[JoshInTitan]

Well, I have noticed more people asking/posting about detailing/waxing their trucks now that we're approaching Spring and reasonable weather.

Since I do mobile detailing, I decided I would chime in with a few pointers for the folks who are not married to a particular product (I was attached to Zymol for the longest time... and still like it!)

Anyhow...

Start off with a good wash. Make sure to get the truck 110% clean... everyone knows how to do this.

Then, swing by your local Auto Parts store and grab a Clay Bar kit. I've used both the "Mothers" and the "Meguiars" brand. The only difference to me is the Meguiars comes with a case to store the clay bar between uses.

Follow this link for detailed clay bar instructions (enjoy the pics too!):

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-clay.html

Now, I personally stay away from the wax that comes with the clay bar kit... but before you toss it out... hold on to it, I have another use for it later!

So... arms worn out yet? NOW comes the hard and tedious part! You need to put some wax back on your truck. I have experimented with a large variety of products. I've had vendors send me samples, as well as purchased products to test on the willing clients vehicles. However, my favorite pick thus far would be courtesy of our Moderator Slurppie, who tested this out on his Titan last year.

http://www.topoftheline.com/menzerna-polish-car-care-kit.html

You may find this a bit pricey, but it's worth every penny. As a bonus... it appears to currently be on sale!

In this kit you have three wax/polish components. What you use depends on your trucks age/wear.

First, if you have an older truck (like my 2005), you may have a few swirl marks on the paint. If this is the case, apply the "Final Polish II," just as if you were waxing the truck.

Then, the next step (or the first if you have a newer truck) would be to apply the "Finishing Touch Glaze." This will help shine the truck up before the final coat(s) of wax.

Finally, finish up with "FMJ," which is their pretend-wax that protects the paint and polish on the vehicle. Note that this can be used by itself if you have a very new truck and just want to protect the factory shine.

Anyway, this kit comes with much more detailed instructions, including how to apply the wax/polish for those using microfiber pads, as well as those using a machine to polish. And as far as the electric polisher goes, I personally use a Cyclo, but I have seen fantastic results from the Porter Cable as well. Top of the Line carries both products.

One last thing... remember that wax that came with your clay bar kit? I have found that it works wonders on the Titan's chrome (and chrome wannabe front bumper). Put a little on an applicator pad and wax on to the front bumper, rear bumper, mirrors, door handles (yes, I am a freak, I wax my chrome door handles!). Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe it off. Enjoy the shine.

That's it!!! Preparing for Spring/Summer in a nutshell. One more tip I can offer is, be prepared. Make sure you have plenty of clean microfiber towels (and I mean plenty!) at your disposal. You'll want to use fresh rags as often as you can. Take your time, be careful, and read up on the products before you use them. You won't be dissapointed!


I have attached a few pics of my truck after a days work as well as Slurppie's Titan after using the Final Polish II. Visit his thread for more details: http://www.clubtitan.org/forums/showthread.php?t=16573

Now hopefully he'll chime in since I put him on the spot!!!

 

[cool65hntr]

Great Write up! Thanks for the tips

 

[RedTitanLE]

Thanks, I need this. Truckie was under harsh light the other day, and I screamed like a little biatch when I saw all the swirl marks and fine scratches in her paint

 

[ryant831]

Good write up! Thanks for helping out.

 

[jager2704]

Thanks for the tips, I know my baby needs some TLC. Wax on, wax off...better get some advil in me before I start. LOL

 

[mikepro]

Great Info Josh!

 

[Lurchdubious]

great info! i'm gonna have to try the clay bar real soon.

 

[baggettp]

Thanks for the info. Sure is a good lookin truck you have there..

 

[RedViper98]

Awesome tips...I'm gonna have to get a machine pretty soon. I put three coats on her before the winter and my arm just about fell off. I'm looking forward to some clay bar action too.

 

[Blue_Water_Rush]

Thanks Josh. I will have to try some of those tips. I currently need a buffing to get out all these spider webs (except the grill LOL). A buddy of mine works at an auto body, and is their detailing specialist, so I'm gonna let him have a crack at it (no pun intended). They use 3M products. I think I need a fine cut or slightly coarser.

Currently, I use microfiber towels and applicators and some of my favorite products include:

Exterior- Mcguiars soft gel wash, Turtle wax chrome polish, Mcguiars spray quik detailer, Mothers cleaner wax with brazilian carnuba, Zaino bros. show car polish, Stoners glass cleaner, Mcguiars NXT protectant, Black Magic tire shine, Bleche White tire cleaner. (soon to come Mcguiars NXT tech wax)

Interior- Mcguiars NXT protectant, Mcguiars leather wipes, Stoners Glass cleaner, Armor All cleaning wipes, compressed air, Craftsman shop vac.

I have never used a clay bar. Isn't that more geared toward faded and old finishes?

BTW... your trucks look great (ask Rider LOL)

 

[LAfirefytr]

I have never used a clay bar. Isn't that more geared toward faded and old finishes?

No, the clay bar can even be used on a new vehicle straight off the lot. It gets out contaminants that are imbedded in the pores of your paint. To get an idea of how well it works, wash your vehicle and while it is still wet, do the clay step, you will be amazed at what you will get out of your paint. The clay will also take off any sealant/wax that you have on as well. It is a step that you will want to do because otherwise you are sealing all those contaminants into your paint when you wax and or apply sealants. Clay can be used on windows, bumpers, and even tires if you wish. Its just a good idea to designate a piece for just your paint/windows and another for other area as you do not want to run a claybar full of junk across your paint. Also, keep in mind that if you ever drop the clay on the ground, CHUNK IT in the trash...it is WASTED at that point. It will pick up stuff that you do not want near your ride.

 

[TEXASGIANT]

Got my truck in july06. The only thing that I have used on it since is ICE because of the ability to go from the paint to the black plastic to the chrome without all of the white chalk left behind. I am sure it does not have to defensive qualities of good paste. It sure goes on easy and the thing with the plastic/rubber is great.
1st Westlys tire white and a brush. Also inside the wheel wells. Shoot and brush as much of frame as I can get at without getting on my back under the truck.
Then I also use the Mr clean filter machine and love it. Use the filter setting to rinse off the motor.
Then go around with the shop vac in revers blowing the water out of the nooks and crannies and from behind the mirrors. With a beer in hand. I hate when it is all done and you close the door only to have water fly out of the mirror and down the door.
Then drink beer
Then the ICE. Super easy.
Then a beer
Then mothers chrome polish. LOTS!
Then another beer
Then stoners on the glass. Amazing stuff.
Then beer
Then that slick sauce that TexasTitan05 found. I tried it on the inside and it looks great. Don't know if it is good for it but it looks great.
Bout time for another beer
Then headliner, seats and carpet.
beer
Then dress all of the exterior plastic, tires, soft bed cover and motor
Then buff out all of the chrome.
Get another beer and a clean rag and walk around and around and around the truck admiring your handy work swatting flies off of the truck with the rag.

That is on the XMOD! Then I go out to work on the GIANT.

What does everone use to get the wax off of the plastic or how do you avoid getting it on there in the first place.

 

[Kronos1965]

Got my truck in july06. The only thing that I have used on it since is ICE because of the ability to go from the paint to the black plastic to the chrome without all of the white chalk left behind. I am sure it does not have to defensive qualities of good paste. It sure goes on easy and the thing with the plastic/rubber is great.
1st Westlys tire white and a brush. Also inside the wheel wells. Shoot and brush as much of frame as I can get at without getting on my back under the truck.
Then I also use the Mr clean filter machine and love it. Use the filter setting to rinse off the motor.
Then go around with the shop vac in revers blowing the water out of the nooks and crannies and from behind the mirrors. With a beer in hand. I hate when it is all done and you close the door only to have water fly out of the mirror and down the door.
Then drink beer
Then the ICE. Super easy.
Then a beer
Then mothers chrome polish. LOTS!
Then another beer
Then stoners on the glass. Amazing stuff.
Then beer
Then that slick sauce that TexasTitan05 found. I tried it on the inside and it looks great. Don't know if it is good for it but it looks great.
Bout time for another beer
Then headliner, seats and carpet.
beer
Then dress all of the exterior plastic, tires, soft bed cover and motor
Then buff out all of the chrome.
Get another beer and a clean rag and walk around and around and around the truck admiring your handy work swatting flies off of the truck with the rag.

That is on the XMOD! Then I go out to work on the GIANT.

What does everone use to get the wax off of the plastic or how do you avoid getting it on there in the first place.

By that time with that many beers, how would you know! LOL

 

[Blue_Water_Rush]

Yeah.... at that point I would wind up pouring the beer on the truck and buffing it off LOL!

 

[DaddyG]

Got my truck in july06. The only thing that I have used on it since is ICE because of the ability to go from the paint to the black plastic to the chrome without all of the white chalk left behind. I am sure it does not have to defensive qualities of good paste. It sure goes on easy and the thing with the plastic/rubber is great.
1st Westlys tire white and a brush. Also inside the wheel wells. Shoot and brush as much of frame as I can get at without getting on my back under the truck.
Then I also use the Mr clean filter machine and love it. Use the filter setting to rinse off the motor.
Then go around with the shop vac in revers blowing the water out of the nooks and crannies and from behind the mirrors. With a beer in hand. I hate when it is all done and you close the door only to have water fly out of the mirror and down the door.
Then drink beer
Then the ICE. Super easy.
Then a beer
Then mothers chrome polish. LOTS!
Then another beer
Then stoners on the glass. Amazing stuff.
Then beer
Then that slick sauce that TexasTitan05 found. I tried it on the inside and it looks great. Don't know if it is good for it but it looks great.
Bout time for another beer
Then headliner, seats and carpet.
beer
Then dress all of the exterior plastic, tires, soft bed cover and motor
Then buff out all of the chrome.
Get another beer and a clean rag and walk around and around and around the truck admiring your handy work swatting flies off of the truck with the rag.

That is on the XMOD! Then I go out to work on the GIANT.

What does everone use to get the wax off of the plastic or how do you avoid getting it on there in the first place.

I use the blue painters tape to mask off the area's I don't want the wax to touch. Takes a bit of time, but with the multiple steps required to truly achieve a good shine its worth it.

 

[RedViper98]

I use the blue painters tape to mask off the area's I don't want the wax to touch. Takes a bit of time, but with the multiple steps required to truly achieve a good shine its worth it.

I do the same thing. I figure if I'm gonna spend a day on the truck, I might as well do it right.

 

[JoshInTitan]

I do the same thing. I figure if I'm gonna spend a day on the truck, I might as well do it right.

Nice tip guys... I will remember this. I have gone almost two years without this problem, but last week when I waxed, I had a little drip onto the black plastic on the rear bumper and it was a total pain!

 

[DaddyG]

Nice tip guys... I will remember this. I have gone almost two years without this problem, but last week when I waxed, I had a little drip onto the black plastic on the rear bumper and it was a total pain!

Best way I have found to quickly remove the wax off the black plastic: Take a damp rag, put a small dab of Dawn Dishwashing detergent on it, wipe off the plastic. With a small bit of effort it will take it right off. Just be careful and not get the Dawn on the fresh wax, because it will remove it. Use a good protectant on the plastic when your done, and it will look as good as new. Dawn will remove wax but not hurt the paint.

 

[JoshInTitan]

Best way I have found to quickly remove the wax off the black plastic: Take a damp rag, put a small dab of Dawn Dishwashing detergent on it, wipe off the plastic. With a small bit of effort it will take it right off. Just be careful and not get the Dawn on the fresh wax, because it will remove it. Use a good protectant on the plastic when your done, and it will look as good as new. Dawn will remove wax but not hurt the paint.

Cool tip. Gotta get some Dawn for my box'o'detailing supplies! Thanks!

By the way, welcome to CT!

 

[DaddyG]

Cool tip. Gotta get some Dawn for my box'o'detailing supplies! Thanks!

By the way, welcome to CT!

Thanks! Been at TT for quite awhile, thought I would check out this place for a bit. I finally found a detailing forum! I will be here for quite awhile, this is great!