New guy in need of answers/recommendations

[FRJR]

Hello everyone,

I am thinking of fully detailing my truck (it`s in good shape), just checking in with some veterans of the site with a few pre-job questions. I have an `05 Ford Ranger in Sonic Blue Clearcoat and was just wondering if anyone has any experience with this paint. Is it thin or delicate? (I heard some paints were) THe vehicle has zero major scratches but has small swirls and stubborn water spots that I`m sure can be fixed. This is what I`m thinking as far as my lineup. Keep in mind I`m only looking at products that I can buy locally, like at auto parts stores. I read up about what to use and browsed the review section. Any input would be appreciated.



#1 - Turtlewax car wash - okay - not the best I`ve used (heard Meg. Gold Class was good)

#2 - Clay - not sure what to use - same with clay lube, recommendations?

#3 - Meguiars paint cleaner - not too abrasive I`ve heard, but hope it removes inperfections.

#4 - Meguiars Deep Crystal Polish (if I go with the Meg. paint cleaner)

#5 - Meguiars Gold Class liquid or paste wax, or both in different applications

#6 - Any good wheel and tire cleaners you recommend?

#7 - Meguiars natural shine rubber and vinyl protectant - int.

#8 - Good interior shampoo?



a. - I use a soft full natural wool mit that I keep clean at all times. Seems to work fine.

b. - Looking for a good thick soft microfiber towel set.

c. - All natural clean chamois

d. - Soft brush - paint and wheel safe



I might have missed a few things but only your input will tell

Thanks,

-Roger

[Accumulator]

FRJR- Welcome to Autopia! I dunno from your Ford`s paint, but I`ll offer my $0.02 on your proposed product choices. Note that if you find your town`s autobody/paint supply store, they`ll have a vast selection of detailing products that will completely change your concept of OTC products.






... This is what I`m thinking as far as my lineup. Keep in mind I`m only looking at products that I can buy locally, like at auto parts stores. I read up about what to use and browsed the review section. Any input would be appreciated.



#1 - Turtlewax car wash - okay - not the best I`ve used (heard Meg. Gold Class was good)



GC is a lot better than the TW "Zip Wash" stuff, which lacks sufficient lubricity IMO.




#2 - Clay - not sure what to use - same with clay lube, recommendations?



I`d look for ClayMagic Blue. The Mother`s stuff is OK too.


#3 - Meguiars paint cleaner - not too abrasive I`ve heard, but hope it removes inperfections.



It`s VERY, VERY mild, probably too mild. Scratch-X, or maybe Color-X might be a better choice.




#4 - Meguiars Deep Crystal Polish (if I go with the Meg. paint cleaner)



I`m not impressed with that product. It can add a little gloss and hide some minor imperfections, so you might like it, but I`d rather use something like Color-X or just skip the second step.


#5 - Meguiars Gold Class liquid or paste wax, or both in different applications



Nice shine, doesn`t last long. I`d rather go with something from Collinite, which will last *months* longer and bead/shed dirt better.




#6 - Any good wheel and tire cleaners you recommend?



Not sure what`s good OTC, but I think it`s called "All Wheel and Tire"...forget who makes it.


#7 - Meguiars natural shine rubber and vinyl protectant - int.

#8 - Good interior shampoo?



Sorry, no OTC suggestions/opinions. I`d buy Meguiar`s pro stuff at the autobody/paint supply store.




a. - I use a soft full natural wool mit that I keep clean at all times. Seems to work fine.

b. - Looking for a good thick soft microfiber towel set.

c. - All natural clean chamois

d. - Soft brush - paint and wheel safe





I`d get a second mitt, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.



No idea on OTC MFs, I`d get mine from Home (http://www.exceldetail.com/) or Aloha & Welcome to Our Oasis for All Your Auto Detailing, Auto Detailing Supplies, Auto Detailing Equipment, Auto Detailing Products, & Auto Detailing Accessories for all your Automobile Detailing (http://www.pakshak.com/index.html)



I`d skip the natural chamois, haven`t used mine in years. Modern (waffle weave) MF drying towels have rendered chamois obsolete.



I wouldn`t touch my paint (or my wheels) with any brush except for *Boar`s Hair* ones, no idea where to get OTC though.



Sorry I wasn`t of more help, not an expert on OTC stuff :nixweiss

[pwaug]

#3 - Meguiars paint cleaner - not too abrasive I`ve heard, but hope it removes inperfections.



If you have any swirl marks and if you plan on doing this by hand I would suggest Megs M105. With one application applied with passion with a MF applicator you can accomplish what would take 3 passes with ScratchX. Follow up with a coat of ColorX applied with some passion. Still going to be a bear of a job, but I`ve obtained some great results with this combo.

[FRJR]

Thanks for the quick replies, I tested some of the meg. paint cleaner and polish on a work truck that had just been washed and you`re right - it took at least five passes for any results. I think I`ll go ahead and get the scratchx and colorx combo and try it. If I find a place in town that vends any pro products like Accumulator mentioned, I`ll pick up some more supplies. Just have to recover from surgery :furious:... But I can`t wait to get started. I`ll post pics when I`ve finished.



Thanks again for the help,

-Roger

[pwaug]

[quote name=`FRJR`]. I think I`ll go ahead and get the scratchx and colorx combo and try it. If I find a place in town that vends any pro products like Accumulator mentioned, I`ll pick up some more supplies.



I did allot of reading and experimenting before I did my wife`s 97 Escort by hand and I think you will find that ScratchX is going to require 3 or 4 passes. The M105 is much more aggressive, but has some new micro particle technology which allows it to finish up nicely. I used it with a MF applicator then did one application of ColorX and it turned out great. If you can`t find M105 on the shelf, any traditional auto parts store (not one of the popular chains like PepBoys) can get it for you in a few days or you can order it online at Megs. Here are two links to some info and results pictures on MOL showing the capabilities of 105 by hand--



M105 by hand vs 2500 grit wetsanding marks - Car Care Forums: Meguiar`s Online (http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25638)



By hand-- - Car Care Forums: Meguiar`s Online (http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25186)

[Joel_MD]

#1 - Turtlewax car wash - okay - not the best I`ve used

I wouldn`t worry too much about car wash detergents; even the worst OTC ones should be good enough for your purpose. If you`re about to polish and wax you could use something stronger like Dawn, which will remove wax.






#2 - Clay - not sure what to use - same with clay lube, recommendations?

The blue Clay Magic is hard to beat, and it`s sold at auto parts stores.

Some guys may disagree here, but I normally clay as I`m washing and use the soapy water as a lubricant. If you`re opposed to that, then use any sort of quick detailing solution as a clay lubricant.






#3 - Meguiars paint cleaner - not too abrasive I`ve heard, but hope it removes inperfections.

#4 - Meguiars Deep Crystal Polish (if I go with the Meg. paint cleaner)

I tend to agree with Accumulator here; neither of these are all that great. Your local parts store or auto body supply might have some of the Meguiar`s Mirror Glaze lineup, such as #83.






#7 - Meguiars natural shine rubber and vinyl protectant - int.

I have not tried Meguiar`s Natural Shine. My favorite OTC vinyl/rubber dressing is 303 Aerospace Protectant. It`s not very durable, but it gives a nice matte finish and you can use it on pretty much every sort of trim or vinyl. 303 AP is available at boating supply stores like Boater`s World, and some auto parts stores.

[FRJR]

pwaug, thanks for the input about the scratchx, I think I will still pick up some as a mild abrasive for minor scratches. I am going to go to the body shops and auto parts and trim shops around the area in the next few days to see if I can pick up some mirror glaze products that won`t require more than two passes.



Joel MD, thanks for the 2nd opinion on the clay magic, I can use some of my Meg. Quik Detailer (I have a lot) as clay lube. The Meg. Natural Shine works pretty well for me as far as interior parts, I like the finish and the durability, as well as the fact that it doesn`t look/feel oily or greasy. A buddy of mine uses 303 on his boat and I`ve heard from several places it`s good stuff so I got some but I ran out a while ago. Thanks for reminding me about that.



Anyway, my swelling`s gone down since yesterday, so hopefully I`ll get out there in a day or two to hunt for the gear and maybe find some pro stuff. :) Thanks for the help.

-Roger

[Accumulator]

FRJR- You can *usually* do OK claying with a QD as lube, but some QDs just don`t work well and/or don`t get along with certain clays. I generally prefer dedicated clay lubes, but hey, give it a try and see if it works out.

[LQ9SS]

My advice on towels:



Towels & Accessories (http://www.danase.com/mito.html)



I have not been disapointed with any towel that I purchased from danase



Get yourself the following towels:



1. Danase Waffle Weave drying towel (great for drying)

2. Danase water devourer (I use this towel in colaboration with the WW)

3. The phat towel (an amazing multi-use towel, VERY soft)

4. Extreme plush micro-fiber towel (use for quick-detailing and removing waxes)