*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Hope it works out fro you very quickly. I was hit on Monday night two weeks ago and the Tacoma was back on the road by Friday. Repairs happen very quickly.

 

When I clean my engine bay is there anything I need to worry about getting wet in there? It's got the stock intake still.

 

Try not to spray water on the altenator, fuse box, battery or the rear of the headlamps.

 

Best and cheapest way to remove hard water spots from driving through muddy puddles while wheeling?

 

Probably a clay bar treatment, and if it doesn't work, then a polish, preferably with a random orbit polisher.

 

Buff,

 

Hi, I am new to this great forum, but not to Toyota's - love my '01 Double Cab 4X4 TRD. My question is this - I just put a nice set of Helo Black Maxx wheels with 265/75/16 on it. I used Quality Tire Wet and some ran down onto the rims. When I went to clean it off, it left a "smear" appearance on the wheels that I am having great difficulty getting clean. What can I do and what products should I use in the future? Thanks

 

I don't know if anybody has asked this... or if you would be able to help me out.

Brand new, first truck, 2 weeks old. Dog jumps up on the rear door and leaves two claw scratches (moderate & noticeable). &^%%&^*%^%%$!@(^T*)

Truck is black, and I'm not really worried about scratches that much over time, but this JUST happened and only 2 weeks old.

Is there something I can use to buff them out? touch up?

Need Help.
Thanks in advance if you can help.

ok, read up on it in this forum... Option 1: meguires scratchX?, or Option 2: use and orbital with pads/polish?
what are the chances the dogs claws ripped deep into the paint? what should I do to prep before using the scratchX?

 

If you run your finger nail over the scratches does it catch? If it does then you will not be able to remove the scratch completely, you can only minimize it. If your finger does not catch, then you should be able to remove all of the scratch or make it much less noticeable.

If you have access to a random orbital that will be your best bet. If not then scratch x will do, it just might take longer.

 

Meguires rubbing compound with a buffer does magic!

 

spoken like a pro. if it catches call a paint shop. if you attempt to buff out a deep scratch your just doing more damage. bite the bullet and have it sprayed.

 

how much clay (on average) would I need to do my truck? how often do they get switched out during the process? want to clay/wax/polish my truck and the wife's car in the coming weeks...

 

One clay bar can do several cars, just don't drop it, and if you do, break off the contaminated parts or you can scratch the paint.

 

One bar should do close to two cars. Unless you have a lot of tar on the rocker panels and lower body work. About 4 years ago I had the misfortune of being forced to drive over fresh asphalt in a pouring down rain storm. It took 3 claybars to remove all the residue.

I would also advise you to cut the claybar into thirds. That way if one piece hits the pavement the entire bar is not ruined.

I usually store the unused portion of the claybar on a fresh seal tight baggie. They should keep for a year this way.

 

Yay for finding out the possible dangers of armorall and cracking! Just ordered some 303 Aerospace on Amazon

 

i don't like armorall anyway...lol

 

Sub'd

 

use some rubbing compound and buy black magic tire wet. The gel with the sponge in it. I would go ahead and buy the pack of two sponges that have the shape of the sidewall (curved). LET IT DRY BEFORE YOU DRIVE YOUR TRUCK or it will get all over EVERYTHING!!!!!

 

headlight hazing, there a kit that you would use that has a sealant with it?

 

I have never seen a kit with a sealant.

Megs #21 is a decent low cost option.

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Synthetic-Sealant-2-0-21/dp/B003TQJNGO