*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Hi everyone, so I need new tires and really wanted new rims/wheels as well, but can't afford it. So I'm gonna paint my stock steel ones flat black with a clear coat over it. What can I use to protect the paint from winter conditions ?

 

So if I've been using armor all in the past, is it too late to switch products?

I think I will get that "starter kit" bundle for around $40 I think it was.

 

It is never too late to switch to 303 Devin.

 

Okay, did you see this suggestion?

What do you think? I have never heard of 303 and am unsure of how expensive it is but this looks like a good deal to me. Opinions appreciated

 

303 is great on any surface that doesn't get rained on. I use it some on interior. I skip the exterior with it cause rain will wash it off. Exterior I use Adam's Super VRT.

 

So much information and differing opinion

 

I use megs interior dash protectant, the white liquid like armor all, can't remember the name.. So that's bad for the vinyl leather etc

 

Are you suggesting megs or saying its bad?

 

No, I'm asking if the one I am using bad for the interior? 303 a lot better?

 

Of the products in the Megs bundle I use Scratch X, applicator pad, and the car wash.

Talk to 5 different detailers and you will get 5 opinions none of which are wrong.

I agree with Mike Phillips, "Find a product you like and use it often".

I use 303 on my truck bed cover, all rubber seals on the interior, and on rubber and plastic parts under the hood of the vehicle. I use a different product for interior plastic and tire shine.

One of the problems I identified early on is the cost of trying something new because of the hype, that can get expensive fast. If you are looking for a product to help you clean or protect a part of your vehicle you have to try products until you find one you like. Once you find that product just stop looking for a product to replace it. If that makes sense.

Boutique products cost more and are not for everyone. Most of the guys looking for help in this thread are looking for budget items that do the job. Recommending a $65 to $100 tin of wax will do them no good as they will not pay the price. But a $20 tin of wax is certainly affordable. I usually recommend Mothers because I used the product line for 10 to 15 years with great results. The Mothers carnauba paste wax will last 4 to 6 weeks on a daily driver. Megs Gold Class will get you 4 weeks but the Mothers, to me, has a deeper glossier shine.

When you get into boutique products most will last 2 to 3 months but the shine is deeper, glossier, and has a wet look. Some of the hybrid products, carnauba plus a synthetic wax, will last an honest 6 months with a deep wet shine. But the cost is a lot more for the shine and durability.

I would rather see a TW member use Gold Class than nothing at all. At least that member is taking action to ensure the paint will look better for a longer time on the Tacoma.

 

I have been impressed with the 303. I was an Armor All guy before.

 

I use 303 and it's fine on the dash - on my bed cover it's good until it rains an then looks like shite. Any suggestions from those with successful experience appreciated. Thanks.

 

I spray some on the cover and some on a folded over utility microfiber towel. I work it into the cover using a circular motion. I do this twice wiping off any excess 303 and let it dry in the sun. The second pass helps to mask the circular patterns on the cover. When it dries the color should be uniform on the entire cover. I usually do the application every other wash.

 

Gave my dad the duty of loading the fishing gear in the truck and he ended up taking a chunk out of my tailgate with one of the fishing buckets (just above the handle). It's not that long but it looks pretty deep. Is this something that I can buff out? Any ideas?

 

You might want to fry scratch X with a foam applicator pad. Do not be afraid to use your body weight on the pad when working the scratch X

 

Thanks for the reply. I'll try your technique. I've tried a few different ways - non worked. Hope I can duplicate your success. Thanks again for your help.

 

That is my experience. I'm going to try this from 95sle - if it doesn't work I'll look into Adam's Super VRT. I already have 303 so Adam's Super VRT will be a added expense. Thanks.

"I spray some on the cover and some on a folded over utility microfiber towel. I work it into the cover using a circular motion. I do this twice wiping off any excess 303 and let it dry in the sun. The second pass helps to mask the circular patterns on the cover. When it dries the color should be uniform on the entire cover. I usually do the application every other wash. "

 

I must also add that I do keep the Tacoma in a garage so it is not outside all the time.

 

I need to organize my stuff so I can be like you and keep the Tacoma in a garage so it is not outside all the time. Nah - that's not happening.

 

There is a lot to be said for pulling into the garage when it is raining, getting out and walking into the house dry.