1st Detailing job...a brand new Lexus...couple questions

D

DigiDan

New member
My neighbor of 8 years has watched me spending countless hours washing and waxing my vehicles in every month of the year (even when it's snowing outside!)


 


They told me they were purchasing a new Lexus RX, and the conversation went from "oh cool what options did you get" to "I would love to detail that for you", and finally "we'll just pay you to do it!"


 


This car is being built (as in just in the last week), so when I get my squeaky little hands on it, it will be around 3-4 weeks old.


 


I'd like to give them the full treatment:


 - Hand wash and wipe down


 - Check for contaminants, maybe light clay if necessary


 - Paint Sealant (either Klasse or Vitreous)


 - Wait 24 hrs for cure


 - Collinite Double Coat wax


 - Wipe down with Aquawax as final step, also getting all glass super smooth with the same towel


 


Are there any issues with applying sealants to brand new cars, or is that now just a myth?


 


Thanks!


Dan
 
Dan, welcome aboard!  Obviously there are many paths you could follow.  I'd give consideration to one of the newer coatings and open up that avenue for yourself and the owner of the new vehicle.


 


If you go traditional, I guess I'd:


 
<ul>[*]Decon
[*]Clay
[*]Polish
[*]Klasse AIO
[*]Klasse Sealant Glaze (x2)
[/list]

No issues working with factory-fresh paint -  - vehicles are cured at hi temps.
 
Great!


 


One of the best things they can do is routine washes (by hand preferably) to maintain a clean, smooth finish.


 


Can't wait to get started!
 
Hammer home the concept to the neighbors to refuse the vehicle sold to them if the dealership washes or buffs the paint in pre-delivery. Seriously....
 
Good advice from GonzoBernelli!!


 


You might consider two layers of FK 1000P as the sealant, because it adds a sharp clear-coat like look and last for many months when properly applied. You could top with a beauty wax if you like but you might want to see how the sealant looks before doing so. I use FK425 as a topper after washing for a bit of extra protection and to add some snap to the look.
 
My 2014 RX350 has fairly soft paint.  I'd be sure to use new or impeccably clean wash mitts and toweling to avoid introducing marring.  


 


I used Leather Masters cleaner and protection cream on the leather.  Lexus offers both real leather and NuLux (pseudo leather) options.  


 


If you remove the wheels to seal or coat the inside, be sure to properly torque the wheels back to spec. (76 ft. lb.)  Drive the car around the block a couple times and re-check. 


 


A note about the glass.  My RX had a very rough feeling and difficult to clean windshield (exterior).  There appeared to be a coating remnant of some sort on it from shipping.  I found it to be a PITA to get the windshield clean and streak free.  I ultimately resorted to using a plastic scrubbing pad and APC and followed up with a glass sealant to eliminate the issue.  YMMV.
 
Gonzo hit the nail on the head. Ask thrm to go through a dealership at night and look at the brand new black vehicles on the lot. That should get your point across.
 
Well, the job is done.  It took me 2 nights, but performed the following:


 


1st night:


 - Full wash


 - Minor claying where there was a little rail dust


 - Machine Polish with Klasse AIO


 - Machine Seal with Klasse Sealant


 


2nd night:


 - Quick wash to remove the dust


 - Full coat of Collinite 476s


 - AW wipedown of all paint and glass surfaces


 - Scotchguard the carpeting


 - Tire dressing


 


I'm sure there were other steps I could have done, but they were extremely pleased with the end result and still talk about it (that was 2 weeks ago!)


 


They want me to also maintain the vehicle instead of taking it to the local "scratch and rinse" once a week.


 


I saved them money but also got to do something that I really enjoy doing, and also got to drive the RX350 around the block for "proper air drying".


 


Thanks All!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top