*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

I prefer the Korean 70/30.

 

Thanks for all the information and recommendations! I ran around picking up some supplies today, and hopefully can get my truck and my wife's car washed this weekend.

Also, a non-Tacoma detailing question. My wife's white Subaru has some black scuff marks on the doors, probably from her purse/bags rubbing against the panel. Whats the best way to remove these without damaging the paint/clear coat? DNA, Goo gone, clay bar? She'll be getting a coat of Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic wax spray after washing.

 

Pics would really help, but if they are indeed scuff marks from the average purse, a light polish should remove them pretty quickly. If you've never polished anything, that's another big chunk of advice.

 

I've got a rough patch in the clear coat around the driver's windshield washer nozzle (rough to the touch). I worked the area with some Meguiar's Ultimate Compound and it doesn't seem to change it much other than making it slightly less rough. Do you think the clear is shot all the way down to the paint? I can do some wet sanding if the clear is gone and then try my hand spraying some 2K two-part clear when I do the bumper and door handle tops, but of course I don't want to go that route if there's something else to try first.



Thanks!

 

Based on your picture, I'd say you have the early stages of clearcoat failure. If I'm correct with my diagnosis, you really need to repaint the whole hood.

 

Makes sense. Thanks for the reply. I'm going to leave it for a while until I've got the maintenance all taken care of, then I'll attend to that.

 

Thanks for all the tips and recommendations! I did a proper wash this last weekend and the initial application of Meguairs Hybrid Ceramic Wax spray. It was way too sunny and hot, and I ended up with a lot of streaking and spotting. Today's weather was much better, and I was able to do a wash with ONR. Hot damn, this stuff is magic.

 

The interior area of the door on my Tacoma has a somewhat smooth vinyl area and then a roughened area that seems more difficult to clean. Any suggestions?

 

I have had luck with tub o towels wipes . Cleans fine " ridges ? " pretty good. Just need to keep rubbing . My grab handles were dirty and only tub o towels worked for me .

 

The small area were dirt in cracks was a bigger area . Thats the spot I missed awhile ago . Just cleaned those spots today so can see how the tub o towels work

 

Detail brushes are perfect for cleaning those textured areas. Detail factory makes some decent brushes; for door panels/harder plastics, I'd go with their Boar's Hair brush. Spray some diluted APC (5:1 should be plenty) on the spots you want to clean, let it soak for 15-30 seconds, and then use the brush to clean the area (small circular movements work well). Wipe clean with a microfiber towel when done.

 

This lineup here works wonders…



Simple green- removes grime from tires, fender liners, and removes bugs

OPT No Rinse- pair with distilled water to clean the entire truck

P&S Double Black- shine your tires and black plastic

Chemical Guys Bare Bones- shine your frame and fender liners

OPT Spray Wax- give your paint a coat of shine and protection

Finished product:

 

Probably been answered in this thread already but I’ve got headlights on a 2015 Subaru Impreza that are fogged up on the top side only. Any suggestions on how to make them look new again?

 

The clear coat is failing on the top that gets the most sun exposure. They can be worked through various grades of wet sanding, compound and or polish and looking better than new. Not particularly cheap for a one off fix to buy all that kit. There should be a few different kits you can get at auto parts stores which either fit your situation or not and you get a finite amount of sand paper.

 

Hey guys, pretty long detail question here. Apologies!

I just bought a brand new black SR, and am debating the ceramic coat or not. I am definitely not paying to get it professionally done, as that is way over my budget. I have been doing a ton of research, and am pretty confident I can do a decent job myself. I worked in a detail shop for a few years in college, so I trust myself enough to complete the job.

Anyways, I was just curious if anyone has alternative suggestions to ceramic coating it? I wash often, and have no issues waxing or applying a sealant often as I honestly enjoy doing it.

If I wasn't going to ceramic coat, what would be the next best wax / sealant combo?

 

I would recommend ceramic over wax/sealant as it makes the vehicle easier to maintain. Several good brands out there. Then you can use a spray on booster like Carpro Relaod every few months. After using ceramic, you won’t look back to wax or a sealant.

 

That's what I am hearing from others as well... thank you for the input!

 

what do you guys recommend for a lazy F*%$ like me. I like washing but hate all that clay/waxing of my truck. would ceramic be a good option?

 

Look into McKees Hydro Blue or Carpro Hydro2. It's as simple as after you wash, while it's still wet you spritz this stuff on. Then blast it off with pressure washer or at least a strong garden hose sprayer. Works on all surfaces including wheels and glass.

 

Ceramic is a good option. I also recommend something like Adams H20 Guard and Gloss. You spray on wet truck, wipe off with towel, and then another towel all over for last step. Super easy.