*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Usually change on Fridays.

Since it is still winter look at what you want and make a list. If you purchase over $95 use the code AGO for 10% off. I usually have a list ready and when something I really need is on the BOGO list I make the purchase.

Right now I am waiting for 15% off buffers. I want a Rupes buffer pretty bad. I have been told that it can save me 2 to 3 hours of time for a normal 10 hour polishing.

 

+1 The Rupes look awesome!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...pes-side-side-detail-1955-crown-victoria.html
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...ime-lapse-video-1955-ford-crown-victoria.html

 

How do you get the glaze and looks like small s cratches off the clear plastic on the headlighi lens? Thank you
eromas@aol.com

 

Best way to clean and take odor off the seats I have the trd off road with the mesh anyway to remove the fabric and throw it in the laundry? Any ideas or product recommendations

 

You need to wetsand to remove the hazing and imperfections. I would start with 600 grit then work your way up to 1500. After this you need to polish out the sanding marks and keep the lights sealed with a good sealant. If you fail to seal the lights, they will return to the hazy state within a couple of months.

 

Extraction with a machine is the best bet. You can take it off but it would be more hassle than its worth as you would have to replace the hog rings. This would be your best bet if you don't have access to an extractor.
http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-detailing/106012-my-process-manually-cleaning-carpets.html. Even though the thread pertains to carpets, the same process can be used for upholstery.

 

You will need to wet sand the headlight lens then buff them out. This process also works on headlights that have oxidized or yellowed.

 

When I was my new to me black sand Pearl Tacoma do I need to wash in a circular motion or is straight side to side and up and down best?

 

It really does not matter. The keys to a good wash that has less potential to mar the paint surface are:

1. A decent wash mitt. Sheepskin is one of the best. They can be pricey butsome are affordable.

2. A quality car wash soap and go heavy on the soap in the water. The ideais to float the dirt off the surface of the paint.

3. Use 2 buckets both with a grit guard in the bottom of the bucket. One for the soap solution and the other for rinsing the mitt once you have washed a section of the Tacoma.

 

Will these work together? and

$139 PORTER-CABLE Car Polisher and Buffer, 6", Orbital, Variable Speed (7424XP)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002654I46/ref=pe_93080_28492680_pe_epc__1p_1_ti

Do I need a backing plate for the Amazon polisher? It says it has a "proprietary counter balance"

 

The pads are the best.

Yes you will need a backing plate.

This is a nice starter package. The Pinnacle products are not too shabby either.

 

I don't have that much money to throw around!

Alright, can you help me find a backing plate?
And are you sure those are the right pads? They are 5.5 inch pads, and I feel like the polisher is 6.5 or 6.

 

A 5 in backing plate is what is needed.

 

I've got rust stains on my spray-in bed liner. What's the best way to remove them? If they can't be removed, what's the best way to cover them?

 

An all purpose cleaner and a brush and just scrub the stains. If that doesn't work, you can use 303 aerospace protectant to restore the gloss and for UV protection.

 

Went quite a while between washes, weeks, with a lot of rainy weather during that time. The truck has dirt marks on it that did not come off after washing it today. After washing I clayed the hood, had the worst of it, and was able to remove some of the marks/stains. When I clayed the driver side of the hood, the clay seems to have spread the mark out. Now I have lines of caked in dirt that was at first a single spot. I use Meguiars brand clay, and their Ultimate Liquid Wax. I also have their Swirl X, and Ultimate Polish which I have not tried either of. Would using one or both of these between the claying and waxing help with my problem?

 

What these most likely are is water spots. Keeping the truck waxed will help with this as water will run off the truck easier. I would try some swirl x or ultimate polish on the spot first after claying to see if it will remove it. Then keep the truck waxed regularly for preventative measures.

 

Autogeek has some really good microfiber towels on BOGO this week. I really like the Microfiber Juniors. These are the purple ones.

Makes hand buffing, wax removal, real easy.

 

I missed it!!

 

I noticed they were already off BOGO tonight. They usually change at midnight.