New Truck - Finish Recommendations

[flagator84]

I have a brand new 2004 White Screw and would like to keep the finish looking good for years to come. I alos live in the Florida sun, but the truck is garage kept. Can some of you experienced detailers please recommend a system that is effective and efficient? Looking at other discussions, it seems the Mequiars system may be a good choice? I am planning on placing an order somewhere, so please let me know what items I should order. Everything from the towels to the wheel cleaner. I don't mind paying the price for quality stuff. This may be asking a lot, but this seems like a helpful place. Thanks!

[jonw351M]

For washing I like Sonus car shampoo. It has great cleaning power BUT very safe for even the softest Caruaba waxes. Get a "sheepskin" wash mit. NO sponges. For drying I like Sonus Der Wunder drying towel. For wax Klasse All in one and Klasse Selant glaze. I use Sonus buffing towels. For trim protection I like 1z Vinyl/rubber care. For quick detailing. 1z "Lackfinish. Autopia has great "kits" they have a Sonus wah kit wax kit and interior kit. Heres the link.
Autopia Detailing Supplies
I would have given each product a link but I have to run to the mall with the Wife. I can post the links later this afternoon if you want.
Jon

[jonw351M]

Ok Im back.
For washing I would recommend Performance Wash Kit
You ger wash mitt, drying towel (GREAT product! I use one),Wash shampoo (never tried but might suggest adding Sonus gloss shampoo), water blade (another great product!),insect sponge.

For "paint cleaning I would recommend SOnus Perfect Paint finish kit

For paint polishing (by hand) I recommend 1Z1Z Paint Polish
For paint protection either go synthetic go with Klasse for traditional wax P21S or 1Z.
Hope this has helped. Autopia is THE best place. I have bought OVER $1200 in detailing supplies over the last two years. (Whoops hope my Wife doesnt read this)
ANY questions Please ask!
Jon

[NorthPac]

Well cars now days last up to 8 years so protecting the paint to last as long is a wise choice.
New cars should be soft clayed (claying removes contamination from the paint such as brake dust and much more. Claying will make your paint last longer

How-To Clean Your Paint with Clay
http://www.bettercarcare.com/articles.php?articleId=14

Paint should be polished /w cleaner every year to keep it looking good
two coats of sealer or wax. Sealers last longer then waxes but wax looks better.
washing your paint rinse real good to remove the grit from your paint first, use a good car soap that acts as a lubricant and a good mitt
remove bird dropping asap because bird droppings will ech paint's clear coat
Here is a few but there is a lot more to learn

[charlesh]

Mequiars seems to be the best value for the dollar. I use the NXT wax and it goes a long way, is easy to apply, has a good shine and seems to last. I also use one of those detailer spray waxes that one can finish off the truck after each wash. That seems to add a nice layer of extra protection but not sure it does much for the shine.

It seems like the most important point is to wash and wax on a regular basis. When washing use the least harsh car wash product. You don't want to remove any of the wax. Some have mentioned that if their vehicle is just mildly dirty, they only use water. Myself, I use just a small capful of the car wash to avoid any chance of removing wax with the dirt.

You may also want to remove the spray nozzle after you are finished washing and then let a stream of water run over the truck. This will tend to let the water run off without leaving many water beads and the resulting water spots. A nice trick. Follow up with the spray wax bit and you are all set.

[gdavis]

I use all of the Meguires line of products. I am very pleased with the results. I put the wax on by hand and use an orbital buffer to buff it in. Just traded in a 93 van for my 03 Screw and the van's paint still had a high gloss to it. I use the Meguires two step system and the leather care for the interior.

[DeckedoutF150]

i ahve talked to a couple detailers around here that have been in the bussiness for a long time and they told me that if you want you wax job to last a long time to use johnson and johnson no tears baby shampoo. it does not contain an acid that will eat the wax off. if you use regular car was plan on having to wax it about every 3rd or 4th wash. meguires has some new wax out called NXT and its really good stuff. when you wax it apply the wax with a wet cloth then carry a dry one with you and if you get any wax on the textured plastic go over it right after with the dry cloth and it will nlot leave white stuff on it.

[fnx4wheeler]

I've used Liquid Luster for 14 years on various vehicles and I love it. I've been reading about this "clay" product and wonder if liquid luster doesn't accomplish the same thing. After I wax my truck the paint feels silky slick. If u have a decent slope on your hood, the bottle will slide right off it when ur done waxing. Not to sound like a comercial, but my friend actually put about a 2" dot of spray paint on his hood (let it dry) and this wax took it right off. I've had excellent results with tar removal too. U can find it on the internet and I've bought it at the Arizona State Fair.

Hope this helps,
Fnx4wheeler

[DeckedoutF150]

Originally Posted by fnx4wheeler

I've used Liquid Luster for 14 years on various vehicles and I love it. I've been reading about this "clay" product and wonder if liquid luster doesn't accomplish the same thing. After I wax my truck the paint feels silky slick. If u have a decent slope on your hood, the bottle will slide right off it when ur done waxing. Not to sound like a comercial, but my friend actually put about a 2" dot of spray paint on his hood (let it dry) and this wax took it right off. I've had excellent results with tar removal too. U can find it on the internet and I've bought it at the Arizona State Fair.

Hope this helps,
Fnx4wheeler

liquid luster is great stuff. use to use it at a car dealer i worked at. after i left there i could never find it and went to using meguiers stuff. they have a great product but it dont take things off like the liquid luster. where can i get it off the inter net??

[fnx4wheeler]

u can find Liquid Lustre at www.vermontcountrystore.com I think it's $12.95 for 16oz. I usually just order two at a time. I also saw it on ebay when I looked it up on the search engine.

good luck
fnx4wheeler

[DeckedoutF150]

cool, thanks for the info.