Ask the Detailer

Welcome back. Still using Iron X, but Shine Supply Smooth Move works about as well and smells better.

 

Yeah the stuff just works. I am always up to try new things though. Maybe I should just order a gallon

 

I've been trying to gather the items that were mentioned to me for keeping my exterior clean and I wanted to see if there was a go to set of products for the interior? I've used 303 before and really like it but if someone knows of something better I'd be open to try it.

 

I use Nextzett cockpit premium. It cleans and protects and leaves no shine. Are you looking for a shine?

every once in a while I’ll hit everything with some In and Out but it’s expensive and not necessary

 

No shine just want to clean and protect the plastic. Black plastic in black cars in AZ heat I want to do everything I can to keep it looking good.

 

Although I always have an eye out for something new I think 303 is one of the better products out there. No shine, doesn't attract dust, protects VERY well. It's been around a long time and has a great reputation.

Having said that, I'm a product of the 70's where we used Armor All by the gallons. Spayed that crap on EVERYTHING!

Times do change.

 

I like Clean N Shine from Shine Supply when I want to leave a little pop to the interior. When I’m just cleaning, I generally just use Eco Shine or ONR.

 

The Iron X snow foam that I tried is not as strong as the Iron X spray. I tested this by spraying Iron X after foaming and it would still react after applying the foam. On it's own it is also more aggressive than Reset and will remove a lot of the spray on waxes and sealants.

 

Replace or sand and paint or sand and wrap

 

You can peel it off. Lots of people prefer the look without it. It's painted underneath. If you don't like it without it, you can get replacements from Toyota.

 

I'm not certain on that. Mine are still intact. I just know that others have removed them. I think @RainMan_PNW removed his?

 

There will be a huge difference between pulling that stuff off on a 2014 and a 2021. If Casey did pull his off it was probably pretty easy. The 2014 will be a mission I’m guessing especially if it is already failing. I’m thinking a 3m adhesive wheel may be needed and that takes a special touch so you don’t mess up the paint but if your re wrapping it won’t matter to much.

 

+1 to 3M Wheel for adhesive removal. Make sure you keep the wheel very clean from abrasives and you won't jack up the paint. I've used these aggressively without any marring but as always with any paint work test a small area first before going all brute with it.

 

Start with a hair dryer on hot and a fingernail. If you open the door and look on the inside edge at the top, you'll see how it just barely wraps around and then stops. You can get your fingernail under it with some heat to soften it and it will start to pick off. Go slow and be patient. Yes, I'm sure peeling it off after 30 days is going to be easier than after 6-7 years, but I'd at least give that a try first before resorting to any sort of wheels. It's a lot of surface area, but if you keep it warm it comes off pretty easy. Hardest part was along the bottom corner where the lower window trim extends across. I had no residue left behind, and it is fully painted underneath. It is just vinyl wrap - nothing like the 3M foam tape they hold the emblems on...

As for how it looks - you may have some color difference from 6-7 years of paint fade on the rest of the vehicle compared to behind that vinyl. Once you get it off, the only way to get it back is to buy new and get it applied.

 

Anyone every use this stuff? Seems like a gimmick :

https://psdetailproducts.com/i-17540305-crystal-wash.html

 

Welp, some bad news. My Griot's G9 locking mechanism took a dump again. This will be the third unit replaced in about a year of pretty continuous use. For the folks looking for a machine, I highly suggest it regardless. Lifetime warranty so that's a plus, however my uses for it far exceed the weekend warrior machine that this was designed for. I'm stepping up to a Flex 3401. Will still be using the G9 for the smaller areas.

 

I wouldn’t worry too much. Use the tips given above. I’d suggest trying Goo Gone before an eraser wheel. Those work great but it does have a possibility of marring the paint if you’re not careful.

Worst that can happen is you have to get replacement vinyl and put it on.

 

Just ordered a G9. Sounds like it will still work well for my limited use.

 

I ordered Griots, but in the mean time I came across the Jay Leno’s garage stuff. Soap was awesome, and the Polymer...came out better than my old stuff. Thanks @War Machine

 

Never heard of it

 

I like their soap.....if you have a Pep Boys nearby......they have it for 5.90 online only.....order it online and pick up in the store

 

Excellent machine.....lifetime guarantee and plenty of power

 

Some big coin there. Let us know what you think of the Flex

 

Yeah I think your beyond a G9 at this point. I think you work harder then most machines out there. G9 is great but Flex should kill it for you.

 

Yeah it's pricey but I've got quite a few corrections lined up already this Spring. Should pay for itself fairly quickly.

 

Yeah the G9 really is a great machine and is great for 99% of your hobbyists. I would still recommend it to anyone. That lifetime warranty is clutch hah.

 

It is. Hands down for anyone wanting to take care of personal vehicles and stretching to friends and family it is perfect. Commercial guys don’t have as much time to have machines down so hopefully stepping up helps that.

 

Exactly. Luckily I have the rotary and can whip that out to finish jobs. But I'll hang onto the G9 as a backup in case the Flex fails.

 

Sounds perfect that’s a damn nice backup if needed.

 

Just throwing this out there, but Shine Supply carries Rupes, and our 10% discount does apply to them. I don’t know how Rupes and the Flex compare, but just wanted to make you aware in case they’re comparable.