*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

On my 2007 a few weeks ago , I was wipping out the ft doors & notices a leaf in the lower fender be hind the black gasket & to my supprise there was a PILE of weat leaves on both sides so I took a coat hander & the Vac & I will say it took me 30 mins per side to clean them all out...

 

I'm really confused here. It looks to me like oxidization on the paint. You don't wax? That's why its there. You need a polish to get rid of it. Try meguiars ultimate compound and do it by hand. If you've never used a buffer, don't go buy one without someone to teach you or you will burn holes in your paint. Once you've hand buffed out the oxidization, put some fresh wax on it.

 

I wax once a month and wax the top parts that get hit by the sun all the time once a week. I think it could have been the autobody shop that did a really crappy job.

 

how many times you think i gotta hand buff it before it comes out? And do you think i can burn the paint if i hand buff it?

 

No you can't burn the clearcoat from buffing with your hand but I think your best bet is to get a DA buffer like the Porter Cable 7424. Even a monkey can use one and you won't burn the clearcoat.

 

Soo I used the Meguiars ultimate compound by hand and it still there soo any other suggestion? or steps

 

Were you pressing the pad with the compound really hard into the surface? If not then you really need to,

 

yes i did.

 

Then you will probably need to step yp to a ROB.

 

What do most Taco owners use of the 3? My local dealer sells 3M. It's a little higher than the other 2 brands. I've tried Mothers & Meguiars, seems like Mothers is a little better. Never tried 3m. I need to do the exterior before winter sets in. I was wondering if 3M wax requires to clay bar the exterior prior to waxing?

 

huh?

 

Help, I need some advice on detailing! I spent a good couple hours washing the truck yesterday and I can't get some of the spots off the paint. They're red marks and some of it has run down the sides of the truck but mostly on the hood and roof. Best I can tell is it's from the maple tree I park under but I have no idea what caused it. I don't leave wet leafs on the truck longer than what falls overnight since it's a daily driver.

So, I've got red blotches all over the hood and roof and hand washing multiple times (including spending a lot of time scrubbing) wouldn't remove the color. The truck is superwhite if it matters, what would you guys suggest? I don't really trust myself with a buffer but if that's what it'll take I'll take it somewhere and have it detailed. Do you think a good hand wax (or polish) will take out the stains, clay bar possibly or would I need something more abrasive? I would like to limit my options to something that can be done by hand if you have any suggestions. I'm not an experienced detailer so bear with me!

Thanks!

 

Bug and tar remover? Gas?

 

I was going to try gas but wasn't sure what that would do to my clearcoat on such a large area. I might have to bite the bullet and give it a go. I'll put bug and tar remover on the list.

FWIW, I used Mother's carnuba wash and wax and Eagle One wash and wax (blue stuff, can't remember the name), both mixed strong and neither would do anything to remove the red stains.

 

I would use a claybar first. If the stain is still there you might try Iron X or a quality tar and bug remover.

 

Thanks, I hadn't thought about an iron remover... I wonder if that would work for the rail dust spots I've had for 3 years.

 

It might. Poke around the AG forum and see what the pro's say about the Irom X. I have never had a need to use the product.

I did spend $40 on BOGO products this morning. Needed more window towels and can never have enough quality foam applicators.

 

What are these things you speak of? I have a feeling I may now want some. lol

 

They work better than any other thing I have used to clean glass. Non streaking and removes the tough plastic out gas film.