Continuing education.....

E

ernie

New member
Might as well get the newbie post out of the way. First, thanks for a great site......I've learned more lurking here over the past few weeks than I learned about proper maintenance over the last...ummmmm...well, a few years. Not to mention saving a few dollars on Meguiars GC car wash.......can't believe I was spending $7.99 for a small bottle, when I can get a gallon for $9.99 at Target. Unfortunately, that's probably the last time you folks will save me any $$$. Ordered a few items for the interior (thanks for finally educating me on proper maintenance of clear-coated leather), think I've decided on the exterior. I had been using the Meguiars 3-step (Cleaner/Polish/Crystal Paste Wax) on my 98 black Ranger. Looked nice, lasted longer than I expected (garaged at night), but nice swirls in the right light (most likely due to technique). Now have a black 2002 F150 Lariat. From what I've read, it seems the Klasse system (AIOx1, SGx2 to start)+ carnuba will give me what I think I'm looking for (nice shine and, perhaps more importantly for me, good, relativey long-lasting paint protection)(and, if I don't like it after a while, I'm not married to it either). Seems like AIO is also good for a lot of other things (chrome, plastic, etc.). Thinking of going with P21S, since it does not appear to stain (whiten) the plastic (would love to try the Souveran, but it's a bit pricey for me now).



Since the truck is fairly new, I'm hoping to aviod claying for the first year or so......primarily because I've never clayed before, and I don't wand to $crew up (read "make more work for myself") a nice paint job. At some point, I'll go ahead and purchase the clay (the Pinnacle product seems a good, if costly, choice) and "practlce" on the bed of the truck. Correct me if I'm wrong, but by not "claying" from the get-go, I'm not doing any permanant harm, just may have some rough spots here and there.



In any case, just wanted to say "thanks" for the great site and the education. Never too old to learn. Maybe some day I'll be able to contribute something intelligent, but it seems I've got a long way to go :-)



ernie
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by ernie [/i]
<strong class='bbc'>.......can't believe I was spending $7.99 for a small bottle, when I can get a gallon for $9.99 at Target. Unfortunately, that's probably the last time you folks will save me any $$$.

ernie [/b]</blockquote>

LOL, funny cuz it's true! Have fun :xyxthumbs


SJS
 
Welcome to the Best detailing Forum on the web. Lots of good items to read and many detailing tips to learn from.



P21S is a very good wax for the price. It doesn't last quite as long as Blitz in my opinion, but is very user friendly. It will not stain your trim.



As far as clay being hard to use, if you can hit your mouth with your fork at mealtime, you can clay your car. It's that simple.

I use the Pinnacle poly clay, and have had very good success with it. Just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong. Flatten out a piece in your hand, spray the surface to be clayed with either the clay lube, a good mix of car shampoo, (about 8 to 1 ratio), or a good Quick Detailer. When the panel is wet, rub the clay back and forth till it stops dragging across the finish. Wipe down with a cotton cloth, and move on. Some on this forum clay as they wash. When completed, wash the whole truck as normal. Then you can polish, wax or apply sealant. Whatever you choose, remember paint prep is 90% of the battle.

Again, read all the detailing tips and the archives, to figure out how to prep and apply your products. I use the AIO, SG and Wax routine on my truck also. Very long on protection and a great shine.



Let us know what you decide to do, and please share your technique on how you did it. Again, welcome aboard and feel free to ask all the questions you need. Enjoy!
 
I find it a bit odd that claying strikes so much fear into the hearts of newbies. It really is an easy process, fun to do, effective, and pretty hard to screw up. A little common sense goes a long way when using clay.



Even if you get clay streaks (spots from the clay where it stuck to the paint instead of gliding smoothly) it is easy to clean them off with a little QD or a mild polish.



Claying makes the remaining steps go that much easier since the paint is as smooth as can be. If your truck has never been clayed, it can use it.



As far as price goes, Clay Magic sells their clay and lubricant for $10 or so at auto parts stores. Someone recently posted they found Meguiar's clay for $4 on sale. While Meguiar's clay isn't everyone's favorite, $4 makes for a very cheap experiment.



Give clay a try. And welcome to Autopia!:xyxthumbs
 
I guess the "fear factor" comes from never having done it before, being unfamiliar with the product itself, and the thought of rubbing a wad of clay over your paint (granted, with a lubricant) when a towel rubbed the wrong way and under the wrong conditions can introduce swirls, etc.



However, you (plural) have convinced me to give it a try. There's enough info on the board and with the vendors, and I do believe that in detailing, like anything else, the quality of the work is only as good as the weakest step. I'll post the experience in a few weeks for any other newbies who are hesitant to give it a shot.



Given that I haven't done it before, about how much time should I set aside for claying a full-size, extended cab pick-up (not including the inside of the bed)?



Thanks much

ernie
 
If your paint is in decent shape, your looking at what I would think is not much more than an hour tops. I do my mid size Sonoma in 40 to 45 minutes, and I'm fussy.

Believe me once you clay you'll wonder why you didn't do it before. It's the easiest, once or twice a year treat you can give your truck.

Once your done with the clay you can go right to the AIO unless you have stains to remove. Then you might want to use something like Pinnacle paintwork cleansing lotion, or 3M Swirl Remover, if you have swirls.

Just keep checking the clay every panel, and knead and fold it over often. You'll know by looking at it when it's time.

Claying will make a difference on your finish. My vehicle was new when I bought it, and it did take quite a bit of gunk off my paint. I think it's worth it. Enjoy!
 
<strong class='bbc'>However, you (plural) have convinced me to give it a try.[/b] After that, it becomes a joy to detail a car

Welcome to the forum :up

Steven
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top