*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Cool. You may be better off with the Hydro Blue bonding to the paint instead of the Collinite.

 

Yeah.....but had already used Collinite......and per their website they specifically say that it’s ok to use over Collinite. So far so good. Will see.

 

Not saying you can’t layer. Typically you want a coating to bond to paint instead of LSP.

 

Will this stuff take my "new car" smell away?

 

Doubt it. That is the materials off gassing. It will eventually go away on its own.

 

Cool. I haven't had a new car since 2003 when I bought my Tacoma. I will take all the off gassing I can take!

 

Well this 303 spray has a strong smell initially. I leave the windows open for about an hour to dry and reduce the smell.

 

Can someone give me a recommendation for cleaning the matte 4Runner TRD pro wheels? I just put them on my Off Road and want to know the best way to clean and protect them. Thanks in advance.

 

I hit some tight trails today which resulted in lots of "pin striping". Do I want to polish my vehicle with a mild abrasive to remove these?

 

It should help for some of the pin stripes, it would depend.
I was told it would be best to work from the least to most aggressive polish/pad compound for imperfections aswell.

 

this is Im sure a fairly simple question with a very simple answer, I just know almost nothing about detailing about my truck other than taking it to the self wash car wash once a month. One picture is a picture of my rims when I took it to get fully detailed, the other is a picture of my rims the majority of the time. One is shiny one is dull. Im assuming they just need to be waxed but I wasn't sure if there was anything else to it, or what wax I should get. Thanks.

 

Show us closer up pictures of the rims in full light.

In those photos it's hard to tell what you are talking about. It's possible the clear coat on one of the rims is toast, but hard to confirm that without a good close up photo.

 

I’m trying to get this scratch out from the front bumper. It’s not too deep but it has some orange in it from the pole I swiped. Guy at o’rileys told me to use rubbing compound but I don’t think it needs all that. Any suggestions?

 

Clay it first then use a light polish. Doesn't look too bad.

 

I second this. Clay the area.

I would use a microfiber applicator pad and then get yourself a rubbing compound. Meguire's has a Stratch X that's good to use by hand for small areas.

 

What’s best for protecting the black plastic trim? I think it’s the same trim throughout the car but I’m mostly thinking of the fender flares on the OR. Tried 303 but it would run after the first rain

 

I use Chemical Guys Trim and Tire Gel. It works fantastic. Lasts me a couple months on the trim pieces (Note: my truck is handwash only, you take your car through auto washes it will strip it off).

Just make sure you don't get it on the paint or it will stain. So be very careful in your application. Also make sure the flares are clean before applying. If the surface isn't clean it obviously impacts the longevity of the product.

 

Can that be used on weatherstripping? Mine is all spotty around windows

 

Ask a detailer. Ok i have always used turtle wax on my previous vehicles. Twice a year. Just picked up a 08 tacoma n this spring plan on waxing it. Have a silver truck. I like pastu wax mainly because it seems to do a better job in my opinion. Im wondering since im not a pro is there better products. My vehicles are no show queen, sitst near mines quarries or other construction sites. Gets a fair amount of mud regularly. And alit of gravel roads. And what to use on these plastic fender flares and bumper. But might be looking the bumper.

 

Get a coating like GTechniq C4. Love the stuff. Expensive but it will last longer than 303 or any other type of dressing. I easily got over a year out of the coating.