Question re: Car care kit for Fathers Day

S

scubamom

New member
My husband just go a new Honda Ridgeline, which he is very happy with. With the help from all I have read on this board, I am putting together a large care kit for him for fathers day. I have pretty much ordered and received all the products, which includes wash soap, wheel cleaner, Clay Magic kit, PB Bug Squash, AIO, EXP, Nattys, PB S & W, FK425, Leather Cleaner, 303 Protectant, Invisible Glass, wash mits, applicators, grit guards, and a large selection of very good (recommended) MF towels for different purposes.



I want to start him out with everything he needs to do his first detail on this vehicle, along with printouts of all the detailing instructions I have found through this site. I'm trying to decide if I should add a PC 7424 and pads to the package. The truck is brand new and after doing the halogen light check (when he wasn't around), I can't see any swirls or marks in the paint at all (yet). So here's the questions:



1. On a new vehicle with, apparently, no visible swirls or marks (yet), would the use of a PC and polish instead of AIO for the initial detail make much of a difference in the look?



2. If so, since it is a brand new vehicle, which polish (I'm assuming a mild one) and pads should I get? Should it be just a polish or something for a light cut? I don't want him to do any damage on the new truck. He has no detailing experience, but his a pretty handy tool savy type guy.



3. It's a Honda paint, so I'm assuming it's rather soft. Any tips specific to that paint?



Thanks in advance
 
Meguiars #2 polish [wowo]or Meguairs Speed glaze OTC is great for the paint but HONDA has ALWAYS have problems with white paint it is very important to keep it polish well this process should be done 3 to 4 a year.
 
You cannot go wrong with a PC...initially won't make much of a difference, but for subsequent details (on all you vehicles) it will be huge. It's 100% safe and really easy to use.



And get some Blue painter's tape so he can mask of the plastic to prevent staining...common issue with these.



What color is it?
 
It's silver, so I know that there's limits on just how much "Wow!" he will be able to achieve.



My car is new Honda also and is a Pewter Pearl (dark grey metallic), so I tried to get products that might be suitable for both vehicles.



So he should also polish for the first detail instead of using the AIO, or polish first and then use the AIO?
 
Honda paint is super soft, so having a PC around is definetly a good decision. You might not need it now, but I'd bet 20 bucks that if you don't but one, you'll wish you had in about 3 months. Get some mild products, preferably with fillers as Honda paint is soft and thin. If you can fill some of the marring rather than removing it, it'll greatly extend your time until clearcoat failure (Honda paint is like a time bomb, which is really a shame since they make great cars). I'd reccomend 1Z Metallic Polish for this. Personally, I'd skip AIO and go clay - 1Z MP - Natty's on the new paintjob.
 
Well, I'm going to dissent a little bit here and say that you don't have to buy the PC now. As has been noted, you will surely need it in the future, but if you have checked the paint over for swirls, a hand application of AIO followed by the EX-P and Natty's should be great. It looks like you already understand the importance of proper washing techniques to reducing marring, just be aware that it's possible that the claying may introduce some marring, depending. And definitely take RAG's advice about masking the trim; EX-P stains rather badly (including the infuriating "stealth" staining that doesn't show up until some days later).
 
scubamom said:
The truck is brand new and after doing the halogen light check (when he wasn't around), I can't see any swirls or marks in the paint at all (yet).
Click to expand...



All I can initially say is "Wow"!



- Having the wife assist in washing the car...Nice gesture

- Having the wife assist in waxing/polishing the car...Great gesture

- Having the wife sneak behind my back and check for marring with a halogen light...Way too cool...this is something that detailers dream of but have come to the realization that it just won't happen in real life.



Anyways, I think you got most of the details covered and you have got great information from the other Autopians. If you have the money available, I would buy the PC and pads up front...It may not be needed now, but this type of purchase is inevitable - you don't want him to be caught in the dreaded "I gotta remove that scratch by hand?! you gotta be crazy" situation. Practicing by applying LSP's with the PC will translate into a smoother time when he needs to do actual abrasive polishing.



As you alluded to before, definitely make sure that he reads up on proper car care techniques...You have done all the homework and research, but he has not.



Good luck! :heelclick
 
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