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Detail and clay bar write up

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by tex, May 25, 2009.

  1. May 25, 2009 at 8:07 PM
    #1
    tex

    tex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Fort Worth, TX
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    2006 V8 Sport 4Runner
    So I have had plans to clay bar my truck for about a week now. Thought I would do a write up for those wanting to do the same.
    The items that I used.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Step 1 cleaning the engine.
    I sprayed Simple Green everywhere. Let is soak for a few minutes and rinse off with a gentle stream of water. Be careful around the alternator and other electrical plugs. I have never had a problem but I don't drench them with water. Once that is done leave it wet and close the hood.
    Step 2 the wheels and tires.
    Simple Green again. I spray on 2 wheels and tires at a time. Use a designated wet sponge and scrub the wheels and tires and rinse off.
    Step 3 washing the truck.
    Most of know how to do this. Wet truck and clean the paint. I use a micro fiber mitt and it works so much better than a traditional sponge. Next you will want to dry it with a real or synthetic shamoi.
    Step 4 clay bar.
    I used the Mothers clay bar kit since it came with 2 bars and a microfiber towel for $1 less than the Meguires kit. MAKE SURE THE TRUCK IS NOT IN SUNLIGHT for this. I started on the driver’s side front quarter panel and worked my way around. Start by spraying half of the quarter panel with the detailing spray that came in the kit. Then run the clay over the area you have sprayed. Wipe off the area with a clean microfiber towel. Now repeat this till the whole truck is smooth as glass. You will have to kneed the bar to make the surface clean a few times during the process.
    Step 5 waxing.
    I choose the Meguires Carnauba liquid wax. I did not want to use a cleaning wax since the paint will already be very smooth and I did not have any swirl marks to contend with. MAKE SURE THE TRUCK IS NOT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. I used a microfiber applicator pad to apply the wax. Start by wetting the pad and wring out excess water. Apply a small amount of wax to pad and start making small swirls on the paint. Most of us are know how to wax our trucks. Cover the entire paint of the truck with wax and buff off with microfiber towels.
    Step 6 finishing up the engine.
    I used a SMALL amount of the tire foam and dusted the engine bay with it. I used blue paper shop towels to wipe everything down. The engine bay will still be a little wet when you start.
    Step 7 finishing wheels and tires
    Spray the tires with tire foam and try to keep it off the wheels. I then use blue paper shop towels again along with a little glass cleaner to wipe off the wheels.
    Step 7 making the finish look real good.
    This step is optional but I think it make the paint stand out a little more. Go back over the paint with the detailing spray and a clean microfiber towel.
    Here are a few pics of the finished product.

    Not directly before but it is a before pic

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I didn't notice the flag in this pic till after I put it on the computer and thought I would share since it is a patriotic day.
    [​IMG]
     
  2. May 25, 2009 at 8:11 PM
    #2
    Rippin101

    Rippin101 Well-Known Member

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    Jax Beach, FL
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    2014 TRD Sport 4x4
    -Nitto G2 265/70/17 -Level 8 MK6 Wheels -Katzkin Leather Black on Black -BHLM -Weathertech -Extang Solid Fold -Bedlight LEDs -TRD Skid
    Great job! :thumbsup:
     
  3. May 25, 2009 at 8:16 PM
    #3
    Simon2150

    Simon2150 Well-Known Member

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    Nice, now go get it dirty again, lol...
     
  4. May 25, 2009 at 8:19 PM
    #4
    petersharp

    petersharp Well-Known Member

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    Do you need to ask?! It's up there ^
    Louisville, CO
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    Ex DC LB Sport owner.
    Where's the pic with 10 empty cans on the floor?!
     
  5. May 25, 2009 at 8:23 PM
    #5
    DanGer

    DanGer Avatar approved by 98tacomav6

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    Northern Virginia & Blacksburg
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    White Head Light mod, White shorty antennae, Doug Thorley Long Tube headers, AFE Drop in air filter, Secondary Air Filter Removed,
    amongs many other things i learned from this post, i learned how to spell "shamoi". Just never seen it spelled out before
     
  6. May 25, 2009 at 8:33 PM
    #6
    tex

    tex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    that may not be how its spelled but people seem to know what it is.
     
  7. May 25, 2009 at 8:34 PM
    #7
    DanGer

    DanGer Avatar approved by 98tacomav6

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    White Head Light mod, White shorty antennae, Doug Thorley Long Tube headers, AFE Drop in air filter, Secondary Air Filter Removed,
    works for me, great write up!
     
  8. May 25, 2009 at 9:18 PM
    #8
    tacoholic

    tacoholic Well-Known Member

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    Nice job! Beer well done! I mean job, not beer...:p :cheers:
     
  9. May 25, 2009 at 10:05 PM
    #9
    Lentsnh

    Lentsnh Well-Known Member

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    None yet- Future: HIDs, Tinted tails, LED interior lights,
    Why does it seem that your mudflaps are smaller than other peoples
     
  10. May 26, 2009 at 6:59 AM
    #10
    tex

    tex [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I took about 2 1/2 inches off each one. I was going to leave them off but they really help protect the paint. It was really easy to do and I think there is a write on here somewhere.
     
  11. May 26, 2009 at 7:09 AM
    #11
    wbhvacer

    wbhvacer Well-Known Member

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    noticed you have the famous brake and clutch combined reservoir. also great write up!!
     
  12. May 26, 2009 at 7:11 AM
    #12
    harshest

    harshest I am the Sofa King

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    Fog Light On, Hidden Garage Door Opener, Scanguage II, Weathertech Liners, Cig lighter always on, Door buzzer removed from dash- Upcoming: 5100s for front and rear, set fronts to 2.5" and Toytec AALs.
    Nice looking truck! Claying your vehicle is probably one of the best things you can do.
     
  13. May 26, 2009 at 7:19 AM
    #13
    fletch aka

    fletch aka www.BeLikeBrit.org

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    TRD cat back exhaust, TRD Cold Air Intake, differential breather mod' Hellwig rear sway bar, 16x8 TRD Ivan Stewart's, Michelin LTX A/T2, DTRL Stealth Mode Mod, custom "Texas Edition" shift knob, Sock's "Classic" bedside decals, MetalMiller custom grill emblem, 20% front tinted windows, tinted taillights, Viper alarm, ScanGauge II, Flyzeye Designs V2W Tacoma Interior LED lighting, de-mud flapped, de-badged, extra D-rings under bed bolts, WeatherTech ED floor mats, G4 Elite Fold a Cover ,Toyota bed mat, tailgate theft deterrent device and absolutely no plasti-dip!
    Nice write up, you left off how and when to drink the beer. :D
     
  14. May 26, 2009 at 7:29 AM
    #14
    raskal311

    raskal311 Well-Known Member

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    5100 set to max, pending LSD and TRD CAI
    What removes small cratches better clay bar or buff?
     
  15. May 26, 2009 at 7:39 AM
    #15
    mws4ua

    mws4ua I'll try being nicer if you try being smarter.

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    Clay bar doesn't remove scratches. Just dirt.
     
  16. May 26, 2009 at 7:41 AM
    #16
    mws4ua

    mws4ua I'll try being nicer if you try being smarter.

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    I bought the exact same clay bar kit at Walmart on Friday (then used this weekend). The package was opened, but the clay bar was still in the original wrapping and the spray bottle and sample of wax was still inside.

    Not until I read your post did I realize I was supposed to have TWO clay bars! DAMMIT!
     
  17. May 26, 2009 at 7:42 AM
    #17
    Snyperx

    Snyperx Seniore Marcos

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    ACK!!!! You use Armor All!?!?! I use to use AA products, but now use all Meguiar's. Great products!!
     
  18. May 26, 2009 at 7:46 AM
    #18
    Snyperx

    Snyperx Seniore Marcos

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    Either rubbing compound or a polishing compound depending on the scratch. If it is deep into the clearcoat you probably won't be able to remove it with either. You need to be careful with rubbing compound since it can remove clearcoat and paint. Rubbing compound is basically like a paste form of super fine sandpaper. You usually use the rubbing compound first then follow up with the polishing compound and then wax/sealer.

    NOTE: When using rubbing compound it will more than likely dull the paint where you applied it. Following up with a polishing compound then a wax should restore the shine.

    http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,4,23

    http://www.turtlewax.com/main.taf?p=2,1,4,22
     
  19. May 26, 2009 at 8:05 PM
    #19
    Inundated

    Inundated Well-Known Member

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    It's amazing how much crap is on this truck when delivered. I was a bit shocked after feeling the hood & fenders, even more so, on the roof. :eek:

    I spent yesterday afternoon with a clay bar on mine, followed up with some Zaino and I'm feeling much better about things now :D

    *I'm no Zaino zealot, I just wanted to polish off my supply. One of my neighbor sells Adam's products and I'm a real believer. Their quick detailer is tops.
     
  20. May 31, 2009 at 2:05 PM
    #20
    Blue Tango

    Blue Tango Well-Known Member

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    Westin Bull Bar
    My truck just got its first clay at 52,000 miles, it's an 06. The roof was by far the worst part but now it's smooth as glass. I also use Zaino though the first shipment of my new Adam's products have arrived.

    I also don't like armor all. I switched away from their car wash a few months ago and changed to Stoners Invisible Glass for the windows a couple weeks ago, that stuff is awesome.
     

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