Ask the Detailer

I’m not much help, since we don’t have this “winter” thing I keep hearing about, but @Pudge or @SouthBoundSteve have a little experience in the frozen wastelands.

 

https://goo.gl/images/65eEGu


A little taste of winter in Nj

Thanks you for the reply.

 

That’s some funny shit right there.

 

As far as going to the car wash, I would highly recommend you stay away from any car wash that isn't "touchless", you don't want any brushes in your paint ever, especially in the winter.
I like to use either reload or hydro2 from carpro right before winter. They protect paint for 3-6 months and are easy to use. Any good sealant should work fine though. Then I try to get another coat on in February if I can. I also like to spray the entire underside with fluid film, frame, suspension, anything other than the exhaust. This is very helpful and important to repel that nasty salt brine.

Hey buddy, the powelock came in today. I'm praying for a nice warm day to put in on in the coming weeks. I think I'll get at least one 60ish degree day soon. The stuff looks very promising for me. Thanks!

 

I don’t think it’s funny. I had to eat my dog.

 

Thanks Pudge, much appreciated.

 

Sweet. I look forward to some pics.

 

You can probably coat your truck with 4 cans of fluid film aerosol spray. I ended up getting a gallon and a sprayer for my compressor this year, in the end itll save me money.

And look for a good sealant, don't waste your time with a wax, unless you spend a hundred plus on a wax, It won't last over a month.
And for the love of God keep away from the auto washes, again unless they are 100% touchless.
Search for a waterless wash thread here. I mix up a @SouthBoundSteve special and love it ! Carpro ech2o and reload with hot water and a dozen microfiber towels. Amazing results

 

You should’ve just coated it in syrup. Then you’d have a sweet ride.....

 

We need a maple syrup emoji here lol

 

Luckily I have a new toucheless car 5 minutes from my house and I pay 12.95 a month for unlimited washes. Again thanks for the detailed product info.

 

Not sure what part of NJ you are in, but I'm in the southern half of the state. We get the brine (you see the stripes) on the county roads before each predicted snowfall. As others stated, avoid any car wash that isn't touchless. I'm not a fan of any of them, as they use very acidic wash solutions to break down road grime/film. I bought a SunJoe pressure washer to get the bulk of the nastiness off, but when the temps really drop, I'll head to the coin op if needed. I've actually pre-mixed my own wash solutions and taken it in buckets with me. I have gone to the tunnel wash, but only get the undercarriage wash.

Anyone who has read my posts about sealants knows I'm a fan of McKees HiDef sealant. I put on a fresh coat every November, and it gets me thru the winter. The truck gets a full detail (wash/decon/correction if needed) prior to the winter prep, and that process has served me well.

 

Did a headlight restore with Mcguire's kit. Is their kit protectant good stuff? Is there something else recommended to protect lenses better?

 

I’ve used it with no problems. I’ve heard of people putting CQuartz on them, but that’s expensive. It’d probably last forever though.

 

Looks great! Do just use your body paint wax or a "lense protectant"?

 

How does this this occur. I removed the pinstripes and used good gone to remove the residue. The microfiber towel I used left it’s color on the clear coat. I’m sure I can polish it out but anyone know why this occurred.

 

Luckily I got that in the garage. Anyone think alcohol would be a better option for adhesive removal?

 

Looking at getting my truck detailed after hunting season. What’s a reasonable price to have it washed, waxed, minor scratches removed and clay bar? Any input would be appreciated. And I am NOT doing it myself, too lazy for that! TIA

 

I’m in SC. Does 200 sound reasonable? He does the detailing for my local Toyota dealership, if that means anything.

 

Sounds like micro-marring from the clay process is the least of his worries. If you use the truck for hunting, odds are you're gonna scratch it up again next season, and the one after that, and so on. You only have so much clearcoat to work with, so keep that in mind. Some scratches might already be too deep. I'm a hunter, and I know what the woods can do to a truck. I'd ask this detailer if he has any references as well. No offense to him, but doing cars for a dealership is not often a ringing endorsement.

 

It’s the one I have, but I haven’t really learned to use it. From what I’ve read, it’s not considered one of the best ones, but good for the price point.
I think you can get a Griots one for close to the same price, and they are more highly thought of. @SouthBoundSteve knows those really well. I think he has about 23 of them.

 

I will say the one I have does seem to be well built. Wish I used it more so I could give you a better answer.

 

Definitely better than that. You have to be intentionally trying to mess up your paint with a DA.

 

I am also. I do hope to learn that part more, but it takes patience. I will say I used mine on my brother in law’s entire truck a while back. I was able to improve it some, and more importantly, I didn’t make it worse.