Finally gave it the detail it needed

[Scott P]

I bought my new truck on 11/19 but finally had the time and weather conditions to give it the detail it needed. Between a few hours on the weekend and a couple hours more a few days later, it is good to go.

 

I washed and dried it. I can see whey people buy those scary brushes on a pole to wash these trucks, they are big. I followed up with a much needed rub down with some clay. The vertical surfaces weren't too bad, but the flat surfaces were terrible. It didn't take much, but there was a lot of contamination on the paint. You could feel and actually hear the clay working.

 

The paint was in great shape with no dealer installed swirls, so I went to Poorboy's Polish with Sealant, an all in one that cleans, polishes and seals in one step. I added two coats of a Poorboy's pure sealant, EX-P on top in consecutive 24 hour intervals to allow for curing. The step bars got some Optimum Metal Polish for shine and protection. The tires got some old Four Star tire gel I have sitting around. The wheels got a couple coats of Poorboy's Wheel Sealant to help keep the brake dust off. I do plan on getting a coating for the glass, probably Optimum Glass Coating, to help with water beading.

 

I even took it off-road to get a few pictures.

 

The clay after just the hood:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MTB]

SWEET! My truck is running up on a years ownership and a clay bar is in it's future. Having grown up in the car industry a clean well detailed car is one of those OCD things can drive me crazy over time. As a teenager my cars and truck were always ready for sale... Now not so much. I have a couple of weeks off at Christmas and I plan to detail mine at the time.

[TJay74]

Looks nice.

 

I am still OCD about our cars to this day. I clay both of ours twice a year and keep wax or a sealant on them about every 3 months.

[DCazares]

What bed cover is that? Sharp looking truck!

[Scott P]

What bed cover is that? Sharp looking truck!

 

It's a BakFlip Fibermax.

[Newm]

Looks good. I really kinda enjoy detailing vehicles still. It's kind of a zen like relaxation thing for me....just zone out and get it done.

[bladz1454]

I Clay barred and Iron-X'd my truck the 2nd day I had it... At the minimum you're suppose to clay bar your new vehicle before its first wax because you have no idea how much contamination from sitting around or iron from transportation has embedded into the paint. Washing and waxing your new vehicle without clay barring iS asking for swirl marks.

 

*Btw, the CRAP that came off my brand new truck was ridiculous. So much so, I had to go to the dealer and made them professionally remove the rail dust before I clay barred again.

[Knepp1bj]

I have never used the clay bar, never seen it done...would really like to see that done before I attempt to do my own.

[Retired Bob]

Do a google search - lots of you-tube videos on the process.

 

Read:

http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/Clay-Bar/

for a starter.

 

And search for using a 'sealer' vs 'wax' after claying.

[Rewillia]

I have never used the clay bar, never seen it done...would really like to see that done before I attempt to do my own.

 

Easy as Pie! As suggested read the guide as R-Bob referred you to.

 

I do my vehicles twice annually,

[Scott P]

Claying is wicked easy and really makes the paint smooth resulting in a better feeling and looking end result. It removes bonded surface contaminants such as fallout, overspray, light sap and other things that are sitting on top of the clearcoat. Think of it as an eraser. Wash and dry the car, apply plenty of clay lube an work the clay back and forth. You will feel and possibly hear the surface get smoother. Wipe the area dry with a microfiber towel and move on. Be sure to stretch and fold the clay often to expose a new and clean surface. If you drop it on the ground, throw it away. You won't be able to pick out the dirt it picks up and if you use the bar again, you are just asking to put scratches in the paint you are trying to clean. I break the bar into a couple pieces just in case I drop it so I have a backup.

[diannabill]

 

It's a BakFlip Fibermax.

I got the Fibermax also - I'm very happy with it.

[Klutch]

I was tipped off to the ol' clay bar years ago by a body shop manager of a massive Ford dealership to remove paint overspray off a Harley I'd just bought and didn't see until later. One of the best tips I've ever got, these should be sitting on display by the register at every auto parts store.

[RyanbabZ71]

There are many better newer options other than the traditional claybar. They work much better too

 

 

Ryan

[Klutch]

There are many better newer options other than the traditional claybar. They work much better too

 

 

Ryan

Care to share? I'm getting old but not set in my ways.