*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Good info all around. Thanks!

 

I just throw my MF's in with my usual soap and dry with my regular dryer sheets. MF's die after a a few abuse sessions and washings, but, I thought that was just normal. First I've heard of any of this.

I had no idea there as such a thing as "MF Soap." Call me a skeptic but...

 

i don't remember why but you are not supposed to use dryer sheets. On plush microfiber, I use a dog brush to bring it back to life. Have to be careful cause the towel will lent but I have gotten excellent life out of microfiber since starting that process. Helped me resurrect towels that were destined for heavy grease/soiling.

 

Anyone dabble in Megs wash plus or ultimate fast finish?

 

As long as they remain $5 for a 20 pack or whatever, I won't cry over the loss of old MF towels. Interesting tidbit to know though.

 

Yup. I've got some really nice quality shop rags now

 

Getting back into the side hustle. First customer of the season.

 

WOOOAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!! Nice job!!!

How long did it take you to do the engine bay, and what products did you use!?!?

 

It's actually really, really simple.

Here's how I do it:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/thunders-04-ext-cab-derp-edition.376198/page-3#post-15272746

That's my engine, just did it about a month ago. Not bad looking for 175k miles, eh?

I have been doing this for 9 years now and have yet to come across any problems.

You don't have to start the engine during the work, but I do it with my own vehicle just because. On the red Tacoma I worked on, I obviously couldn't do that.

I really like the Tire Foam because it's 1. readily available 2. is water based 3. doesn't leave the surface super gooey which would end up attracting dirt.

 

It looks like it's still on the dealer's lot! Tire foam on everything? Metal surfaces, electrical, etc.? Wouldn't that stuff smoke and/or bake on once the engine is up to operating temp? And how long does that showroom finish last?

EDIT: I noticed when I quote you, the edited info shows up.

 

Yeah I edit stuff a lot lol. Yep, like Frank's hot sauce says, I use that sh*t on everything! It doesn't smoke or anything. Of course be prudent around electrical areas, headers, etc, but one or two quick passes won't have any ill effect. Hell, I don't really even put too much focus on trying not to hit any one particular area. My biggest concern is using the hose, in which case I try to work as quickly as possible with as little water as possible. The main objective is the wet the area slightly and then once you're done with degreaser to use as little water as possible rinsing it off.

 

Tire foam on undercarriage ftmfw

 

My buddy would do his frame, axle, pretty much everything underneath with tire foam. It sure was purdy.

 

I think its hard to overuse soap. Maybe run an extra rinse.

I would not want to risk vinegar tainting/mixing with my products.

I think you are over thinking this

 

Well, I am an engineer, so there's that lol

 

I would try invisible glass

 

^^^^^^

I use papertowels.

 

Disclaimer: I'm not a detailer.

My GF has a 2009 Subaru Outback. Not sure if it's leather or what people refer to as "pleather." Would the Meguiars (cleaner and conditioner) in the OP work for both or is there a better product for one or the other? I will be calling the dealer and having them ID which material the seats are made of tomorrow. Thanks for dealing with my ignorance.

 

I wouldn't worry if I was buying that type of microfiber either but I quit buying that type about 6 years ago. Most of what I have comes from The Rag Company.

 

In short, I really don't think it matters.

Outbacks will not use 100% real leather. Thats a given. It is not common to have all leather seats outside of a high end luxury vehicle (even then most aren't all real).

Usually the seat and back you sit on is real, the rest is a synthetic material.

I would use a cleaner and conditioner made for leather. Conditioning leather is critical. If you don't condition and it becomes hard, it will start to crack. As far as my experience goes, leather conditioners work just fine on the synthetic leather materials. I have been unable to find a product specifically for any vinyl/PVC material the fake leathers are made of.

The more experienced guys can knock me for this if but I would go with a more professional product than ones you can find at Walmart or Auto Zone. They tend to work much better (or at all) and you know they are better quality and won't ruin any parts of your truck. I'm a Macquires hater. Their low end products suck. I've lost all trust in them to try their higher end stuff but the more experienced guys here stand behind it.