*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

for the wheel weights, ask them to use the stick on weights, most places won't charge you any extra

 

Post pics of said rims. Are the pitted? Most aluminum rims have a clear coat on them which will get a white milky color.

I have had luck with a power ball and an agressive paint polish.

The best way to avoid the problem is a set of winter rims. They are worth the price of a 15 to 20 hour polish session on the messed up rims.

Once you have the rims back to where you want them seal them up with a sealant then a coat or two of Wheel Wax.

 

We had a 50deg day here in NE last week and did a wash and quick detailer as mentioned. Came out great!

Only thing I noticed was little black tar dots on the bottom, what is the best way to get rid of them, even washing them doesn't take them off. next spring when I clay and seal again is there a special compound I need to use to get rid of them like the swirl or color stuff?

I don't have a buffer and do it all by hand right now.

 

The claybar should remove the tar dots on the rocker panels. Do the entire truck first then do the rocker panels last.

 

I did the clay in the fall, it didn't get all the black spots. Should I have pressed harder with the clay?

 

Try Stoners Tarminator spray. Those dots will melt away. Make sure to wax afterwards.

 

I would not press harder with the clay. Try the Stoners or kerosene. Wash well after use and wax.

 

I searched, but couldn't find this topic (probably missed it). What's the recommended product to use on the dash to protect from fading?

 

303 Aerospace Protectant will do the job.

 

On my way to find 303 aerospace protectant. Not happy with Maguiars gold class protectant. Ive been using for years smooth surface clay kit&liquid glass.The 07 looks better then new.Thanks for the info..

 

I alos lke this a lot as well.

I usually use it on my interior trim. I use the 303 no my bed cover and rubber seals.

303 also does an outstanding job on interior trim.

 

what the best product for removing scratches??? light medium and deep???
is 3m scratch remover any good??? im using nu finish scratch remover right now.

 

Nu Finish save your money. If you are going to attempt the removal by hand Megs Scratch X will work the best but it will take a long time and a lot of elbow grease.

Best to take it to a pro detailer or invest in a decent random orbital buffer and quality polishes.

 

why???

 

Because scratches are almost impossible to remove without the proper tools.

I do not think that most on this board have the $250 to $300 to invest for the proper buffer, backing plate, pads, polishes, and wax to remove a true scratch.

Swirl marks are different than scratches.

 

yeah, but i can invest in some so any suggestions to get rid of scratches???

 

Post a pic of the scratches.

 

ok, hopefully tomorrow.

 

What is a good brand buffer?
We are looking for a decent, not professional, but not cheap either to use on our trucks and a 30ft toy hauler a couple times a year.

 

Do not waste your money on a inexpensive buffer that does not work well.

For a starter I would recommend this one. Backing plate is included which is a plus. I would also wait on a sale or a free shipping offer.

You will need pads for the polish. I would start off with 1 white, 2 orange, and 1 yellow pad. If you are going to use the buffer to apply a wax or sealant than pick up a red pad. If you are looking to have high mirror type finish then I would pick up a blue pad to apply a final low cut polish.

Then there are polishes. I personally like the Menzerna polishes but a lot of detailers like the megs 105, 205 punch.

This is the final polish that will give you very clean and bright finish. Use this with a blue pad.

Here is a link to the Megs polish combo.

This will get your Tacoma looking great. You will still need a sealant and or a wax.

This wax is a htbread abd will do a great job as well as last for 6 months with 2 applied coats.


Well you did ask. LOL