new car prep.....???

Shelpster66

New member
I just bought a 2007 Tundra and was just going to jump in and start waxing it, but I had a question about what the pro's do for new car prep.



Do you polish first??

Should I clay to remove any rail dust first?

what about a sealant before the wax?



I know the routine for older paint, but with a new car I'm thinking there might be a difference in the way I prep for wax ......yes?....no?



Thanks guys



Mike
 
With my new Tundra I had to spend a lot of time getting it into the condition that I wanted. I had to clay the whole car first. That should be an obvious first step. Who knows how long that it sat in some holding yard next to the train simply collecting dust. If you clay it, you will see what I am talking about.



After claying you can choose whether you want to wax it or seal it, either is ok depending on how you drive the car and where it is parked. Just get any residual water spots off it while you can, I know mine had a ton when I bought it.



I would also go over the whole interior really carefully. They always miss something, be it stickers or simply adhesive residue. The people that clean them for delivery aren't detailers, so go over it with your own fine tooth comb and I am sure you will find plenty of things to clean.
 
NEW CAR PREP:



EXTERIOR





  1. Remove shipping plastic
  2. Hand Wash
  3. Clay Bar
  4. Chemical Cleaner
  5. Sealant/Wax Depending on what season the car is brought to me in
  6. All plastic, rubber, vinyl dressed
  7. Chrome is sealed
  8. Tire/wheels dressed



Interior:





  1. Remove Shipping Plastic
  2. Interior and trunk vacuumed
  3. All plastic, rubber, vinyl dressed
  4. Leather is cleaned and conditioned
  5. All metals polished
  6. Door jambs cleaned and waxed
 
The prep I use on the new cars I service is basically as followed.



Wash

Clay

Zaino Z5 x 2

Zaino CS

Z8 wipe down



Do it again the next week (minus the claybar) and you've got an incredable layer of protection not too mention it will out gloss and out shine anything around.



Josh
 
Dont over complicate these things.



If the paint feels rough- clay it



If the paint has marring- polish it



Then wax or seal it
 
thanks guys -

The truck had all of the stickers on it when I brought it home. I told them not to touch it and they looked at me like I was crazy.

Them - "Don'tcha want it cleaned up for the drive home?"

Me - "um...no....don't touch it....seriously!"



I cleaned all of the windows and removed all of the sticky residue that was left behind and gave it a good wash. I will definately clay and then hit it with FP...I could hit it with FMJ......let it cure for a day or so and then top with a good carnuba wax. It's a dark metallic green so I think the carnuba will give it that deep look while bringing out the flake.
 
Yes a very good carnauba will look great on a darker color. Congrats on your new ride mike, please post pic's when you are done! and which dealer did you go to? my wife might be looking soon for a new car soon and i would love to tell them to not to wash it or touch it, like to see their faces:think: :confused: .............:2thumbs:
 
I think my neighbors brother in-law owns that dealer and the Nissan one too in Wesley Chapel. I ask her if she can help out but she said only on a lease. I'll wait on the wife to see if she wants to buy soon or next yr. Is it the new body style that you got or the old one? Can't wait till your done with it to see your pic's!:clap: ............Happy Detailing!:waxing:
 
Awesome truck mike!:bigups very nice color too!:drool: wish i could get a big truck too, maybe in the future............Angelo...........:usa
 
wash

clay

poliseal

DONE



then maintain with poliseal every 3 months and you should be good to go for a lifetime of near perfect looking paint...top with a carnuba if you want
 
Booyah said:
Nice--No 5.7L?



Nah....don't really need to tow anything and driving over 50 miles a day to work, the V6 was a better option. To tell you the truth, you almost can't tell it's a V6. Throwing the mountain bikes in the back and having the extra room was the key.



I just liked the new style Tundra and this was a good fit.:2thumbs:
 
Everyone is telling you to basically to concentrate only on the paint. Don't forget to do the interior so leather, vinyl, and door jamb seals don't start to dry out or crack.



That's why I listed that list. I even go as far as spraying 303 Fabric Guard on the carpet/seats for easier clean up later.
 
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