Red Harley Davidson

is it necessary to open all of the doors and dry off the interior jams and rubber trim after washing? Will it do any harm not to do this? I`m usually so pooped after washing and drying I just let this part go - is this OK? Thanks

[imported_Brad]

It won`t hurt anything really, but it`s a clear violation of the Detailers Credo! It`s just 2 more minutes....do it!

[tom p.]

I know it requires extra effort but is worthwhile. I find that if I don`t do it, water continues to drip out when the car is driven the next time and catches a tremendous amount of dust from the environment. When it dries, you have yet another unsightly mess. I find the same problem if I don`t dry wheels individually.

Tip: You can mist a tiny amount of 3M`s Gloss Enhancer to make the job a bit easier. >> http://www.3m.com/market/automotive/gloss.gif

<strong class=`bbc`>3M(TM) Perfect-It(TM) Gloss Enhancer
PN 39034[/b]
description:<em class=`bbc`>

A quick and easy, "spray on/wipe off" product that can recapture that just-waxed look and feel. Excellent for use on dry panels between waxings. Can also be sprayed on panels that are still wet after washing and rinsing, to revitalize your vehicle`s waxed finish while wiping it dry. Excellent for touching up new car finishes. 1pt./16 oz. spray bottle
[/i]

...sorry about the pic guys...I couldn`t resist.


I also really like to wax those door jambs with Klasse every year or as necessary. Hope that makes sense.

[hook]

Karen,



I sometimes am tempted to skip the door jams, etc...but Brad`s right, do it right or don`t do it at all. wait, that`s Ron...well, anyway...



I`ve found that one car has lots of hidden areas that water collects in, so I wash, dry, then get in and drive it around the block. Back in the driveway, I open all the doors (and trunk and hood!) and wipe down. This *really* cuts down on water spots caused by renegade droplets. It also keeps those "inside" parts nice & shiny.



Side note, I`m now especially encoraged to do this since I`ve discovered that the Maxima`s front and rear ends get water spotted much more easily than the main panels do. I think the paint it`s because the paint is slightly different due to the plastic somponents.



blue skies,

Andy

[pingiii]

I also open all the doors and the hood and even drop the tailgate on my truck to get all those little drops of water. But I still wind up with water spots after I move the truck. What can you do? I just rewipe.

The one that really gets me is no matter how much you try to stuff a rag in between the outside mirrors and the housing, the minute you move the vehicle, water drops run down the doors. Very frustrating, especially in the winter. I guess that`s why they call it detailing. Enjoy!

[JasonC8301]

I open up all doors, trunk, hood, and gas tank cover. Water still finds a way to escape this. The tail lights seem prone to this water issue, leaking after a wash.

[old_gonzo]

You Are Not Alone! ;)

[Bruce]

I used to love this forum, but now I`m beginning to wonder. Every time I log on I learn there`s something else I have to do or else I`m nothing but a Philistine pretender:



1) First I found out I can`t just wash my car. I have to dry it, too.



2) I can`t just use any old car wash. I have to spill them all on the garage floor and see which one causes me to slip and break my neck so I get the proper lubricity. Lubricity . . ?



3) And to dry the car, I have to use ultra expensive space-age boutique towels that I have to throw away if I drop them on the ground because they capture all debris within a twelve-inch radius with an unbreakable grip. I can`t even use a 100% pure cotton towel without first burning it to a crisp to make sure the manufacturer didn`t sneak in some polyester.



4) You`ld think you could use Windex, a product designed specifically for windows, on your windows, but nooo....



5) But it`s OK to use peanut butter.



6) I had to get rid of all my cats. And my neighbors` as well.



7) Then I find out that using my nine cases of baby oil is a definite no-no.



8) And get this. I`m supposed to wash my TIRES! And inside the wheel wells!



9) Now, on this very thread, I`m told that if I don`t dry the inside of my door jams I`m violating some kind of sacred credo or something like that.



10) But all this pales in comparison to finding out that I can`t even close my car door without using my butt . . . and I can`t even do that if I`n not wearing MicroFiber jeans.



Next thing I know, you`ll be telling me I have to detail the INSIDE of my car.



I think I`ll just pour myself another Duff and then go out and try to hack off the rest of that Klasse SG I put on last week.

[hook]

I not only opened and cleaned the inside of the gas cover..I 303`d the inside as well. Wow! The whole thing inside fitting is one big piece of shiny black plastic....looks great now.



blue skies,

Andy

[scottybob1]

Thats good, I actually laughed outloud on that reply. That has to be a classic for all to take notice. I hope you don`t mind if I add one more:

<strong class=`bbc`>Driving in the rain is taboo.[/b]

My wife and daughters thinks I`m nuts when I tell them to re-think their driving habits, espically after I just spent 6 hours on the cars.

[YoSteve]

my hood, doorjams, and trunk are all lined with microfiber material, I don`t have to dry like you guys :D

[Footy]

Bear in mind that one of the first posts on this forum was from some guy asking about using 303 on the dipstick O-ring during engine detailing.



As for residual water droplets, you could do what I do, which is to live in an area which has soft water and soft rain (= no water spots :))



Bruce, you forgot the engine detailing mongoose (I wish I could too, but the imagery remains too strong in my mind...)

[Don2000g]

Bruce, a truly classic post. I liked how you remember that slipping on car shampoo piece to help verify its lubrication abilities. The microfiber pants comment is also very close to my heart. Laters.

[MrPongoSS]

I am very tired after fulling detailing my car that I skip the door jams and spaces on my trunk (not on purpose). What I like to do is let it dry then hit it with some Quick Detailer. Most of the time I forget to dry it so waterspots appear.



But some Meguiars Quick Detailer takes the water spots out and cleans it up nicely.

[Greek Guy]

I open the hood, doors, trunk and dry the gas cap after each wash. It only takes a couple of extra minutes.