*Official* Ask A Detailer Thread

Personally, I use the longer nap side for initial removal as I feel it holds more product for removal, then switching to the short nap side for a final buffing. Folding the towel helps also.

 

Thanks!

 

Hey,
Love this thread, and I've learned a lot. I'm ready to detail my truck for the first time since I bought it a year ago. I have a couple questions.

My truck has a ton of little scratches on it. There are pretty bad ones under the door handles, and the paint is a tiny bit faded there too. Do you have any recommendations for products based on that, preferably that I can use without any power tools?
Also, I have a really bad scratch near my fog lights. Pic attached. It's obviously right through the clear coat. What is my best bet for repairing this? I don't need it to be perfect.

I had a repair done a while back from a hit-and-run and they left me with a small vile of extra paint, so maybe I could utilize that?

Thanks! Really excited to learn the world of detailing.

 

Power tools are your friend, for example the Porter Cable, Flex, Rupes, etc. If you want to get fine scratches out and do proper paint correcting you will need a tool like I mentioned before.

As far as the scratch on front bumper, I would think a body shop would have to fix that one.

 

I have this bed cover http://paceedwardsdirect.com/p-684-pace-edwards-jackrabbit-tonneau-cover.aspx I've been using 303. It looks nice when I put it on but as soon as it gets wet from rain or whatever it looks like shite. It seems to work on vinyl OK. Any 303 fans please give me a clue. Thanks.

 

Sorry, I don't have an answer. Just came to see if someone did.
I have a Trifecta that I use 303 on. Does look great, until it rains.

 

303 works great on my Access LE cover even in the rain.


ALSO AG had 15% off on everything with free shipping on $150 or more. If you need a buffer right now this is pretty decent.

 

I've detailed most of my cars over the last 20+ years.,wash, clay, polish, wax. etc. My last ride (370z) the paint seemed Fine compared to this truck (2014 Tacoma). I use mostly Griots equipment and products and have had great success. I"m noticing though that this paint seems, well, Harder than the cars I've owned. This is my first truck and I don't claim to be an expert on Paint....thus I'm asking.

 

I use Griots Bug remover http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/bug+smudge+remover+22+ounces.do?sortby=ourPicks and really find that it work well for me. But if you let it sit on the truck for weeks and weeks under the sun, probably already damaged the clearcloat and may need to polish it out. I've found that keeping a good polish on the truck helps prevent damages like these...Also I "debug/tar" as often as possible. A regular cleaning helps too. Griots also sells a 3m cleaner that can clean just about anything http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/3m+specialty+adhesive+remover.do?sortby=ourPicks I've used this on tar that sat on the wife's car for months and it it only took a few swipes to take it off completely. Good to note that I then washed, clayed and waxed that area again. There are some good products out there and I'm not selling Griots. I've tried a lot over the years and I find that it works really well for a daily driver and show cars. Just my 2 cents having used it for a few years now. Like I said though, there are other great products out there as well.

 

Thanks 4 the reply - didn't get a answer but since U have the same experience at least I know I'm not alone in the world.

 

How do U apply the 303 - maybe I'm doing something wrong. Thanks.

 

No. Our paint is fairly soft compared to other vehicles.

 

I spray some on a microfiber towel that is folded in quarters and some on a small section of the cover. I work the 303 into the section and keep moving down the cover till the entire cover is treated. I usually do this process twice per treatment. I usually apply 303 every other wash. At the same time it will not hurt to wipe down all the rubber door seals and hood seals after treating the cover.

 

Would like thoughts on Headlight Restoration. My lenses are damaged on the inside(they have a film on the inside like the paint wasn't cured long enough before they were baked, BHLM), would it be possible to restore them on the inside like on the outside? With a method like wetsand 1500,2000,2500 then compound, Polish, wax? EDIT: have PC for machine buffing of lenses.

 

I have a similar question, my headlights are badly yellowed. Looks dingy, very unlike the crystal clear headlights I see around town. Solution?

Also, I have another question and this I would like to do within 3 days.

I just bought some used TRD FJ matte black 16" rims and some brand new Bridgestone tires. The good thing is, the truck is in the shop right now so I have the tires mounted to the rims, balanced, and in my garage. All I need is to put them on the truck. I want to utilize this moment that I have them separate and put the BEST stuff I can on them. What do you recommend to completely clean/protect the rims and keep the tires black? I don't know if I want black shined tires or just black. I hear some stuff is awful to remove when washing and is not worth the hassle. Also, need I put anything on the tread? I feel like that will look better but could alter the effects of the tread.

Thank you!!

 

To clean your wheels I'd recommend just using car shampoo and some warm water. But if you want to use a wheel cleaner I'd recommend sonax full effect wheel cleaner. It's one of the best cleaners to remove brake dust and ggrime. As far as protecting the wheels go I'd go with chemical guys matte sealant since you said you have matte wheels. Never used it myself, but seems like it's the only sealnt available for matte paint jobs. Looking into buying some myself since I have matte black wheels too.
As far as tire dressing go I'd recommend sonax tire gel, opti bond gel, or 303 aerospace. It makes the tires look really black and new with a satin shine, instead of shiny. I'm not really into shiny ass tires. But that's just me. Finally about putting dressing on the tire tread...HELL NO. Lol. It's just not safe. Not to mention it'll probably sling all over the side of your truck. H

 

I got a question myself. Anybody here use chemical guys Mr. Pink car shampoo? Bought a bottle i didnt get to use yet and wondered what you guys thought about it. Lmk. Thanks.

 

Thanks, I'll look for those products As for the tread that is what I was thinking but I have heard of others jacking their truck up to get the entire tire. Maybe they meant the sides only. I would imagine the same thing lol it would just be dangerous

As for that gel though, I have heard gel was hard to get off and slung everywhere? Thanks!

I don't even know the difference between car soap and shampoo..

 

I use Mr. pink and like it. Lots of suds and a little can go a long ways.

 

Hey can I get some advice here? Considering buying this... What happened was one bottle of matte detailer was on sale, so I opted for the gallon because the per-oz cost was much lower, then I chose the same thing for some quick detailer... I can see myself using quick detailer often as I never have time to wax the truck. Applicator is free.

So if anyone thinks quick detailer is a waste or I should just buy a bottle please leave your input