Washing/detailing Truck For Dummies?

[timmerk]

I've never hand washed or detailed my 2008 GMC Sierra before (or any car for that matter). Any advice you guys can give me? I don't even know the steps of doing things. (I know, I know, weak! haha).

 

What about products? I see Mother's and Meguiar's all over. Are they any good? What about all the different product lines from Mother's site? Which should I go with? What should I buy for a good "starter kit"?

 

Thanks!

[700 sportsman]

I usually start with the wheels and tires, I use armor all wheel cleaner, I have hear good about mothers and meguiars also, and westleys bleche white on the tires, even if they are black wall. Then I work on the bugs on the front end, if there's alot, I'll use a little simple green or something. Then just a good wash of the whole thing, then shammie it dry. Then clean tar off (if any) then grab your clay bar and quick detail spray, or you can use some CLEAN soapy water. Clay the entire vehicle. Then your can buff it if you choose, or go to a wax. I used to use rain-x or turtle wax, but I recently switched to Meguiars NXT synthetic wax, I really like the way it goes on and comes off. If it's been a while between waxings or headed into winter I'll wax it twice, wheels included. Then your choice of dressing on the tires, wheel wells, mud flaps, front valance, etc. Then I use either eagle one never-dull, or mothers polish and polish on my tips and running boards.

 

Alot of the choice in product is personal preference, but there are some good products out there to choose from. Also I like to keep a pretty good stash of microfiber towels around too. I have heard good about both mothers and meguiars clay bar kits, I have heard some negative about the ICE clay bar kit though.

 

 

Take a peek at this site too:

http://www.autogeek.net/

http://www.truckmodcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3879

[04JJHD]

mother's clay bar is pretty good. I use armor all wash and wax to wash it. Then I use a shammy with turtle wax-wax as you dry, and it stays clean for up to 2 weeks

[NWI_#73]

I have all kinda of small junk stuck on the bottom of my doors. I washed my truck yesterday and it's still there. Is this something a clay bar will remove?

[RyanbabZ71]

http://www.autogeek.net/detailingtips.html

 

Great site for tips and products.

 

Detailing is a fun hobby

[ryan_hermanutz]

I have all kinda of small junk stuck on the bottom of my doors. I washed my truck yesterday and it's still there. Is this something a clay bar will remove?

 

 

It should if it's in the paint and not under it.

[DEV1ST8R]

mother's clay bar is pretty good. I use armor all wash and wax to wash it. Then I use a shammy with turtle wax-wax as you dry, and it stays clean for up to 2 weeks

What product do you use to "wax as you dry"? A liquid wax?

[dsr611]

What product do you use to "wax as you dry"? A liquid wax?

 

I believe this is what he was referring to...Turtle Wax 1 Step Wax and Dry

 

Turtle Wax 1-Step Wax & Dry

[NWI_#73]

I have all kinda of small junk stuck on the bottom of my doors. I washed my truck yesterday and it's still there. Is this something a clay bar will remove?

 

 

It should if it's in the paint and not under it.

 

 

Might be a stupid question but how would it be UNDER the paint? It's an 08 that was never repainted?

[chakis24]

i was thnking about this too, i usually just give it a wash, but ive got a bunch of small, faint scratches that i wouldnt mind trying to get rid of...but i dont know a thing about waxing. the buffing part has always made me nervous too.

[brandon_guzzo]

I have all kinda of small junk stuck on the bottom of my doors. I washed my truck yesterday and it's still there. Is this something a clay bar will remove?

 

 

It should if it's in the paint and not under it.

 

 

Might be a stupid question but how would it be UNDER the paint? It's an 08 that was never repainted?

 

 

It is possible to have some particles under the paint from factory its not perfect my truck has a tiny hair like thing under the paint and again it has not been repainted since ive owned it since new. P.S there are NO stupid questions

[NWI_#73]

The crap is definitely not under the paint it's just really stuck on the paint where a regular wash doesn't get rid of it.

[700 sportsman]

If it's tar, kerosene works well, but a clay bar should get rid of most any surface contaminents

[takevin]

bug and tar remover too

[cghbuilder86]

If it's your first time you'll probably decide it's too much trouble just to see it get dirty again in a few days...haha But believe me, it is addicting! The more you detail the quicker and easier it gets. And you'll love the way it looks. A car wash can't hold a candle to the way it looks when done by hand. And I have yet to see anybody make my truck look as good as I do. I don't use any soap when washing the body. Just super soft sponge. I start by cleaning the tires. I use simple green on those. I always use the turtle wax, wax and dry stuff. You just spray it on after washing while the truck is still wet and dry it off with a super soft cloth. I use it every time I wash. It just gives it an extra shine and slick feel. If you use any other wax be sure it is not abrasive. Most clear coats these days are too thin. And if you use an abrasive wax for enough years you won't have a clear coat left! Don't ask how I know this... The wax and dry is really more like a polish than a wax. Thats why it's best to use it every time.

After finishing with the body. I clean the inside real good. Armor All or Meguires plastic/vinyl stuff. Armor All glass wipes on the glass. I finish up with a very, very thin coat of silicone grease worked into my weatherstripping. Just to keep it healthy and conditioned. Oh and Migures leather conditioner if you have leather seats. It's non greasy and smells great!