Ask the Autogeek! Question & Answer Thread

[camaro95]

I would love to post pictures but I have to get to 10 posts before I can, right?

[jason@autogeek]

Originally Posted by camaro95

Hey guys, this is a great thread. I have some questions that I was hoping to get answered. Now I'm not trying to become a professional detailer here. I want to sell my car and I want it to look as good as possible. It's a 95 Camaro and it's in great condition minus two things:

The rims I bought for it look very dull (they are black) and I really need to get a great clean on them. 2nd is that my front bumper looks like the clear coat is cracking. It gives an ugly apperance to an otherwise remarkable car. When I bought this car, wow. It looked incredible.

Knowing nothing about detailing I've let it slip and I want to bring out the best for the next buyer.

Can you guys please help me?

Since it sounds like the wheels are painted, you can polish and protect them just like you polish the paint on the rest of the car.

Use a pH balanced cleaner to remove the brake dust, clay to remove embedded contaminants, pre wax cleaner/polish and then apply a product like
DP Wheel Glaze to shine them up, add protection and make the next cleaning even easier.

Once the clear coat starts cracking, you can't fix that. It's paint failure and needs to be repainted in that area.

[jason@autogeek]

Originally Posted by camaro95

I would love to post pictures but I have to get to 10 posts before I can, right?

Not sure about this one. Please check with one of the moderators.

[merkure]

You can post pictures and links for the first 10 posts, you just need to wait a bit for a moderator to approve the post until it shows up.

[camaro95]

Well I'm going to take some pictures so you can advise me better. And thank you for the information about cleaning my rims. Are there any local stores like an autozone that would carry clay?

[jason@autogeek]

Originally Posted by camaro95

Well I'm going to take some pictures so you can advise me better. And thank you for the information about cleaning my rims. Are there any local stores like an autozone that would carry clay?

They might, but for the best selection please stop by our store:

Detailing Clay Bar & Clay Lubricants

[camaro95]

Originally Posted by jason@autogeek

They might, but for the best selection please stop by our store:

Detailing Clay Bar & Clay Lubricants

Can you recommend more specific products for the whole washing and waxing process from your store?

[jason@autogeek]

Originally Posted by camaro95

Can you recommend more specific products for the whole washing and waxing process from your store?

With many brands to choose from, we have something for everyone. If you are unsure where to start, take a look at our detailing videos. The videos from Pinnacle and Wolfgang both show the detailing process from washing, drying, using a clay bar, polishing and applying protection.

In addition to showing how the products are used the videos also give you the product name and item number so you can find them in the Autogeek store.


Autogeek Car Care Handbooks & Detailing Videos

[shadow85]

I am thinking of using Griots Rubber Prep to clean my tires. Can they be used on wet tires or should the tires be dry? Is doing an Optimum No Rinse wash after sufficient or is using a hose manditory after?

[jason@autogeek]

Originally Posted by shadow85

I am thinking of using Griots Rubber Prep to clean my tires. Can they be used on wet tires or should the tires be dry? Is doing an Optimum No Rinse wash after sufficient or is using a hose manditory after?

I've used the Rubber Prep both ways on dry and wet tires and it works either way. I like to rinse them off with water after but you can also do the ONR too.

[shadow85]

Autogeek sell many different clays. Can you sort them all by aggressiveness?

[shadow85]

Just got the Griots Rubber Prep today. According to the direction, you just have to wipe it on, let it dry and its ready for dressing. I see people have rinsed after. However, the directions seem to suggest no rinsing is needed. Is there any bad effects if you dont rinse before a dressing?