Help with brand new off-the-truck car detail

B

BlueBoxer1

New member
OK, the Subaru I ordered should be here soon. It would be convenient to let the dealer wash and wax it after removing the plastic it ships in (they prep it for free), but I'm wondering if it would be significantly better for me to take the time to take off the plastic and detail it myself. What do you think?



Secondly, assuming there are significant benefits to doing it myself, could you please each give me your list of the basic steps I need to do (not more than what is important) to get a good finish? I don't want to put a ton of effort into it, I ust want to do the basics that are really important. If you can include products (maybe even two-in-one products that save time), I would appreciate it. I am brand new to the detailing thing. An example of what I'm looking for is something like this (I'm not sure I have the order of things right):



1) Remove plastic

2) Wash & Dry

3) Clay (necessary?)

4) Clean paint

5) Polish paint (necessary?)

6) Apply 2-3 coats synthetic wax/sealer (what brand is good and where do I get it?)



Thanks alot in advance, I'm excited about my new car.
 
My girlfriend just picked up her new black Nissan Truck. We let the dealer prep it. Then when we got it home we QD'd it and put on our sealer of choice. Many people here won't let the dealer prep it. I personally think thats a little overboad, because I've corrected many used cars to look like brand new, so I am not worried. You may want to clay depending upon rail dust embedded in the paint, etc... Maybe the car was sitting on the lot or is in a heavy industrial area, so claying may not be a bad idea. No need to polish. Then just pick ur sealant and you're set. Welcome and congrats on the new vehicle. Post pics!!



To seal it we used Menzerna's Full Molecular Jacket (FMJ). You ask ten people and you'll get 10 different favorites.
 
BlueBoxer1 said:
OK, the Subaru I ordered should be here soon. It would be convenient to let the dealer wash and wax it after removing the plastic it ships in (they prep it for free), but I'm wondering if it would be significantly better for me to take the time to take off the plastic and detail it myself. What do you think?



Secondly, assuming there are significant benefits to doing it myself, could you please each give me your list of the basic steps I need to do (not more than what is important) to get a good finish? I don't want to put a ton of effort into it, I ust want to do the basics that are really important. If you can include products (maybe even two-in-one products that save time), I would appreciate it. I am brand new to the detailing thing. An example of what I'm looking for is something like this (I'm not sure I have the order of things right):



1) Remove plastic

2) Wash & Dry

3) Clay (necessary?)

4) Clean paint

5) Polish paint (necessary?)

6) Apply 2-3 coats synthetic wax/sealer (what brand is good and where do I get it?)



Thanks alot in advance, I'm excited about my new car.
Click to expand...

I'm a nube here but, I would let the dealer do their prep, reasons they give it to you mint condition if its not do not accept delivery, its easier to see a dent or any other problem without plastic all over. A new car I would hope does not need polishing, if it does god help you, some of those guys know little about polishing compared to most of the people here. most likely they just wash it. I would do a sealant I did Duragloss #105.

A member Brando1 did a write up for nubies that helped me out, heres a link to it.

This is my Detailing How-To write-up I have been promising. - Tundra Solutions Forums

Heres a picture of my trucks lid with Duraglos #105, the list of products is almost endless.

DSC01523.jpg
 
I would never let the hacks at the dealership touch my car. If you want proof, go look at some of the used (or even new) cars they have sitting on the lot.



If it were me, I would do the following: (I use the Zaino system on my personal cars)



-Remove shipping material

-Wash car

-Clay

-Polish with ZPC if necessary. (Shouldn't be)

-Seal with 2 coats of ZFX Enabled Z2

-Coat of 303 on the dashboard



You should be all set. Like the previous poster said, everyone has their techniques and favorites.



Good luck and enjoy the new car!
 
"we QD'd it" --What does that mean?



Second, if I'm going to clay/clean/wax myself after the dealer, doesn't it make more sense for me to not have to work through the coat of wax they put on? There must be something I don't quite understand about the process, because both of you think I should let the dealer wax it and then go to work on it myself. My vision of cleaning and stuff though is that you want to do it before you wax. Can you guys explain?



Last thing, I was going to polish becuase the car probably sat in some transfer lot for a while, but sounds like that may not be necssary. Is that a step I can comfortably skip? So so far I've got this:



1) Let dealer prep, wash and wax

2) Bring home, use clay

3) clean paint with paint cleaner

4) NO POLISH--not needed

5) Use synthetic wax--how many coats? Is P21 good? And where do I buy this kind of stuff?



Thanks again, I know, lots of NooB questions, but I'll get the hang of this soon!
 
BlueBoxer1 said:
"we QD'd it" --What does that mean?



Second, if I'm going to clay/clean/wax myself after the dealer, doesn't it make more sense for me to not have to work through the coat of wax they put on? There must be something I don't quite understand about the process, because both of you think I should let the dealer wax it and then go to work on it myself. My vision of cleaning and stuff though is that you want to do it before you wax. Can you guys explain?



Last thing, I was going to polish becuase the car probably sat in some transfer lot for a while, but sounds like that may not be necssary. Is that a step I can comfortably skip? So so far I've got this:



1) Let dealer prep, wash and wax

2) Bring home, use clay

3) clean paint with paint cleaner

4) NO POLISH--not needed

5) Use synthetic wax--how many coats? Is P21 good? And where do I buy this kind of stuff?



Thanks again, I know, lots of NooB questions, but I'll get the hang of this soon!
Click to expand...

I just said let the dealer do their prep thats just a vacuum and wash maybe armor-all the tires, my Tundra dint get a wax, I doubt they would spend more than 30 minutes on it.

Just have them give it to you clean so you can see everything is OK thats all, If you think they're waxing it tell the sales guy not to do it.
 
A dealer wash is one of the most dangerous things you can let happen to your car. You can search on the many threads, even the one about the M-B with the Ceramiclear that got trashed from one wash. If the threads from members who have seen the floor brushes, dirty mitts stored on the ground, etc. don't dissuade you, how about the posts from people who actually work at dealers and are a part of this?



If you've been doing this for any time at all, you know that one bad wash can cause a lifetime (ownership) of heartbreak. Don't do it.
 
I just said let the dealer do their prep thats just a vacuum and wash



that is the very thing that you don't want your dealer do to your car.



If you have a dark car just look at it under the sun. You will see cobwebs most likely.
 
BlueBoxer1 said:
"we QD'd it" --What does that mean?

Last thing, I was going to polish becuase the car probably sat in some transfer lot for a while, but sounds like that may not be necssary. Is that a step I can comfortably skip? So so far I've got this:



1) Let dealer prep, wash and wax

2) Bring home, use clay

3) clean paint with paint cleaner

4) NO POLISH--not needed

5) Use synthetic wax--how many coats? Is P21 good? And where do I buy this kind of stuff?



Thanks again, I know, lots of NooB questions, but I'll get the hang of this soon!
Click to expand...



I would modify that plan of attack a little bit:

1) Don't let them prep

2) Wash, clay, wash

3) Clean with paint cleaner if you'd like (P21s or Klasse AIO are pretty popular here)

4) If there is already marring or swirls, then polish. Otherwise, skip.

5) I'm pretty sure P21s is a caranuba. If you are looking for longer-lasting protection, I'd try a sealant like Jeffs Werkstatt Acrylic Jett, Zaino, or Klasse Sealant Glaze.



My favorite sites are Autopia-carcare.com or Autogeek.net. To QD means to "Quick Detail". Its a product people use to enhance gloss after a wash or clean up the car inbetween washes.



I'm not a pro, and I'm not 100% sure on everything, but I'm sure some real pros will chime in. Good luck with the detail!
 
Probably don't want to do that, unless you know the dealer is capable of doing that.



Most likely, that is not the case.



I bought my car in my early (very early) Autopia days, so I let them prep it. I have a feeling it had to do with my excellent salesman, but they prepped it extremely well. No scratches, had some type of wax on it, and tire shine that lasted more than a week without slinging.



I guess I got lucky, but if I had to do it again, I'd ask for no prep and inspect the vehicle myself at the dealership before accepting. I don't know if you can do that, but I'd try.
 
Thanks guys! That's very helpful. I wonder if I can drive home with the plastic still on it?:clap:

OK, my revised plan of attack is this, feel free to keep making modifications, and good product recommendations are still helpful to me as I don't know any of them.



1) Drive home with plastic still on the car

2) remove plastic, wash, clay, wash

3) clean with paint cleaner (this step sounds optional?)

4) polish if see any marring or swirls, otherwise skip

5) Use synthetic wax like the few that have been recommended



OK how many coats of wax do I need to put on?

Now I've got to get the garage ready, is it a good idea to paint a dirty concrete floor with one of those garage paints, or do you guys have better ideas? I wonder if we have a section around here on garages. I will definitely take pix when it comes in.
 
The effectiveness of layering sealants has been discussed a few times on the Forum. I personally apply at least 2 layers of Z2 (Zaino Bros product, found at zainostore.com). Zaino is very long lasting, and the shine is excellent. It has a cult of users that rant and rave about it. (I don't, but its pretty good stuff! :xyxthumbs )



I'd recommend browsing the Click & Brag section. You will find many different products and methods you may like to try out. As far as the garage goes, a few members have used a system from Rustoleum. They have great write-ups located in the Garage section of the Forum.



Again, good luck! I'm looking forward to your pictures!
 
Taking delivery "with the plastic (exterior or interior) still on the car" isn't a good idea.



The plastic could very easily camouflage transportation damage or faults in the paint or interior that would be clearly visible with the plastic removed.



If I was the dealer, I would not deliver the car in its wrapper simply because its condition cannot be determined at the time the customer drives it off the lot.



Determining what you need to do as far as detailing your new car IS POINTLESS WITHOUT INSPECTING THE ACTUAL CAR.
 
What I would recommend is that you remove all the protective plastic from the car on the dealer's lot and in the presence of your salesperson just to make sure their is no hidden damage. Then you can safely drive the car home and detail it exactly how you see fit.
 
Yea I would let them take the plastic off and wash it. They can't do any major damage and if they do, then you will see it before delivery. If you have a far drive, I'd hate to have that plastic flapping and buzzing all over my new paint. Also, the glue that the plastic leaves behind may require some prepsol to remove, or something similar; something the dealer uses every day and you probably don't have. I have a 1987 bronco in my garage with 50,000 miles. It was dealer prepped and driven by the previous owner. Washed at carwashes etc.. and I haven't a swirl on the orig paint. So don't be overly concerned, it will be fine.!!!
 
David703 said:
I have a 1987 bronco in my garage with 50,000 miles. It was dealer prepped and driven by the previous owner. Washed at carwashes etc.. and I haven't a swirl on the orig paint. So don't be overly concerned, it will be fine.!!!
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David I hate to type this but that is the worst, most UN autopian advise I have ever read on this site. :soscared: :soscared: :wall :wall :wall





How in the hell do you think people get cobwebs/swirls on their car? 99% of the time during washing. :wall





Your post deserves to be framed and made a sticky. :hairpull
 
I wouldn't let the dealer prep my car either. In fact, I picked up my new Tundra last month and they did exactly what I asked - which was NOTHING! They kept saying are you sure you want to take it like this? And I said yes and repeatedly thanked them for literally not doing anything to it - the plastic was still on the seats, the protective film still on the kick panels and sill plates, the leather tags still on the interior, all window stickers, parts content stickers still adhered. Even the SOLD sticker was still on it. All for my 800 mile drive back to MA.



My truck came via 18 wheeler from Princeton, IN to Raleigh, NC - so there was no need to clay whatsoever. Check your paint and don't just assume you will need to clay. Claying can cause micro-marring and while you can polish it out, it may save you from having to polish a brand new truck. I simply added NXTx1 and then #16x1 and I was all set. Next spring she'll get 3M Perfect It III MG and then some #16.
 
You've got the steps down right I'd say. I'm pushing for having the plastic left on when I get my next car, not sure if I'd take it off before driving home.



David - What the heck? Just when I think I've read everything about what not to do to a vehicle I read your post. Thomas summed it up pretty well. I think I'll frame that just to remind me of what never to do. Maybe your Bronco's paint looks good but paint in 1987 is a lot different than todays. If he can save himself some effort and a lot of potential heartache why let them touch it. I've seen what they do at the dealers in my area and boy do their new and used cars look bad. :soscared:
 
Great advice guys, I'm assuming NXT and #16 are Meguiar products? I'm thinking of going to something with accelerators so that I can do the whole prep in a day, but again I don't know anything about "accelerators" or anything else. To me it makes sense to only use products with a quick cure time instead of having to wait a day. How is my thinking on this and what products might you recommend?
 
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