Ask a detailer!

[Thomistopheles]

Sooo... My boss just spray-bombed all the shelves in our store on a breezy day, and got a light misting of paint all over my car. I don't care in the slightest about the paint, but I am as much of a clean freak as you when it comes to my windows. What can I use to get rid of the paint that isn't a razor?
A clay bar will take off that overspray no problemo.

[Muse]

Hoooooo-leeee SHYIT! That's the cleanest my windshield has ever been. I went to AutoZone and picked up the Mothers California Gold clay bar kit. $15.99 on sale. Then I found that I had a $20.00 credit from the rewards program thing. Free is awesome. Free and useful even more so.


BTW, what is it the California Gold detailing spray smells like? I got nostalgic feeling without knowing what about...

[Thomistopheles]

Yep, glass has to be clayed every once in a while too, just like paint. Pulls all the bonded contaminants and crud off.

I don't remember what the California Gold smells like, I've been using Detailer Pro rinseless wash as a QD for a while now. Smells like bubblegum. I remember the Mothers stuff smelling like cinnamon though.... I hate that smell.

[Thomistopheles]

Got a couple photos of Keaton's RS outside tonight. Already dusty from plant sex (pollen) but it was looking mighty shiny. I don't think Connor is on here, he has the LGT detail wagon in the background. Got to try his Rupes polisher with sonax perfect finish on a microfiber pad... it was the best one step combo I've ever used. A single pass on his LGT yielded damn near 100% correction on our test panel. This could knock out a job that used to be a two step correction in half the time. Now I have to save up for the Rupes... expensive, but it's smooth, powerful, light, and ergonomic.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/P6041012_zps460f1eecjpgoriginal-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/P6041017_zpsd0abdf92jpgoriginal-1.jpg

[Rust2Runner]

Love this thread! I may have to print this up and use it as my garage wallpaper!
Couple questions;
Is there something one can do to bring back that glass shine to a car that doesn't have any clear coat left, besides spraying with clear again?
Do you know if there's a way to "fix" windshield pitting so I can put that on the back-burner to be replaced so get to things I actually want to attack?

[Thomistopheles]

Glass can be polished, there's special pads and such for it. I've done scratches in glass before, not sure if it'd be aggressive enough to remove pitting.

When you say "doesn't have any clear coat left," do you mean thin or completely gone? I've seen opti-coat used on panels with clear coat failure to save them. On thin clear, you can't really do any correction via polishing but you can use a glaze to fill in defects in the paint and make it look better. Glazes wash off really easily, so the results won't last long at all.

More headlights, because I can:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/EricWRX_zps0f9452f5jpgoriginal-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/P6061031_zps3558988ejpgoriginal-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/P6061042_zps6d87dc6ejpgoriginal-1.jpg

[Rust2Runner]

I'll look into the glass polish, salt kick-up was not kind to this screen.
Extremely thin. There's a patch by my rear hatch that has pealed away from impact damage, and the difference between that and the rest of the car is so little.
I'm actually timid about using opti-coat... The stuff comes in such a small container and costs so much. But for $300+ to bring my car in to the detailer's, I've been toying around with buying my own setup.

and: Was the difference on Keaton's RS the Rupes or the Sonax? The Rupes makes me a little light-headed when I see the sticker price, but I'd gladly shell out for a PorterCable and some epic one step.

[Thomistopheles]

The Rupes Bigfoot has a huge 15mm throw and forced rotation. Whole different beast compared to a regular DA like the porter cable. The test panel was on Connor's LGT wagon. If I would have used that combo on Keaton's RS, it would have taken me 6-8 hours instead of 20 :lol: I want one so bad now... I can get the Rupes at a discount and I use my polishers damn near every day from spring through fall... so it makes sense for me to buy it. That's what I'm going to tell my wife, anyway...

I'd start saving for paint if it's that thin. Some things just can't be saved.

[Rust2Runner]

Looks like I'll be having a similar conversation with my wife soon...

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yep, glass has to be clayed every once in a while too, just like paint. Pulls all the bonded contaminants and crud off.


Will it help with pitting from years of highway driving at all? I was considering getting my windshield completely replaced as it's like a thousand blinding lights when the sun hits it straight on.

[Thomistopheles]

Claying? No, it won't do anything for the pitting. Diamondite Glasswork Restorer and Lake Country glass cutting pads can be used to polish out the little pinhole pitting. If you have really deep ones, I'd replace it. If you use that glass polish, mask off everything but the windshield. Polishing glass is really messy, and you don't want that polish getting on any other surfaces, it's very aggressive.


Just did these lights today, and I'll be detailing the car soon.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/P6081057_zps77b41c7ejpgoriginal-1.jpg

Forester XT from Friday.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/JasonFXT1_zps4746ce0fjpgoriginal-1.jpg

[Thomistopheles]

Just did this bugeye's lights. I really, really, REALLY like this color... so much flake. I might have to see about getting this car in for a full detail.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/P6101082_zpsdf12a00fjpgoriginal-1.jpg

[Muse]

That is an amazing green. If you get more time around it, could you try to get the paint code?

[Thomistopheles]

I'll ask Shawn next time I see him. I've never seen another bugeye in that color, but it's factory.

Yesterday the shop called me to come in and remove tint from this guy's taillights. As soon as I walked in the door, that changed to taillights, headlights, and the exterior to prep for sale. The tails were done with tinted clear (the right way) instead of VHT niteshades, so I had to sand all the way through that to remove it. The VHT stuff can be removed with solvents, rubs right off. I should start adding a charge for wheels over 19" :lol:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/DSC_0007_zps10636854jpgoriginal-1.jpg

[Grimmrican]

Hey thom my gfs BH windshield has very small speckles all over it and its very annoying when driving during sunny days. I've tried all kinds of cleaning products but failed every time. Do u know what I'm talking about and if u do how can I attack it properly

[Thomistopheles]

If it's crap stuck to the glass:

A clay bar

If it's pitting from crap hitting it:

Claying? No, it won't do anything for the pitting. Diamondite Glasswork Restorer and Lake Country glass cutting pads can be used to polish out the little pinhole pitting. If you have really deep ones, I'd replace it. If you use that glass polish, mask off everything but the windshield. Polishing glass is really messy, and you don't want that polish getting on any other surfaces, it's very aggressive.

[Grimmrican]

Hmm I kno it's not crap or anything of the sort. But pitting I'm not too sure of. If I had to describe it I would have to say it like sand but all over the windshield. But I'll try to resurface it. Ty

[rkrenicki]

Windshields are not expensive. Around us in CT, $200-250 would get you a brandy new piece of glass made by Pilkington or PPG and installation.

For a piece of glass that is pitted, you need to ask yourself.. how much is the stuff going to cost to fix it, and how many hours of my life is it going to take?

[Grimmrican]

Yea I kno I'm debating it lol but lo and behold its on my gf wagon so it don't bother me any at all lol she can dish out the cash same way I had to when my car had issues

[Rust2Runner]

Possibly Savanna Green Metallic 07V (on that 2nd gen wrx). I've seen foresters with a similar color, but the color just doesn't quite pop like the one in your photo.


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/06/2002subaruimprezaoutbacksport_100165941_-1.jpg

[Rust2Runner]

Wondering if you have an opinion on 3M Paint Defender?

[Thomistopheles]

I haven't used it, it's too new. Once there's some reviews out there I might check it out.

[Thomistopheles]

In other news, I haven't washed my car in the last two and a half weeks since my wife's surgery. :shock: I'll give it some attention tomorrow.

[Muse]

Well, there's few things that would excuse this kind of neglect.

But spousal surgery? Yeah. That's one of them...

[Thomistopheles]

Plus it rained every day for about a week straight. Tomorrow though... this situation shall be rectified.

[Neatfellen]

that rain sucked. I didn't get my car a wash until yesterday when I went to the Willow Springs Garden car show Sunday.. I noticed and was quite furious when the wash didnt get these black dots off on the passenger side of my car on the doors and front fender and a little on the hood. I then came to realize that I believe that it is tar from the road on my car since even a little elbow grease did nothing and a fingernail barely did anything... Sooo... How do u get that stuff off ur car? And if it could be a cheap option if there are any... PLEASE! I can't stand to see the poor thing defiled by road tar! (I will post a pic of what im talking about for u to see tomorrow)

[Thomistopheles]

Bug and tar remover will handle it. I use Stoner's Tarminator. Whatever you get should only be a few bucks, and you ought to be able to find it local no problem.

[Neatfellen]

Bug and tar remover will handle it. I use Stoner's Tarminator. Whatever you get should only be a few bucks, and you ought to be able to find it local no problem.
Awesome, thanx. Not even sure how it got on there since I dont remember driving on any construction areas other then on gravel. I'll take a look for some after work at my normal auto parts store.

[Grimmrican]

Ello govna! Top ol the evenin to ya mate.

Today was a very humid day with a nasty overcast threatening to rain so I had my windows rolled up (which btw it never did rain). So as I left my job and stepped into my car I got hit with a musty smell that kinda smells like wet seats. I've never left my windows open nor to my knowledge were they soaked in the moments I'm away from my car. I've tried ostium spray, those cup things under the car seat, vent scents, and little trees. Little trees works the best but still doesn't mask it not gets rid of it. I'm tired of getting slapped every time I get into my car.

Plz help!!

[Thomistopheles]

Hard to say what it is, since the internet doesn't have smell-o-vision yet. Have you checked under the carpet? See if the padding or anything is damp.

Oh yeah, happy 4th of july mein amerikanische kameraden. Had some unintentional red white and blue scoob action going while I was dropping off these 05 STI lights.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/DSC_0012_zps65ecafa8jpgoriginal-1.jpg

[Grimmrican]

^ heh I see why u did there.

No I didn't look under the carpet yet but tomorrow my brother is going to detail my car and steam clean the inside hopefully that'll help it some.

[98legwag]

I am curious as to what you clean glass with. I use Invisible Glass usually with newspaper it does well. However, yesterday it streaked up pretty bad. Normally does not do that. Could that be due to the fact it was really humid outside and I was in direct sunlight?

[Thomistopheles]

Meguiars d120 glass cleaner and microfibers. Buy a gallon of concentrate (less than 20 bucks) and you will be set for years... makes 11 gallons lol. It kicks the shit out of invisible glass and smells awesome.

But yeah it could be the humidity... I have never had streaks with d120 though, not even on super humid days.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Actually, I'd say it was the direct sunlight. It'll dry out the cleaner and leave the oil/dirt that you hadn't fully wiped away yet.

[Thomistopheles]

I wipe too fast for it to dry out in direct sunlight, so I've never had that happen. Either way, humidity sucks and direct sunlight sucks :lol: Spray one side of a folded microfiber. light mist on the glass, wipe, flip to dry side, wipe.

Did some bugeye cleanin' action this evening. I'll be doing a full correction and opti-coat soon! Oh, and the lights will be split again for a retrofit. Awww yeaaaah.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/P7051090_zpsb3b52814-1.jpg

[Thomistopheles]

Oh lookie, some MkIV GTI headlights I blacked out and restored and stuff. My new headlights are chillin' in the background, waiting for parts. They're actually in great shape, just need a quick polish and the lenses will be good to go.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/07/DSC_0004_zps42866521jpgoriginal-1.jpg

[98legwag]

Any input/comments on the Meguiar's DA Power System for applying wax? I have feeling it has to be better than my cheap Ryobi thing. I would be using the Meguiar's with a good drill.

Edit- this is the Ryobi thing we got open box for $6. It appears this will have higher max RPM than my drill. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-6-in-O ... d22-vlQHNs (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-6-in-Orbital-Buffer-RB60K/100041947#.Ud22-vlQHNs)

[Thomistopheles]

Has good reviews from other detailers, useful for getting in tight spots. Price is close to the harbor freight DA though...

[kimokalihi]

Damn that blue bugeye is perfect!

[wentz912]

Thom, I'm sure your familiar with the pet hair issue, with Woden and all. My wagon has a ton of dog hair stuck to the cargo compartment. It came off the carpet and the back of the seat with the vacuum okay. But, the hair seems like it's GLUED to the harder plastic/flocked bits on each side. Have any tips on an effective method of removal?

[Thomistopheles]

Siberian Huskies only blow their coat twice a year... for 6 months at a time. :shock:

I use a pumice stone on carpet to pull the hair out and sweep it into my vacuum, works like magic. As for the side panels, they're a pain in the ass. Sticky lint roller, rubber pet hair brush, or a latex glove on one hand are what I use. With the glove you just rub the panel, the glove material kinda pulls the hair out so you can sweep it into the vacuum.

[98legwag]

I know you recommend something else, but have you used or heard anything about Blue Magic Headlight Sealer?
http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/ ... quantity=1 (http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/285906/566/car_care/wash_wax/headlight_restoration/?quantity=1)

[Thomistopheles]

I haven't been on the forum much lately, 'tis the season for winter prep so I've been buried.

98legwag, I haven't heard of that stuff. Might be OK if you keep up on applying it.

[86bratman]

I know you recommend something else, but have you used or heard anything about Blue Magic Headlight Sealer?
http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/ ... quantity=1 (http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/285906/566/car_care/wash_wax/headlight_restoration/?quantity=1)


I've used the blue magic headlight restorer, works pretty well for 4-6 months. I haven't seen the sealer personally though.

Side note, do we have an "ask a body man" thread? I've got an annoying dent I'd like some opinions of without making a new thread lol.

[98legwag]

Thanks guys. I need to do my winter prep soon, but the rear bumper on my new car was repainted days before I got it so I am going to wait a few weeks to wax it. I will probably do the wagon and my mom's Acura in the mean time.

[Muse]

I did a headlight resto today on one of the cars at work. Not sure what all the fuss is about here...
Before:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/12/122113115801_zpsc54c87f8-1.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/SubaMuse/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1221131158-01_zpsc54c87f8.jpg.html)
After:
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2013/12/122113115800_zps2e0a7691-1.jpg (http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/SubaMuse/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1221131158-00_zps2e0a7691.jpg.html)


F*ck, I hate the winter...

[thenines']

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/06/DSCN0818_zpse0e1cedb-1.jpg (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/oldsubie/media/DSCN0818_zpse0e1cedb.jpg.html)Thom-here's a sign at a car wash a few miles up the road from me-with the local dialect

[Muse]

Hahahahahaha!

[thenines']

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/06/f99f3a44e9784a4b8bb66447204340b7_zps7cfd-1.jpg (http://s1345.photobucket.com/user/oldsubie/media/f99f3a44-e978-4a4b-8bb6-6447204340b7_zps7cfdf844.jpg.html)

[wentz912]

What's the best thing to clean windows with that won't ruin tint? I've been told that ammonia is what turns tint that nasty purple color, but a lot of products out there don't say whether or not they include ammonia.

[Thomistopheles]

Plexus and meguiars d120 glass cleaner are my favorites, tint safe. The tint shop I go to uses plexus as well. A 1 gal bottle of d120 concentrate will make an obscene amount of glass cleaner and it smells awesome. Grape.

[wentz912]

Are there common physical retail vendors?

[subyroo]

Thomistopheles, do you have a fix for removing scratches from the plastic on the sides of a Subaru Forester cargo bay area?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Will you detail my car when I come down to Madison on the 17th? :grin:

[Thomistopheles]

Weird. The forum ate my last reply to this thread from a while ago.


Are there common physical retail vendors?Anyone who stocks the pro/bulk Meguiars line will have it. I get mine through an online distributor or a local auto body shop that carries meguiars.

Thomistopheles, do you have a fix for removing scratches from the plastic on the sides of a Subaru Forester cargo bay area?Can't think of anything that won't wreck the texture.

Will you detail my car when I come down to Madison on the 17th? :grin:Hah, I'll be too busy judging/announcing/doing husky stuff. Shop's open on saturdays... :wink:

Worked on a 2012 Legacy the other day, in for its first proper detail since rolling off the assembly line. Had scratches from a rear end love tap, deep RIDS from bags being placed on the trunk, and uniform coverage of swirls from improper wash technique. Achieved nearly 100% correction, just a few scratches that didn't come out. Took care of some small grease and coffee stains in the tan textured cloth seats as well.
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/07/DSC_0051_zpsadd2f4a1-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/07/DSC_0052_zpsa41c40dd-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/07/DSC_0055_zpse5a637be-1.jpg

[Wiscon_Mark]

Thomistopheles, do you have a fix for removing scratches from the plastic on the sides of a Subaru Forester cargo bay area?

That texture would be difficult to detail, as Thom said. Plasti-dip it to the color of your choice, perhaps?

[Zangado1]

Alright "Mr. Ask A Detailer" Just waxed my Volvo last weekend and got paste wax on my black molding around the doors and bumpers. What is the best way to restore the black plastic molding and do away with the white wax debris that is now visually annoying? Thanks...

[98legwag]

I am too lazy to look to see if you have answered this, what would you recommend for leather cleaning and conditioning? I have some Lexol cleaner and conditioner laying around. I think my brother has some Meguiars.

[Thomistopheles]

The products you've listed are all fine. I use the meguiars all in one cleaner/conditioner for regular maintenance, lexol cleaner and conditioners for more intensive cleaning. I also keep Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil on hand for aged/faded/hard leather, if I have the car for a couple days to let it penetrate.

Some bonus shiny stuff to look at...

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/DSC_00392_zps9c5f2ecf-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/DSC_0030_zps31e0d352-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/IMG_1543_zps960f641d-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/DSC_0009_zpse3ef01ff-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/10620585_10152622495626287_7866546182866-1.jpg
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/08/DSC_0013_zpsfa7d3e2e-1.jpg

[98legwag]

Yes. I will take one of each please.

[legacie]

The products you've listed are all fine. I use the meguiars all in one cleaner/conditioner for regular maintenance, lexol cleaner and conditioners for more intensive cleaning. I also keep Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil on hand for aged/faded/hard leather, if I have the car for a couple days to let it penetrate.


Would you recommend something different for a leather steering wheel? I would like to keep my Nardi in good shape so want to maintain but worry about products making it slick or messing up the leather.

[Thomistopheles]

Same products. When you clean and condition leather, it should not be slick with product. Let the conditioner soak in and remove the excess with a cloth.

[Grimmrican]

Hey thom I have a question for you. How do I clean my rims from this oxidized look?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/09/atazepag-1.jpg

[Thomistopheles]

Paint's gone. You can lightly sand off the oxidation, but aluminum oxidizes quick and it'll wind up looking the same after a little while. Needs to be repainted.

[Grimmrican]

Thanx bud

[98legwag]

The products you've listed are all fine. I use the meguiars all in one cleaner/conditioner for regular maintenance, lexol cleaner and conditioners for more intensive cleaning. I also keep Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil on hand for aged/faded/hard leather, if I have the car for a couple days to let it penetrate.
Going back to this. It is safe to scrub the leather with a soft brush of some sort? I have the ivory leather in my 09 and the driver's seat seems to be dirty from me sitting on the ground while working on the car then getting in it.

[Thomistopheles]

Yes, agitate with a soft brush.

[Muse]

Not sure if this is a detailer question, but is there a product that you can use to color the lettering on tires? I want white letters.

[Thomistopheles]

Tire paint pens/markers are what you seek
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2014/12/DSC_0030_zps0840a108-1.jpg

[Muse]

And how durable are they?

[thenines']

I like basic black-RWL/WW bring back memories of scrubbing the tires of my mother's '68 olds with an SOS pad

[Thomistopheles]

Fairly durable, just touch them up every once in a while to keep them fresh. Washes and such aren't going to blast it off.

[Muse]

Ooookay, ordered.

[LeggyxPower]

How can I has a shiny ride like you? Carnauba or synthetic wax what's your favourite to use

[LeggyxPower]

How can I has a shiny ride like you? Carnauba or synthetic wax what's your favourite to use

no reply :(

[lord flashheart]

When in doubt get the one that's more expensive. LOL!

[Thomistopheles]

Lost my subscription to the thread when the forum was upgraded. I use sealant for the most part, lasts longer. If I'm going for stupid amounts of depth and gloss, let the sealant cure and then top it with a carnauba wax the next day. Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant and Blackfire Wet Diamond are a couple of my favorite sealants.

[LeggyxPower]

I keep debating on using a sealant but I usually do a full detail of my car every 3-4 months because I love it so I don't see it being that benifical except before winter

[Thomistopheles]

At 3-4 months I'd be using a sealant and not carnauba wax. If I'm using carnauba, the vehicle gets a fresh coat every 3-4 weeks... doesn't have a long life.

[LeggyxPower]

well my noobishness has showed i learned that my glaze/is also a sealer, which is good news to me lol.. wolf gang does seem to be pretty popular, i was thinking about giving chemical guys a try.

[Thomistopheles]

Chemical Guys Jetseal is good stuff. I don't care for their marketing team at all, but some of their products are good.

[LeggyxPower]

Good news then. Please show me the ways [emoji1]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[foohfooh]

Sooooo THom? Urrrr how do you do a leather restore? (Unless you super scored low mile seats? Im assuming they had some wear?

[Yamazaki]

Sooooo THom? Urrrr how do you do a leather restore? (Unless you super scored low mile seats? Im assuming they had some wear?
I asked about leather seat restoration previously:


How about restoration of beaten colored leather seats that are losing their color? How do I go about doing that?

I've used Leatherique to redye BMW and mercedes seats, worked great and the dye was a perfect match.

http://www.leatherique.com/

Instead of doing just a spot, I mask it off at a seam and do the entire section. This way I don't have to blend the repair into the panel and the repair isn't obvious. I don't think they have formulas for subaru dyes, so you may have to send in a part for them to color match.

Will that also fix the cracking of the leather or does it just paint over it?

[EDIT: nevermind, I read more than just the first page of the link and got my answer]

They have a crack filler you can use before the redye, but I'm not sure if that would work on a seat. I would give them a call and see what they say about it.

[Thomistopheles]

Sooooo THom? Urrrr how do you do a leather restore? (Unless you super scored low mile seats? Im assuming they had some wear?


I asked about leather seat restoration previously:

WALL OF QUOTES

^^^ What he said. Which is what I said... when he said things. Not to be confused with what she said. What were we talking about again? :smt101

Oh. Right. Leather. Everybody knows that the usage level of a seat is not determined by miles, it's determined by how many times Dead91silvia has unleashed unholy taco time farts upon them. Mine show some wear... there was some white paint on one of the seats, some really minor discoloration, tiny crack in the rear seat bottom. I don't plan to do anything more intensive than a good cleaning and deeeeeep conditioning to make up for all the years of neglect.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/IMG_3330_zpsbhwqwk8w-1.jpg

[Dead91silvia]

Hey, mine have held up well to Taco Time farts!

Much of the wear is also with how the car was sat in and also how big/heavy the person was. Some how mine with 268K on them are still in excellent condition! Even with Taco Time, Taco, Bell, and now Chipotle farts... ;)

[nepbug]

I've got my (initial) kit assembled, I should get around to this over the next few weekends. I'll check in if I have questions.

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/04/x4mjlef-1.jpg

[Wiscon_Mark]

Nice choice with the DA. I love my Porter Cable.

[nepbug]

Ok, quick question. How should I accomodate 3M clear bra?

[Thomistopheles]

Clear paint protection film can be washed and protected with wax or sealant just like your paint, just be mindful of the edges of the film while working on/around it. It can be cleaned/maintained with Plexus. The film can be clayed to remove bonded contaminants. If it has minor scratches, you can use a Lake Country white foam pad and a fine polish with very little cut to remove them. Use light pressure, barely anything, or you risk burning the film's surface.

[LeggyxPower]

Current da?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Thom has said before he doesn't typically use a DA, but uses a rotary (not for beginners). If you're looking for a recommendation, I like my Porter Cable - it can be had for ~$100ish on sale. The harbor freight ones are quite a bit cheaper, but not for people who want to get great longevity out of them. I believe people also like the Meguiars DA.

Thom - best "easy" product for maintaining leather seats that are in good condition?

Also, you should PM me back :razz:

[LeggyxPower]

unfortunately here is canadian the pc is 170+ and i could import a harbour freight one for 128$

[Wiscon_Mark]

Yikes, that's a lot for a Harbor Freight one that is about $50US on sale.

[LeggyxPower]

Yes it sucks, I think I'll just wait until the pc goes on sale locally here

[Thomistopheles]

Two 7424XPs, a flex 3401, and a harbor freight beater that rides around in my trunk. I've been using DAs a bit more often these days, but my rotaries are king for cutting.

Mark, I like Lexol for leather. Prefer their separate cleaner and conditioner, but the Lexol 3 in 1 would be fine for general maintenance. Meguiars cleaner/conditioner isn't bad either.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Thom - any experience with Lexol's vinyl protectant? The dealership that sold me the Impreza used something on the vinyl/dash/console surfaces that was kinda greasy and I didn't like that much as it attracted dirt and was nasty in the Sun. I just noticed a 3 pack on amazon that's good deal.

[Thomistopheles]

I haven't used any of their non-leather products. I would highly recommend 303 aerospace protectant for your plastic, rubber, and vinyl. Wipe everything down with a dry microfiber to remove excess dressing, cuts down the shine and greasy look/feel.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Great! Thank you. I want this car to look new for a loooong time.

If anyone is wondering about the sudden downsizing of this thread, I removed extraneous posts that were cutting down on actual content (even removed some of my posts :oops: ) so that the burnished specimen of perfection that is Thom's dedication & hard work in this thread is all that remains. Comments are great, but I'd love for this to be one of those threads that gets linked outside of SLi all the time because it's filled with knowledge, not testosterone and boredom. The good jokes, remain. Yay!

[98legwag]

So I bought of pair of these glass microfiber towels.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Uber-Hi-Tech-Glass-Microfiber-Towel_p_588.html

I used them for the first time last night and holy clean windows Batman! Its the cleanest I have ever gotten any window on any car I have had. For my glass cleaner I have Stoners Invisible Glass. The question I have for Thom is, what do I use to clean the towels? DD says to use a microfiber detergent (no bleach or fabric softener), but would it be OK to use dish soap? I use liquid dish soap to wash my microfibers for paint.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I used Collonite 845 wax on the Tribeca today. Wish I'd had time to clay & polish the car first, but it really needed something to protect the clear coat, so I'll likely do that in the fall when the wax wears off.

Metallic Flake (click for full size):

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/chA9L2El-1.jpg (http://imgur.com/chA9L2E)

Mirror finish (Hi, SLi!):

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/O58RIKLl-1.jpg (http://imgur.com/O58RIKL)


Impressions: Very easy to use & buff off, even when done 100% by hand. Finish is very smooth when done. I can only hope it lasts the 4-6 month period it's supposed to as I'm not a huge fan of the time & effort that goes into waxing. The initial results are impressive, though.

[98legwag]

So I bought of pair of these glass microfiber towels.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Uber-Hi-Tech-Glass-Microfiber-Towel_p_588.html

I used them for the first time last night and holy clean windows Batman! Its the cleanest I have ever gotten any window on any car I have had. For my glass cleaner I have Stoners Invisible Glass. The question I have for Thom is, what do I use to clean the towels? DD says to use a microfiber detergent (no bleach or fabric softener), but would it be OK to use dish soap? I use liquid dish soap to wash my microfibers for paint.

I guess Thomistopheles isn't getting emails about this thread again? I could benefit from some of you knowledge good sir.

[Thomistopheles]

I check the thread every few days. I use Micro Restore. If you don't want to get a special detergent just for MF, then something like Woolite will work fine. Dish soaps are perfumed and can leave residue. No heat, no bleach, no softener, avoid perfumes.

[98legwag]

Thank you good sir.

[Wiscon_Mark]

So I used the Lexol stuff on the seats and got quite a bit of grit & dirt off, then conditioned them & wiped the excess with microfiber. I have to say, no greasy feeling and the seats look great.

Then I realized my steering wheel is wrapped leather, too. I wiped it off with the cleaner and this is what the pad looked like (the pad was clean & white prior to this):
https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/06/r7uueF3l-1.jpg (http://imgur.com/r7uueF3)

Yikes!

I cleaned it a few more times to be sure it was actually clean (think about how much dirt & oil from hands goes on a steering wheel) and then conditioned it. The wheel is impressively grippy now and it looks really nice.

Moral of the story is Lexol is good stuff. Very easy to use and effective.

[LeggyxPower]

I did a thing the other day

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2015/07/13e8f06dbdf2917775e828e1df51673e-1.jpg

For the price,lifetime guarantee and power I couldn't go wrong

[Wiscon_Mark]

Hey everyone, just a bit of an update on my Collonite 845. After 6 months of winter & Wisconsin salty roads, this is the condition of my wax after a hard rainfall:

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2016/04/2yJwp7xh-1.jpg (http://imgur.com/2yJwp7x)


I have to say, I'm impressed at how well the wax is lasting. I did notice that the Tribeca's wax is starting to fade on the bottom side of the door - less beading there, but both cars lasted the full six months, quite a few automatic car washes, and thousands of miles. Nice!

[foohfooh]

Hmm. Looks amazing still. Thnxs for the update. I may have to look into it.

[Dead91silvia]

I know it's been asked, but I'm not reading all these pages to fine it... lol

What do I use to get tree sap off?