shortspark
12-13-2005, 02:25 PM
I purchased a new silver Honda Ridgeline truck and want to keep it looking as good (or better) than the day I bought it. I have read many, many posts here and have come to some conclusions based on the comments from you folks that do detailing as a hobby and for some, as a living. Now that I am at least partially educated, I thought I would finally post and see what you all thought. Here is what I`ve done and I would like to know if I am at least in the ball park and any suggestions on what to do or not do.
First, I have learned that preparation is the key. Without a good basis the rest will not achieve the results intended. I want to say that I will soon order some clay as that is an important prep step so I have not done that yet.
I use Eagle One Wet car wash with sheepskin mits I purchased from Jeff. I also have a bunch of MF, including the Big Blue for drying. The next step was a little tough but I went ahead and bought Klasse AIO (2x) followed by SG (3x) using the WOWO method (easy and looks fantastic!). I will do this routine every 6 months. I have purchased some Menzerna High Gloss Acrylic Shield and will see how that compares with the SG (in fact, I may top the SG with the AS). I also have on hand but have not used yet Jeff`s AJ and AG (I bought them to try because of the rave reviews but I`m a little confused as to their appropriate application - other than as a sub for SG).
I use Eagle One W&S as a quick detailer and it seems to do well but I think there may be better out there (maybe Jeff`s AG??). For small messes I use PoorBoys S&W and the bigger stuff is handled by QEW if I can`t get to the hose. Tires are brushed and cleaned and then topped with Miguire`s Endurance or Hot Shine (not sure which I like better yet).
The windows are washed with either Stoners or Sprayway (again, not sure which I like best). The leather wipes are Lexol and vinyl is treated with Vinylex although I want to try the 303 Protectant. My blades are treated with 303 blade protectant
Basically, that`s it. There are many more things I want to experiment with and although I will never have the eye of a detailer, I am very happy with my first few attempts - and it can only get better!
So, considering my truck`s color (and the fact I live in hot, hot Texas - at least there is no salt!) are the base products I have described compatible and good for my conditions? What would you all suggest? PS-I would rather use a polish than a wax if possible, hence the Klasse twins.
First, I have learned that preparation is the key. Without a good basis the rest will not achieve the results intended. I want to say that I will soon order some clay as that is an important prep step so I have not done that yet.
I use Eagle One Wet car wash with sheepskin mits I purchased from Jeff. I also have a bunch of MF, including the Big Blue for drying. The next step was a little tough but I went ahead and bought Klasse AIO (2x) followed by SG (3x) using the WOWO method (easy and looks fantastic!). I will do this routine every 6 months. I have purchased some Menzerna High Gloss Acrylic Shield and will see how that compares with the SG (in fact, I may top the SG with the AS). I also have on hand but have not used yet Jeff`s AJ and AG (I bought them to try because of the rave reviews but I`m a little confused as to their appropriate application - other than as a sub for SG).
I use Eagle One W&S as a quick detailer and it seems to do well but I think there may be better out there (maybe Jeff`s AG??). For small messes I use PoorBoys S&W and the bigger stuff is handled by QEW if I can`t get to the hose. Tires are brushed and cleaned and then topped with Miguire`s Endurance or Hot Shine (not sure which I like better yet).
The windows are washed with either Stoners or Sprayway (again, not sure which I like best). The leather wipes are Lexol and vinyl is treated with Vinylex although I want to try the 303 Protectant. My blades are treated with 303 blade protectant
Basically, that`s it. There are many more things I want to experiment with and although I will never have the eye of a detailer, I am very happy with my first few attempts - and it can only get better!
So, considering my truck`s color (and the fact I live in hot, hot Texas - at least there is no salt!) are the base products I have described compatible and good for my conditions? What would you all suggest? PS-I would rather use a polish than a wax if possible, hence the Klasse twins.