JoshInTitan
08-23-2007, 08:55 PM
This may be familiar to some of y'all, as I posted the write-up on the other sites a few months back. I figured it may be useful here, so here ya go.
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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 buddy Slurppie, who tested this out on his Titan last year.
http://www.topoftheline.com/menzerna...-care-kit.html
Click on the Menzerna Car Care Kit ($84.95). 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 disappointed!
I just switched to a new laptop so I don't have the pictures I took to go along with the write-up, but I promise the results are worth it!
Feel free to hit me up with any questions... I have tried a lot of stuff out and I will be glad to help anyone!
-----------------
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 buddy Slurppie, who tested this out on his Titan last year.
http://www.topoftheline.com/menzerna...-care-kit.html
Click on the Menzerna Car Care Kit ($84.95). 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 disappointed!
I just switched to a new laptop so I don't have the pictures I took to go along with the write-up, but I promise the results are worth it!
Feel free to hit me up with any questions... I have tried a lot of stuff out and I will be glad to help anyone!