*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Yeah, that's the stuff. I'll probably try something different next go round. I can't bring myself to throw out a product like this before I use it all. Just wondering if anyone else (thanks guys who already responded with product recommendations) had something they swore by that I could try out next time.

 

Anyone ever try Eagle One A2Z Wheel and Tire cleaner? I use that stuff and love it. It takes all the crap off not just the wheels but off the tires too. Makes the tires look black (not brown) without having to put a messy dressing on them

 

Who's used meguiar's ultimate fast finish? I applied this weekend after clay barring the truck and one coating of White Light by chemical guys.

 

I have use Fast Finish 3 times but I found something easier. Check this out. This stuff is amazing! Check out the video on the link. Hydro Blue will make the black plastic shine also. At least it does on my 7 month old V. Been using it once a month after I hand wash it.

 

How long did you get out of the fast finish?

 

Maybe 6 months. I never used clay before I used the Fast Finish though. I thought it was so easy to apply I would do it every 2 months. This Hydro Blue is easier yet to put on and it covers everything in the tiniest of cracks down to your windshield wiper arms and the cowl under them. Try Hydro Blue and you will leave the Fast Finish on the shelf like I do. LOL

 

Do you use any wax or sealant with this stuff? Or is this a complete replacement of wax/sealants?

 

I don't but you can. I just came from the car wash self serve bay. I just use "Rinse" and the bug poo slides right off after baking on the paint for the last 2 days in the hot sun. I use Duragloss Aquawax as a drying aid.

 

This is a coating. I think it is better than a wax or sealant.

 

1st let me thank All for the great info in this thread. Huge thank you to OP.
I have a new 2018 that I took up hunting and put some pretty good scratches in the clear coat. Following instuctions found here I was able to get them out using McGuires Scratch X 2.0. Awesome. Problem is it took 2+ hours to do one panel doing it by hand. As a novice I would like advice on the right DA to purchase. This will not be the last time I run through brush getting to a hunting spot.

 

I would say go to Autogeek or Chemical Guys and watch a few videos before deciding. I got the TORQx from CG and have yet to use it (waiting for it to cool down) but it’s a good beginner to intermediate piece of equipment.

 

I would start getting out and walking to your spots. Driving around just scares the animals anyways.

A DA polisher will get out very minor pinstriping, but use a cutting compound every year and youll eventually wear through your clear.

I like my Porter Cable a lot. Works great for a cheap entrt machine. Torqx are very nice but more expensive. So youll want to know you will enjoy detailing before you shell out the cash.

 

I put a coat of Jet Seal and wax on my truck in May of this year. Should I put another Jet Seal coat on before winter? I live in the northeast.

 

Can you tell the sealer is still on?

I put mine on around April-May and leave it on for the full year.

If the sealer is still there and doing its job probably no need to put a new layer on.

 

Depends on the conditions your vehicle sees. My guess is you need to apply another coat. Jet Seal says lasts up to a year per Chemical Guys...I don’t buy any manufacturer claims.

 

any good tips on windshield cleaning and prepping, I got a lot of very irritating wiper blade chatter especially the drivers side, it only goes away after awhile when the rain really saturates the windshield but if I use intermittent operation or just a swipe I get a lot of chattering and not good clearing of the windshield. what ive tried recently is clean, clay bar, clean, ZAINO AIO, ZAINO clear sealant. the blade rubber is new OEM Toyota refills which I have also cleaned off with rubbing alcohol thoroughly. any ideas on what works better like using RAINX or other products to help reduce chattering and poor wiper clearing of the windshield. ive never experimented with other aftermarket type blades ive always used OEM rubber inserts which usually work very well but ive noticed that the rubber inserts now sold as Toyota oem inserts maybe are being made from a different source they don't seem to be packaged well like the older versions and maybe a more low quality .

 

My process for cleaning my windshield has been wash, clay, polish with DA on highest setting with a microfiber pad and V36 cutting polish.
Then I do clean with a window cleaner and wipe down once with RainX.

I’ve never gotten chatter with my OEM blades.

I personally do not like to use any coatings or sealers on my windshield out of fear for causing chatter, films, or hazing.
I might be missing out on great products because of that but my method has worked well so far. I get really good water beading from it.

 

Anyone looking into a polisher and only going to use it on their own truck, then the Porter Cable

$139 7424XP , Gray

7424XP DA Polisher is suited for all of us with no levels of experience and/or skill. The PC delivers smooth results with none of the risk of high powered rotary buffers. I been looking into the first post and see it's outdated from 2008 when I myself was working for ProperAutoCare and Autogeek. I recommend that the thread be close or move to a new one with a vendor who will support us all with our detailing needs with videos , email, phone support. I did mine using a PC and a rotary with the right pads and right polish to remove those nasty swirls and minor scratches from our friendly dealers.

 

thanx for the infos, I did do multiple layers of sealant on the truck including all glass, initially I thought the same that it was the sealant layers because of the excessive chatter and skipping on the glass. yesterday after reading few threads on this I decided to clean-clay-clean with a very very light coat of AIO/sealant im about to go take it out for a drive and see if this has improved the situation any. my next step if it doesn't will be clean-clay-clean (Stoner glass cleaner/water repel) to see if its any better. I see RAINX offers a cleaner/water repel and also the original RAINX that you wipe on after cleaning, I like Stoner glass cleaning products I wonder if RAINX would be better at making a slick windshield.

 

I use the RainX to basically counter any water trapping effect the polish residue might leave.
RainX is over all a chintzy product but thats kind of why I like it. I know I can easily wash it off if I accidentally use too much.

I have really noticed a difference with a clean windshield. The polisher really just scrubs the heck out of it. I’ve replaced my windshield twice this year and it comes with this greasy film on it that traps water. DA polisher cleans it up.

Also some glass coatings are semi perminent. So you may have to buff them off before adding more. Although I’ve heard that more with coatings like Diamon.