DETAILING 101

[124JOE]

hey guys and gals
im a detailer at a ford dealership,i have been here for almost 3 yrs
if you have any questions you need to ask? you can ask me here
or correct me if im wrong

I have posted about headlights and can again

if you are doing your own detail,use caution and were safety glasses when scrubbing dirt or using a buffer,or acid ...

wash your car very good including tries and rims, vacume all the interior , wash all the glass inside. roll down the windows a bit to get the top,dry if needed to a clear window
use amor all to shine plastic and mink oil on leather
and some tire shine.wax the outside in the shade.


here in wi we use salt and the floor mats get BAD
I use a stiff bristle brush,dip it in the soapy water and scrub
heavy buildup of salt I rub the back side of the brush to crush the salt so I can clean the fabric

[riverdadd]

hey Joe, i'm curious, do u wash the wheels first or last? everyone i ask gives a different opinion.

[Jimb]

You lost me at Armorall.

Jim

[garion]

Seriously. No armor all please. I tend to use Meguiars #40 for interior vinyl and rubber.

Don't forget about using a claybar. That can work magic.

I'm *very* amateur at this, so take what i say with a grain of salt.

[divace73]

Seriously. No armor all please. I tend to use Meguiars #40 for interior vinyl and rubber.

Don't forget about using a claybar. That can work magic.

I'm *very* amateur at this, so take what i say with a grain of salt.

I luuurve how good the clay bar can make your paintwork feel....
Give a good wash, clay bar, then polish and any car looks brand new....

[courtenay]

You lost me at Armorall.

Jim

Me too. I've had great success with 303 protectant. Nice satin finish and seems to last.

[rjkoop]

hey guys and gals
im a detailer at a ford dealership,i have been here for almost 3 yrs
if you have any questions you need to ask? you can ask me here
or correct me if im wrong

I have posted about headlights and can again

if you are doing your own detail,use caution and were safety glasses when scrubbing dirt or using a buffer,or acid ...

wash your car very good including tries and rims, vacume all the interior , wash all the glass inside. roll down the windows a bit to get the top,dry if needed to a clear window
use amor all to shine plastic and mink oil on leather
and some tire shine.wax the outside in the shade.


here in wi we use salt and the floor mats get BAD
I use a stiff bristle brush,dip it in the soapy water and scrub
heavy buildup of salt I rub the back side of the brush to crush the salt so I can clean the fabric

Up here in Canada they use A LOT of salt. I find scrubbing with vinegar on a cloth followed by a scrubbing brush works wonders at making the salt disappear. The smell goes away pretty fast.

[Jimb]

"Up here in Canada they use a LOT of salt"???

I believe you mean in some parts of Canada. Certainly not in Victoria.

And, yes, I agree with the 303. It actually protects the finish as well as makes it looks good.
Jim

[124JOE]

very good questions,
I wash rims after the body to keep the soap from drying before rinse.

clay bar test-use the wrapper off a pack of smokes, and rub small areas to feel for dirt after you wash your car.

I use a spray wax for lubricant,when clay baring
you can use water to stop it from sticking

they dont give us any vinegar here.but sounds like a good tip

[4uall]

+10 on the clay bar



before paint job

[124JOE]

and I don't use aromr all
we are supplied by auto armor
and use there interior shine
and a tire shine

[spiderdan]

scrubbing with vinegar

+1 on that, works well for salt. I use warm water, dish soap and a stiff brush, car smells like french fries for a few days.
My mechanic uses baby oil on hoses and rubber stuff like seals, seems to work great.
His wife detailed my car a few years ago and when I got in I noticed she did the vinyl and it looked great clean, shiny and the car smelt great. She told me that her secret was Avon's SSS (Skin So Soft). She uses the light version because the regular SSS makes your car smell like a hooker. Who woulda thunk! Thought people just used that stuff to try to repel 'skiters (which doesn't work)

[124JOE]

im making a note SKIN SO SOFT light--AVON
I will try that when I get some

[spiderdan]

101 uses for Skin So Soft

http://www.beautyrepforyou.com/100-uses ... -soft.html

# 28 It's a good wood cleaner and conditioner for natural wood.
# 41 Use it to clean leather; it will also keep it soft and supple.
# 57 Kills spiders.

[124JOE]

WE DONT SAY KILL SPIDERSON HERE

spiders don't eat much