Spring Clean

[X-2000]

Welp now that its warming up outside i believe a full detail of the truck is necessary...so here we go...
1. Clay Bar the whole truck with random brand clay bar from autozone
2.Polish- I use some crazy stuff i dont think anyone has heard of...its in a metal can...kinds of like an oversized flask....and it is blue...lol
3.wax-recently i've been using the nanowax before that it was meguiars black magic

any suggestions on better/ different brands that you guys like?
oh and if you have any suggestions about more steps needed let me know if there is somehting else i need to do on my way to detailing it

[2dxtreme]

well me i use the following

meguiars pro grade cleaner wax
for chrome rims i use nevr dull
for quick polishing i'll use some stuff that i've never seen people using which is gliptone
just some quick ones to throw out at ya

[Waynestowels]

I use Zaino and Einszett, the best protection money can buy

[Derek@2020Kustoms]

I just did a detail on a '95 Acura Integra before Autorama in Detroit. I took a few pictures of it and will post them later.

First I used Adam's Clay Bar with Mothers Detail Spray as lube. Then I used Adam's Revive Polish with my Porter Cable 7336 with Adam's Black Polishing Pad on Speed 4. Note: The car is silver and is VERY hard to see swirls. If it were a darker color I would go with Poorboy's SSR line because its the best in the business for removing swirls with a PC.

To remove the polish the best trick is to mist some detail spray and then wipe with microfiber towel. Comes off with very easy and does not dust off.

I followed up with Adam's Spray Glaze applied by hand with a microfiber applicator. Goes on real smooth. Let haze than wipe off with Microfiber towel. This glaze step adds some serious gloss. This stuff comes off really easy too.

Finally I used Adam's Butter Wax applied by hand. Could of used the PC but did it by hand. Applies pretty good and smells like bananas. lol. Easy on, easy off. Pretty simple.

The best product I used the whole weekend without a doubt is Adam's Detail Spray. It puts Meguiars QD to shame.

[badassbrad]

Zaino

[BobOnAir]

The secret to a good wax job is....................use the same wax all the time!
here some tips!
1 use a automotive solvent to remove old wax and grease, grime from your clearcoat.
Domion Sure Seal has one called Suresolve... works good and removes adheseves good too without hurting clear. It will remove overspray as well.

2.. claybar is good,, but take your time,,Mothers is good cause you get the Showtime spray with it to lube the bar,,,,,,, do the WHOLE truck,, this actually removes overspray as well and anything the solvent left behind,, but now your clearcoat is as bare as it was when it was applied,,,,, no UV protectant.

3. Now you can do some wet sanding of some scratches if your comfortable with that!
I usually use 1500 or 2000 grit with some slightly soapy water, and make sure you don't sand through the clear, very important!,, when I first bought my truck,, I wet sanded the whole thing with 2000 grit,, then buffed it,, came out so much better than factory.

4. Buff,, if you wet sanded,, you have to machine buff what you sanded with some 1500 compound or finer,, with a cutting or compound pad,, work it in and keep the buffer moving

5. Now you can use a polish, Mothers is good, Meguires, or Blue Ribbon,, but stick to one brand,, all the time.. Each wax and polish is slightly different and can react with each other and cause greif!

6. wax,, apply your wax by hand or buffer with an applicator pad,, let dry and buff off with cotton terry towel,, or,, yep I use the buffer with a buffer pad..

I can do my ext cab in about 6 hours,, you have a SEMA show shine when your done,, and it's a lot easier washing it with a properly applied wax shine.!

[Dallas@2020Kustoms]

Off the top of my head here's a bit of info to add to the discussion.

Recommended Product lines: Poorboys, Adam's Polishes, Four Star, Porter Cable

Clean - It's always good to start with a clean surface. As fauker mentioned you could use a "wax and grease" remover from any body shop supply store, but for the average person I would say if you really want to do your spring clean and get everything off then use a dish soap like Dawn. Only use that kind of soap if you want to strip off everything! Otherwise you'll want to use a soap that is much gentler like Four Star's Shampoo (nice cherry scent).

Clay - The clay bar is a good idea once the vehicle is clean. I would recommend using a good detail spray as the lubricant because you use less and it goes farther. Adam's Detail spray is the best I've used!

Have Swirls, Scratches? - Hell yeah, unless you've stored your vehicle all winter your going to have marks in your paint. Number one product is Poorboys SSR lineup combined with a Porter Cable 7336 polisher. This polisher is variable speed random orbit and will do an excellent job in the hands of a novice. Make sure you get the proper polishing pads for it, and you will be on your way to the best finish you've ever had! Follow up the swirl remover with Poorboys Professional Polish to even out the surface and prep for sealer.

Sealing - Now that you have a swirl/scratch free surface I would go ahead and seal it. You pay big bucks for pros to seal your paint why not do it yourself? Products like Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection is highly rated along with others like Poorboys EX. You can apply multiple layers of sealant for a deeper shine and greater protection

Wax - This really comes down to personal taste. There are many different kinds of wax and each come with their pros and cons. If you prefer something quick and easy to apply I'd go with Adam's Butter wax, and if you prefer a good paste wax with high carnuba content then go with something like Natty's paste wax. Personally I wouldn't pay too much for wax, but at the same time don't cheap out because this is protecting all your hard work.

Applicators - Towels - Stick to microfiber. Microfiber is your friend !!

Of course there's still interior, billet, chrome, trim etc. that all needs to be cleaned... but that's another "book"

[X-2000]

fantastic...all this info should help me out...thanks guys

[X-2000]

well today i used the mothers clay bar kit and did the whole truck...tomorrow i will hopefully get the polishing done