*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Simple green.

 

I hear you on the longevity. My point is if you "refresh" once a month, you continually have a coated wheel with overlapping durability.
Pinnacle black label will probably be the next one i try. Mckees works OK. Claims up to 18 months on the site but there is no chance in my experience thus far.
Bottom line is brake dust and grime will still make it on to the wheel, and they will still require a PH balanced soap at minimum.
Would like to hear back if you try Beadlock.

 

best product for use in cleaning adhesive sticky tape residue from engine rails, I don't believe they are clearcoated just a non-glossy black (don't have pics yet)

 

Goo Gone is my trick

 

What is the best wax for a Tacoma with black vinyl decals? Thanks in advance

 

will this be safe to NOT remove my VIN tags on my engine compartment rails?

 

Not sure, I'd say try a tad of it first..or maybe tape off the tag. I did something similar on a bike I was fixing and I used masking tape, then a razor knife to gently cut around the decal I was protecting..and then put a thin layer of Play Doh on top.

 

Any recommendations on how to bring back a bit of shine to my singe-stage white paint? I've never worked with single-stage before so I don't want to go screwing something up. Thanks!

 

I would try a light cutting AIO if it is just faded for starters. Grab a couple different pads to gauge the cut, then see which pad is best suited for the job.

 

It’s not really a true single stage paint as the white and clear are mixed together. You can treat it as paint with clear on it.

 

I see. Thanks so much!

 

Any recommendations on products that I could buy at AutoZone etc to use on the dash/hard interior plastics and a leather product?

 

Great info, thank you.

 

Best recommendation is a product from Griots if they carry that particular brand. Other than that I wouldn’t waste my money.

 

Meguiars interior protectant will do just fine for dash and plastics. Go with lexol cleaner and conditioner for leather also. Both should be on the shelf at AZ.

 

I've got a question. There might be a flaw in my reasoning but it just popped in my head thought I'd ask it here. I've been struggling with swirl marks on my 17 quicksand despite all my efforts to avoid them. I use microfiber everything, two buckets, grit guards in both, I do a pre foam and rinse before I touch it with anything, rinse my mitts during the wash often, try to go in straight lines not circles as best as I can during washing and drying, but after about a year and a half of ownership my truck is swirled to hell all over. Before I get started on polishing the entire truck I want to really narrow down why it happened so I can avoid it once I correct it. I have a foam cannon that connects to a garden hose but I'm thinking maybe I should get a power washer to get even more dirt and debris off before I touch the truck. Not sure yet though.
My idea is this. I have a self car wash in town that has a distilled water rinse. Obviously I can't do all my hand work in their car wash bays, but I'm thinking about doing all my car wash work at home then driving down there and doing a final rinse with the distilled water. Being distilled it won't leave water spots and therefore I don't even need to really dry it do I? Which will minimize how much rubbing on the paintwork I have to do.

TLDR, can i use a distilled water final rinse instead of drying the truck at all ?

 

What is your process for drying your truck? What wash products are you using?

 

I just dry it with a microfiber towel. Straight lines like when I wash it. Go from top to bottom.

I use microfiber wash mitts and a car soap. Usually a chemical guys soap.

 

So no drying aid? Need to use a detail spray. Probably where your swirls are coming from.

 

Interesting. I forgot to mention that sometimes I use a turtle wax spray "wax and dry" while I dry it. I don't know if that's what your talking about.
I've also seen some of those hydro-phobic drying aids though.

But I'm also interested in hearing what are your thoughts on my idea of just rinsing with distilled water and just letting it air dry are.