2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10

R

RoboDude

New member
I need help deciding on what to buy, hopefully I can start buying some of this stuff later at night.... please help me decide.

Car Detailing Product List

[*]=Have product, [?]=Have Product, but know if I should use it for that, [ ]=Don't have Any thing, ?? Ahhhh....What do I get!?

[Tire & Wheels]

[?] Wheel Cleaner = ?? Dawn?
[?] Tire Cleaner = ?? Dawn?
[*] Tire Dressing = Turtal Wax Wet N' Black
[*] Brush = BajaSol(Target) Brush


[Washing]

[*] Wash Shampoo = Meguiars Deep Crystal Car Wash
[ ] Wash Mitt = ?? Viking 100% Cotton
[ ] Hose = ?? Whichever...
[ ] Drying = ?? Don't know what to get
[ ] Windows = ?? Windex? Whats out good and cheap?

[Polish & Wax] <span style='color: red'>Note: Applying Wax by hand for now, until I get enough for PC.
[ ] Aplication Pad = ?? Don't know what to get...
[ ] Buffer/Polish Pads? = ?? Don't know waht to get...
[ ] Polish/Wax = ?? Leanin towards ZanioBro. because I live in Miami,FL...any other recomendation for this environment? <strong class='bbc'>No garage, Outside 24/7[/b]
[ ] Pre-Polish/Wax = ?? What do you suggest for prep work?


[Interior]

[ ] Vynil/Leather = 303 Aerospace Protectant

Anything else?



Those are all the things I can think of right now... please Help me out complet the list by making suggestions on what products to buy. I can't seem to make up my mind on what to use.


Thanks Again--

RoDrgiO
 
Here are my suggestions from my personal experience:

[Washing]
[*] Wash Shampoo = Meguiars Deep Crystal Car Wash
<em class='bbc'>Try Meguiar's Gold Class shampoo when you run out of the Deep Crystal[/i]
[ ] Wash Mitt = ?? Viking 100% Cotton
<em class='bbc'>Great mitt[/i]
[ ] Hose = ?? Whichever...
<em class='bbc'>Any will do[/i]
[ ] Drying = ?? Don't know what to get
<em class='bbc'>Absorber, or microfiber towels[/i]
[ ] Windows = ?? Windex? Whats out good and cheap?
<em class='bbc'>Depends if you have tinted film on the inside.[/i]

[Polish & Wax] Note: Applying Wax by hand for now, until I get enough for PC.
[ ] Aplication Pad = ?? Don't know what to get...
<em class='bbc'>Microfiber pads or Viking foam pads[/i]
[ ] Buffer/Polish Pads? = ?? Don't know waht to get...
<em class='bbc'>I'm assuming to buff off here, so I recommend microfiber towels again[/i]
[ ] Polish/Wax = ?? Leanin towards ZanioBro. because I live in Miami,FL...any other recomendation for this environment? No garage, Outside 24/7
<em class='bbc'>I have no garage also and I'm going to send in my order form to Zaino tomorrow[/i]
[ ] Pre-Polish/Wax = ?? What do you suggest for prep work?
<em class='bbc'>Mother's clay[/i]
 
Very Cool Oliver...thanks.



I will be workin on tinted windows by the way.



Also are YoSteves MF towels used for drying?
 
I realize you're new here (as am I), and that you've got legitimate questions, but I'd suggest you check out the search feature first.



I did a couple of quick searches on washmitt, Dawn, tire cleaning and towels and I got (on average) about 5 threads for each topic. Dawn had a few more because everyone mentions it so much.



That said, here are my suggestions:



[Tire & Wheels]



[NO] Wheel Cleaner = ?? Dawn?

Buy a high quality wheel cleaner like Sonus or P21S if you have alloy rims that you care about. If you don't really care about your wheels, then just about any product will work, but be forewarned.

[NO] Tire Cleaner = ?? Dawn?

There was a thread on this page about Greased Lightning (available at Sam's) and how it works for cleaning tires. Other people prefer Simple Green, and I prefer the Eagle One tire cleaner. Again, use caution when working near alloy wheels and nice paint.

[NO] Tire Dressing = Turtal Wax Wet N' Black

Not super familar with the Turtle Wax Wet N' Black, but I'm guessing it's loaded with silicones. This could stain your paint as it flings off...there are numerous threads about dressings - most prefer 303/Vinylex/Zaino Z16/Blitz ERT. I switch around quite often.

[OK] Brush = BajaSol(Target) Brush

A brush on the tires is fine as long as it's not brass. I frown on using a brush on wheels unless it's a very soft brush. I use an old MicroFiber towel on my wheels.





[Washing]



[OK] Wash Shampoo = Meguiars Deep Crystal Car Wash

I've used this, and didn't care for it. The suds were so-so, and it seemed like I had to use a lot of the product to achieve satisfactory results. Experiment with products and find one you like. I happen to prefer the Zaino Z7 wash and the P21S wash.

[OK] Wash Mitt = ?? Viking 100% Cotton

You'll find after searching that most people prefer the "good" Viking mits. I use a sheepskin mit from Wal-Mart that cost around $4.97. I haven't had a scratching problem with it, but I'm extremely careful with my mitt and technique.

[ ] Hose = ?? Whichever...

Makes little to no difference. I use a 3/4" ID contractor hose that's 50' long.

[ ] Drying = ?? Don't know what to get

Canon or Fieldcrest 100% cotton towels, made in USA with tags (and optionally seams) removed. Don't dry with fabric softener, and don't use bleach on the towels. MF's work well, and given their dropping prices they might even be more cost effective.

[ ] Windows = ?? Windex? Whats out good and cheap?

Windex is cheap, although most Automotive window cleaners work better. Eagle One 20/20 is supposed to be decent; I use the Eimann Fabrik window cleaner.



[Polish & Wax] Note: Applying Wax by hand for now, until I get enough for PC.

[ ] Aplication Pad = ?? Don't know what to get...

All depends on you. If you like foam, use foam. Some prefer MicroFiber, others prefer a spare towel.

[ ] Buffer/Polish Pads? = ?? Don't know waht to get...

Since you don't have a PC yet, this shouldn't matter much, just use what you prefer to use for the applicator pad above.

[ ] Polish/Wax = ?? Leanin towards ZanioBro. because I live in Miami,FL...any other recomendation for this environment?

This is an impossible call, as it depends on your preferences. Synthetics will last much longer in your environment, though they are slightly more costly initially and require a bit more technique for best results.

[ ] Pre-Polish/Wax = ?? What do you suggest for prep work?

If you go the synthetic route, just make sure you wash the car with Dawn before applying synthetics (after polishing). 3M stuff is great, as is the Meguiar's Professional series. You'll need to assess your paint before picking a product.





[Interior]



[ ] Vynil/Leather = 303 Aerospace Protectant

Again, Griot's, Zaino, Lexol, etc. all make great interior products. Find one that suits your budget and provides you with results that you like.



Anything else?



Understand that your questions are like me asking you, "which car should I buy?" It's too vague of a question. You need to take an assessment of your vehicle, your willingness to detail, your "pickiness", etc.



It's awesome that you're interested in detailing, so keep pluggin' away at it. I suggest a good, thorough search of the archives.
 
Great post geeky... could not have said better myself.



the search function is great and will give you gobs of threads with worthy information.
 
Sorry I didn't use the search function... :D .



I was in a hurry, but I'm gona use it to further narrow my list.



Thanks for the great replys.
 
For tire and wheel cleaning I'd say go get some tire foam. Dawn won't be strong enough. If you want to wait for it then CMA has some good things for tires. But if you are going to be getting the stuff at Target then get some tire foam and wheel cleaner. You don't want to use the tire foam <span class='bbc_underline'><strong class='bbc'><em class='bbc'>as[/b][/i] wheel cleaner though. Get seperate stuff.

Totally get an absorber. Don't get any cheap look alike either. WalMart carries the Absorber for between 9 and 12 bucks. I've had mine for more than 4 years without a problem. The California Water Blade is also a good thing. They sell those at Target. The water blade is like a squeegie and it swipes most of the water off your car. You use the aborber to clean up any water the blade misses. You can dry your whole car in that way without ever having to wring the Absorber out. It is awesome.

As far as waxing or polishing your car goes don't get anything off the shelf yet. I'm working out a group buy for Klasse and that will be waaaaaaaaay better than wax. Klasse is easier to apply and looks better. You can always add a wax topper to it when you are done. Meguiar's Gold Class is great wax. You can get that at Target. Look for the gold and black triangle-ish box.

MF applicators are really good for applying Klasse or wax. And the MF towels are great for removing it. Never use wash rags or bath towels. You want to avoid getting lint near your car when waxing it.

I think there are a lot of things you will learn as you go. Trust what you already know. Read through the forums or do a search on a particular product if you are concerned. If you try something that works out great or if it totally sucks then post it in the review section so you can warn people. :) Have fun!
 
We're waiting for the weather to become a little more consistent - one day it's 65, the next we're having flurries...



We're also assembling a group of test vehicles so that we can apply two products per vehicle and test them in the real world. We're going to start off with testing our best performers from the first round of tests.



As soon as the weather cooperates, we'll be outside testin'! I can hardly wait - testing beats archiving and redesigning sites any day.
 
Here are the products I would recommend in each of the areas you asked about. I have tried all of these products, and I would give them my seal of approval. :up



{Washing:}



Shampoo: Zaino Z7, Meguiars Gold Class, Eimann Fabrik Power Wash+



Wash Mitt: Viking 100% cotton or any other 100% high quality cotton mitt.



Drying: Some MF towels, 100% cotton Charismas, Water Bandit or Absorber.



Hose: Whatever you like does not really matter.



Windows: Stoners Invisable Glass, a homemade mixture of vinegar and water.



{Tires and Wheels}



Tire Cleaner: Eimann Fabrik High Intensity



Wheel Cleaner: Eimann Fabrik High Intensity



Tire Dressing: Zaino Z16, 303, Eagle One Concours



{Polish and Wax}



Applicators: Foam Pads



Buffer Pads: The PC kit from CMA



Sealant: Zaino Bros., Klasse, Blackfire



Polish: Can't go wrong with 3M for abrasive polishes



{Interior}



Trim: 303



You may also want to add a good leather cleaner to your supplies. And a conditioner will not hurt. There are many more things than are whats on this list, but this would be a good start. Don't skimp on quality towels, it may seem like a lot of $$$ at first...but make the investment and get good towels.



If you really get into detailing and get lots of products you can be talking some serious $$$$, you may want to try and buy products over time and not all at once.



Good Luck!!
 
Good list of products Showroom. However, I would have listed the products in this order: Blackfire, Klasse and Zaino. Lets keep everything alphebetized. Hehe!
 
2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10, 436 miles.

I cleaned up some mild marring about a year and a half ago with some M80 and then waxed it.

Client took it out of the garage and had a dent pulled out of the door and it sat outside for about a week. Got really dusty and rained on a few times.

I lightly foamed it with some Gold Class Shampoo, cleaned the wheels, tires, and wells, and then re foamed the paint again and agitated with a Meguiars wash mitt.

DSC06420.jpg


DSC06421.jpg


DSC06423.jpg


I rinsed the truck off, pulled it in the garage, and dried it.

I did a little spot correction on the bumper with some M205 and my PC, then sealed the entire truck with M20 Polymer Sealant.

Tires and wells dressed with HD at 2:1.

Glass cleaned inside and out with Glass Cleaner Concentrate at 10:1.

Interior was given a wipe down and vac.

DSC06447.jpg


DSC06448.jpg


DSC06453.jpg


DSC06464.jpg



DSC06451.jpg
 
Nick - did I read that correct, less than 1000 miles on that truck?? No wonder the rims look so clean on the inside (brand spank'n new!):-B
 
Tuck91 said:
Yes, only 436 miles.

I cleaned the insides as there was a bit of brake dust before.
Click to expand...


I still like this truck........even though the gas mileage is poop(lol). There is one in my area I see from time to time(dark grey color single cab) which has 20" HRE's on it "Me likey", lowered just right and kept very clean.

The Red is really popping, and the truck looks very nice, but if I had this truck there would be more than 436 miles on it:D.
 

Attachments

  • tshirt.jpg
    tshirt.jpg
    8.7 KB · Views: 248
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top