Newbie! My plans and questions.

4

4x4Dragon

New member
Hello all,



I bought my second Toyota Tacoma 4x4 about 6 months ago. It's a white 1996 4x4 Regular cab. Ever since I got it, the paint just hasn't looked right! I really don't think I've done a thorough cleaning job. The closest I have gotten is about 2 weeks ago when I washed it down with some Zaino car wash and used some cleaner wax(kinda gritty) just on the hood and did the rest of the truck with some Eagle One paste wax. Well the truck had the shine but really only at certain angles. Looking straight at it now there is some shine but it's still a little cloudy except for the passenger side of the bed(it's actually pretty ideal to what I want). I guess I or whoever had the truck before did something right in that spot. Anyways, what are your suggestions, anyone?

I don't think I need a clay bar, cause the paint/finish is pretty smooth. It's just the cloudiness and some minor streaking that bother me. And there are a couple of dirt streaks on the hood that seem to be trapped. My plan is as follows:



1)Brand name wash(Meguiar's/Zaino) or some Dawn(i know not to use it all the time)



2)Meguiar's medallion paint cleaner



3)Meguiar's #7 Show car glaze



4)Meguiar's #26 paste wax(i like paste better than liquid)



Im pretty stuck on these products due to their price and consistent reputation. And Im not so much worried about fine hair-line scratches.



Thanks in advance!



I'll try and post some digi-pics tonight of what Im talking about.
 
I'm also new to Autopia, but I have a white car so maybe I can help. I would clay the truck even if you don't think it needs it. I thought the same thing about my white Cobra and once I did clay it the results were amazing. I think th rest of your system sounds fine, but you could try Meguiars #9 after the paint cleaner to help remove some of the small swirls. Then apply the #7 followed by the #26. That's what I recently did to my car and it looked great. When maintaining the car I found that washing with GC and following up with EO Wet Wipe & Shine made my car really sparkle. Good luck and happy detailing!:xyxthumbs
 
I think most every vehicle can use some cleaning with clay. For a first major detail its a smart and effective step.



The cloudiness could be attributed to a number of factors but my guess is that the clearcoat has dulled in those spots and could use some polishing. The Medallion Paint Cleaner would be terrific, especially if applied via buffer. You will probably have to work it good to bring out the gloss but I'm sure you'll be rewarded with a great shine.



The #9 SMR step may or may not be necessary. If you have it in inventory, try some on a panel and compare to #7. #7 is mostly fillers and oils designed to bring out a very high gloss but it doesn't remove swirls like #9 does. Best thing to do here is experiment a little. The follow up with #26 is excellent.



Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.
 
bretfraz said:
I think most every vehicle can use some cleaning with clay. For a first major detail its a smart and effective step.



The cloudiness could be attributed to a number of factors but my guess is that the clearcoat has dulled in those spots and could use some polishing. The Medallion Paint Cleaner would be terrific, especially if applied via buffer. You will probably have to work it good to bring out the gloss but I'm sure you'll be rewarded with a great shine.



The #9 SMR step may or may not be necessary. If you have it in inventory, try some on a panel and compare to #7. #7 is mostly fillers and oils designed to bring out a very high gloss but it doesn't remove swirls like #9 does. Best thing to do here is experiment a little. The follow up with #26 is excellent.



Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.
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Thanks man,



couple more ?'s though



After reading, I've noticed that people are saying that the #26 will only last about 1 month. And I noticed that the Blitz supposively lasts 6-8 weeks(almost 2 months). Do you think I should try the Blitz instead? based on the fact that I don't have the time to wax my truck every single month.



Also, I may go ahead and get a clay bar. Which one should I get? and when do you apply it? after the initial wash and between the paint cleaner?



thanks
 
To use clay you should wash your car first (its always good to start with a clean palette) and then clay. I like to follow up the Clay with another wash just to make sure its ready for the sealant.
 
Well, I won't question what kind of durability others have got with #26 but I think it will last longer than 4 weeks. Sometimes when I read comments stating a product has an extremely short longevity I wonder what that person's expectation were in the first place.



Generally speaking, most carnauba-based waxes last approx. 90 days. Cars that are exposed to harsh elements or are washed and QD'd very frequently might get less durability than that. But 90 days is a good rule of thumb for reapplication of caranuaba.



And as Ginger said, wash first, then clay, then wash again if you feel the need to remove any clay residue (I don't rewash but some folks do). Clay Magic and Mothers sell good clay products that are easily found in stores. The Meguiar's clay isn't that good. I personally really like Eagle One's clay but its hard to find sometimes.



Good luck.
 
bretfraz said:
Well, I won't question what kind of durability others have got with #26 but I think it will last longer than 4 weeks. Sometimes when I read comments stating a product has an extremely short longevity I wonder what that person's expectation were in the first place.



Generally speaking, most carnauba-based waxes last approx. 90 days. Cars that are exposed to harsh elements or are washed and QD'd very frequently might get less durability than that. But 90 days is a good rule of thumb for reapplication of caranuaba.



And as Ginger said, wash first, then clay, then wash again if you feel the need to remove any clay residue (I don't rewash but some folks do). Clay Magic and Mothers sell good clay products that are easily found in stores. The Meguiar's clay isn't that good. I personally really like Eagle One's clay but its hard to find sometimes.



Good luck.
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yeah, i see what your saying, some people are tooo picky! lol



well what do you think about using a polymer then putting carnuba wax over that? i read where someone did that for the durability + the nice deep gloss of carnuba.



As far as the clay bar goes, I guess I will wash with Dawn, then rinse, then claybar, rinse, dry, and then move onto the paint cleaner. does that sound right?



I really appreciate your help. sorry to pinpoint you for help, hope im not bothering you
 
4x4Dragon said:




yeah, i see what your saying, some people are tooo picky! lol



well what do you think about using a polymer then putting carnuba wax over that? i read where someone did that for the durability + the nice deep gloss of carnuba.

I do that with Blackfire and Pinnacle Souveran and it comes out very nice. Some people top Klasse with a carnauba. It's more for effect and for a fun experiment. It helps durability a little and changes the look a little. Certainly worth a try if you want to.



As far as the clay bar goes, I guess I will wash with Dawn, then rinse, then claybar, rinse, dry, and then move onto the paint cleaner. does that sound right?

Sounds good to me.



I really appreciate your help. sorry to pinpoint you for help, hope im not bothering you

No problem at all. That's why many of us are here. Feel free to PM me (or anyone) if you like.
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