*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Anything chemical wise is going to strip finish (clear) and possibly cause more damage. Some good quality car soap and a clay bar should remove the overspray. If it's too far gone turn it in on insurance for a respray. The sooner you try to remove it the better.

edit: another option is a really soft compound and pad combo for the paint only, but you shouldn't need it.

 

Thank you. I’ll update after the clay bar

 

Alright so I was driving home from the VA earlier and a half full paint tray flew out the back of an old, rusted out Ram and I ran it over. It was a highway with concrete walls on either side and there was nowhere to go. Luckily it was raining so I was able to wipe off all the paint from the doors and fenders but my rear wheel is coated in white house paint.

How do I get this off while not harming the paint underneath?

 

House paint cleans up pretty easy with regular car soap and warm water. The longer it sits the more difficult it will be to remove. Dawn dish soap should work well too.

 

That worked! Thanks for the suggestion.

 

Do any detailers here have experience with vinyl repair? My soft tonneau cover got kicked up by wind and slammed into the roof of the truck leaving a small hole behind where the cover made contact with the antenna. I've some a few repair kits on-line but the reviews are mixed and like most of us on here, would like the final outcome to be as close to unnoticeable as possible. Looking for a not only a trusted product but any tips and tricks to help minimize any "rookie" mistakes.

 

Have Method wheels that are stained by brake dust. Or, rust from the rotors? Here’s an example. Suggestions for removal / cleaning?

 

That will probably take a few rounds of iron/brake dust removing wheel cleaner. eagle one made a pretty good one that could be had a wal-mart, called black and plastic-caot wheel cleaner, not sure if it is still available.

From what I can see, it looks like a lot of build up and rust deposits on the Barrels of the wheels I would start by removing the wheels from the vehicle, pressure washing and cleaning mud and road grime from the wheel/tire with a shampoo, work in the shade to avoid product drying up. then wheel cleaner with a boars hair wheel brush, wheel whoolies, and MF towels where appropriate, rinse, dry, inspect and repeat as needed. After that you may need to step up to something like Iron-X or brake buster, then clay to remove anything else.

looks like you may also have some serious water spotting on the wheels too, hard to tell with them being dirty/dusty.

applying a good sealant and routine cleaning will prevent this build up in the future.

 

I need some interior detailing advice. I've got this truck now from a family member that was used exclusively as a work truck and the interior was neglected to hell. Do you think the center console is salvageable to clean enough that it can look presentable? Or should I stop and just replace it?

This is after I spent some time cleaning it up with mild wipes and prying the loose change free but the sticky dirty gunk is pretty caked on. I even vacuum out the truck and wipe it down a little bit and it still looks like it's fresh off a job site so I have serious work to do.

I'll take it in to be professionally cleaned if you think they could get the center console cleared of the gunk with steam or something I might not have access to.

 

I bet a steam application will completely clean the plastic portion of the console. Not completely sure about the leather top, but it’s absolutely worth a shot. You can get a hand held steam cleaner for detailing for like $30. I’d do that and try it yourself. Apply some all purpose cleaner first and then use the steam.

 

Thanks for the advice I checked some local stores and I see they have hand held steamers. I didn't realize they were that affordable so that's a great option to try. At least if it gets better then maybe it's worth taking it to a shop to do the whole truck because the headliner and everything else is bad too.

 

I have a little bissell extractor that I use for the truck seats, and for couches and carpet in the house. Combine that with a drill brush and a good shampoo or fabric cleaner and you can clean really any fabric…seats, headliner, carpet in the truck.

 

I clean my cup holder with a cheap steam cleaner from Harbor Freight with a coupon - I worked fine - didn't do any leather.

 

Yeah I'm looking around the house at all the stuff I could use it for after the truck. Looks like a really handy tool have around.

 

It’s a RAM, wouldn’t it be easier to give it away…
Steam should work fairly well, just take your time and don’t hold steam on surface too long

 

Anyone have any video suggestions or general tips for cleaning the engine bay? I don't think mine has ever been cleaned, dusty af.

 

When the engine is cold, put a towel or bag over the battery, alternator and fuse box area then spray it down with water. (deionized water even better) Soap it up and agitate with a brush as needed. All purpose cleaner (Adam's or others work fine) can be used for extra greasy areas. Rinse, then dry with a leaf blower. Remove towel/bag and run the engine for a few minutes to evaporate the remaining water.

 

OP, nice thread. Just saying, I'm back again for reference.

 

What tool works to get dirt/dust from the space between the cab and bed? Right at the edge
is easy with the mitt but 3 feet in, all that can be done is spray and that doesn't do a good
job. Sure, it's not visible but it's still dirty. And apologies if it's been covered.

 

What product keeps exterior plastic trim unfaded and doesn't cause runs on the paint?