the plastic glove on your hand will drag on the surface. After you clay your car the plastic glove will slip across the surface like it has grease on it. After you clay and wax your car it will shine better than it was when it was new.

http://www.claymagic.net/

[HighDesertBum]

I've done that on my '90 Mustang, made a great difference. Even after part of its life was spent in Death Valley.

A lot of work, but the benefits are dramatic!

[BLWedge09]

You might want to check out this thread that we've had going the past few days.

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/show...&highlight=wax

[phillipyang]

I made this for you guys. I hope this helps

[buzzkillwill]

Thanks for the info...

Now that we've covered wax, is there any advice on tire care?

I bought some Armor-All tire shine stuff, but a friend tells me not to put it on. It will eventually cause the tires to turn brown?

Also, any good ideas on how to clean the inerior safely. Warm soap and water, or some certain cleaner...??

[phillipyang]

A stiff brush and detergent will do wonders

Then afterwards, armor tire shine formula will make it nice and glossy. Make sure you have it dry before driving or else it'll go all over your beautiful wax job. Don't wipe, let it sit there for a couple of hours if needed.

[BigBlackTruck]

Well for all my car care I use griots garage products,(I am in no way affiliated just a loyal user) the pruducts are all silicone free and great. As for the tire care, they make a rubber cleaner thats great, makes the tires look new with a little scrubbing. Their website is griotsgarage.com, I really recomend it and keeping away from silicone on the paint is a definate advantage. They have good packages, and their prices seem high but it is a high quality product, but they are also about 2 times the ammount found in a similar product at an auto store i.e mothers etc. I used to use mothers and meguiars but switched to this after some recomendations from friends and never looked back.

[TnTitan1]

If you want a really good shine and good protection I highly recommend a Random Orbit Buffer. A Porter Cable is a very good ROB, but a bit pricey at $140+. I use a Sears Craftsman 11" ROB. I have used several of these w/ great results. They will not burn the paint and will virtually never leave swirl marks. If you are interested I have one available for sale. It is used but it looks new and runs like new. I will part w/ it for $30. It was $109 brand new. Just PM me.

[raskm]

Porter Cable is $99 at lowes with polishing and sanding pad....YOU WILL NEVER WAX BY HAND AGAIN!

[browndude3649]

dont forget the "masking tape" on any coarse surface of the truck ie: mirror plastic, nissan bedliner, rear bumper, intake below windshield etc. the wax gets in there and it takes a dry toothbrush to get out