*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

For the glass use 0000 steel wool and any window cleaner . Clay bar on the paint .

 

0000 steel wool and any glass cleaner !

 

Yeah, I wasn't very happy when I picked it up and saw that they just ran a DA over the whole thing. The whole truck is going to get ceramic coated soon so I might just pull them and replace after

 

Wait... a prodetailer did that?

 

Pro would be a bit of a stretch. A guy I went to school with who has taken up detailing as a side gig did it. Lesson learned.

 

Feel your pain... we moved from CA to FL, started new jobs, bought a house and had our first child!!!! The tacoma and wife's car went a while without much love. Glad I clayed and sealed them before I moved, otherwise that FL summer sun would have done some serious damage.

 

When you guys do your detail have you ever removed the plastic trim off the bed rails?

I noticed this past time washing my truck there was quite a bit of nasty dirt under mine. I'm wondering if next year when I do my detail I need to pop them off and wash under them.

 

I also have some dirt under the plastic bed rails but trying to get off the rails without breaking the plastic clips is an obstacle in doing so that I don't want to risk and having to buy new rails, I try to lift up the rail and blow out the dirt under there the best I can but always seems to streak dirt anyways, mines super white and those streaks really look bad after busting my butt detailing and washing it.

 

It would probably be a good idea. I have just enough play in my top caps that the water pressure dislodges any built up dirt without removing them.

 

My concern is rust.

I’m not sure if you guys have pulled back your mud flaps but the friction between the plastic and paint have pretty much worn the paint off. I’m worried if there is worn paint under the rails Shoving water up there might be no bueno.

I have white too and it streaks all the time.

 

I even get some of the same dirt streaks from my back side windows on my access cab part of the truck for some reason even after sudsing and rinsing numerous times, super white streaks again.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/plastic-bed-rail-cap-removal.293100/ https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kbvoodoo-side-rail-caps-installation-write-up-pic-heavy.372647/

 

Any suggestions on door sealant conditioners for winter? I've researched and found that regular silicone supposedly does the trick, then I found the 303 product with mixed reviews some claiming there is now squeaking from the doors on any inclination or broken pavement after application.
Thanks in advance!!

 

I picked up a tube of Sil-Glyde from a cheap auto store down the road. The engine bay seals aren’t sticking to the hood like they used to, so I’m hopeful for this winter with the door seals. Here’s the Amazon link, but you can find it cheaper in stores:

“AGS SG8 Lubricant”

$14 AGS Automotive Solutions SIL-Glyde Multi-Purpose All-Weather Lubricating Compound for All Surfaces - 8 oz Tube, Versitle Multi-Purpose Lubrication, All Weather, Auto, Home, Farm and Shop

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KXLR5E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sk6WBb5VQ7V2E






Is this the 303 protectant that you found, or were you looking at the regular 303 Aerospace protectant?

“303 Rubber Seal Protectant and Conditioner for Weather Seals - 3.4 fl. oz.”

$9 303 Products 30324 Rubber Seal Protectant - 3.4 oz.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T44D1R2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zo6WBbADM5WFD

 

Thanks for the links much appreciated!
and the negative squeeky reviews were after applying the one you posted above

 

I’ve never experienced it myself, but I can see where a softened rubber seal would squeak against an unwaxed surface. Or, the seal is so old that it slides instead of flexes.

I would clean off the seals with some mild soapy water before applying either of those products. Then clean and wax the mating surfaces/door jambs (spray wax works), and you should be good to go

 

I haven't a lot fo discussion on engine bay cleaning after offroading in the mud. Anyone with suggestions? Ive seen youtube videos, some using a shower hose with engine off, some with engine on. then degreaser like INOX, then just wipe down, and let dry. No consistent advice or tutorial except one, no high pressure hose because of the concern with electrical wire components/connectors.

 

Just hose it down


Do NOT leave a degreaser on the engine. Use your degreaser then hose the truck down. Always rinse well after any harsh cleaning products.

But honestly if you are just dealing with mud I would hose down well and save the cleaners for your yearly or bi-yearly detail. No need to deep clean the bay several times a year.

 

ive read the same about using Silicone because it wont deteriate the rubber supposedly, ive never actually tried it myself, although I do use Silicone spray for my door mechanisms and hood latch lubrication, because it doesn't attract dirt and grit like WD40 or white lithium grease.

 

thanks for the advice! hopefully someone will chime in that has used a certain product for x amount of years