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Car Detailing Tips

tripp

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A neat trick the guy that used to detail cars at my lot is using air to blow evrything out instead of a vacuum it up. It works so much better. But you have to have high pressure air to do it.
 

caudio51

BoM Nov '05; Mar '06
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tripp said:
A neat trick the guy that used to detail cars at my lot is using air to blow evrything out instead of a vacuum it up. It works so much better. But you have to have high pressure air to do it.
I do that for the vents...shop vac works great
 

pdonlin

aka Tumbleweed
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cvm4 said:
Ehhhh...I probably need to wax it because it's been a while. It's not really a beater, per say, but just old to me so therefore I don't care for it as good as I should.

Anyone got any links to some good wax for a white car?
Just wax?? Liquid or Paste?

PB Natty's Paste works wonders but since its a Carnauba product it should be applied every 6-8 weeks. Carnauba will create the deepest shine but you do need to stay on top of it more.
http://autogeek.net/pbnpw.html

PB EX-P is a excellent synthetic sealant that will still create a good shine but because its not Carnauba based it should last around 3-6 months, depending how much you wash. This wont have as deep of a shine like Carnauba but it will still look great. I always layer the products, so I would put the synthetic sealant on and follow it with a good Carnauba wax.
http://autogeek.net/pbexp16.html

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant is another great product but costs a little more than the EX-P. I guess you can decide based on what you read which would be better for you.
http://autogeek.net/wg5500.html

Since your car has been so neglected you should clean the paint well using some detailing clay. After washing the car go over it with the clay following the directions.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/autopia/son-3200-300.html

Lots of microfiber towels!!
http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?ref=exceldetail&ct=29279&pd=208075

If you need advice on applicators, etc let me know.
 

pdonlin

aka Tumbleweed
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Poni said:
or just get FMJ and don't worry about the layering. ;)
You like that stuff? I've thought about trying it but havent bought any yet. Hmm maybe I should order some up and try it out when I detail the much overdue saab.
 

Poni

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I could send you a sample if you want, let me know. Its realllll easy to work with, a little on the pricey side.

I actually live a few minutes from poorboys, he had a few events not too far from here. He makes some good products, what do you think of the optimum? That was the new hotness the last time I was on there.
 

pdonlin

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I would love a sample if you didn't mind. I don't mind paying a little more for products that a) Make things easier b) Are quickier (no layering) and c) Still look great

As you can see from my list of what I used this time I have been pretty happy with the quality of PB and it has a good price. This was the first time I've used Optimum based on a recommendation and I was happy with it. With a 50/50 mix and a white pad it took out nearly every small mark there was on the car. There are a few on the hood and roof yet from when the dealer butchered the paint with their wash/dry routine but if I had enough Opt Compound to do more than 50/50 with Paste I'de bet it would have came out. Luckily those marks are only really noticable under halogens. Next time I might need to step the pad up but I would rather not if its not needed.
 
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Cars are made for driving not cleaning. Here is a picture of the panel on my 94 Colt when it hit 200K a few weeks ago. This is one of the cleaner areas of the car. I waxed it one time a few years ago after a rain storm- have never washed it.200K.jpg

I wipe the panel off once every few months to be sure I can see everything.:skew:
 
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i have an unlimited car wash pass, I pay 50 per month. Take it in every thurs or fri. This has helped eliminate need for detailing. :thumbsup: It makes a difference on resale and life span of the car (or anything for that matter) of you can keep it clean.
 

pdonlin

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At $50/month wouldn't it be more economical to just pay each time since you're only going 4 times a month? Here the most expensive wash I've ever seen was $8 if you are talking about the touchless drive thru type.

I used to use the touchless but that detergent can strip wax off pretty good and they always seem to miss spots and of course never get the car dry... at that point I just would rather do it myself I guess.
 
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At 25 per wash (inside and out) I'm 50 ahead for the month. They do under carraige here, important for getting salt off in winter. They do a decent job on the interrior as well. I rarely gets dirty enough to need detailing as a result. Spot clean carpets is about all. And friend does that since he owns a carpet cleaning business.
 

pdonlin

aka Tumbleweed
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Ahh thats not a bad deal at all in that case. We do have a hand wash place around here but I've never checked them out for prices... I guess I don't trust their mitts all over my car. Now, if they were wearing thongs and bikini tops mmmmmmm
 
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cvm4 said:
Ehhhh...I probably need to wax it because it's been a while. It's not really a beater, per say, but just old to me so therefore I don't care for it as good as I should.

Anyone got any links to some good wax for a white car?
Just wax?? Liquid or Paste?

PB Natty's Paste works wonders but since its a Carnauba product it should be applied every 6-8 weeks. Carnauba will create the deepest shine but you do need to stay on top of it more.
http://autogeek.net/pbnpw.html

PB EX-P is a excellent synthetic sealant that will still create a good shine but because its not Carnauba based it should last around 3-6 months, depending how much you wash. This wont have as deep of a shine like Carnauba but it will still look great. I always layer the products, so I would put the synthetic sealant on and follow it with a good Carnauba wax.
http://autogeek.net/pbexp16.html

Wolfgang Deep Gloss Sealant is another great product but costs a little more than the EX-P. I guess you can decide based on what you read which would be better for you.
http://autogeek.net/wg5500.html

Since your car has been so neglected you should clean the paint well using some detailing clay. After washing the car go over it with the clay following the directions.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/autopia/son-3200-300.html

Lots of microfiber towels!!
http://www.prestostore.com/cgi-bin/store.pl?ref=exceldetail&ct=29279&pd=208075

If you need advice on applicators, etc let me know.
Pb does make great products. Detail season is upon us!
 
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2006 brought back haha. Anyway I was just PM'ing StyKibuilt about detailing so it's good to see others are into it.
 
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