I got my 07 tacoma this past halloween day and i have simply been doing the normal care(washing with a rag and dish soap) i didnt realize that certain car care products are better and what not, anyways i found this forum and started to read on how to properly wash, polish, wax, and im not really sure what a clay bar is? anyways, i was wondering if someone could kinda get me started with a list of what i need to get to really keep my new truck really shining and how to use it, any help is appreciated- btw how do you guys dry ur truck without the towel leaving all those little fibers all over it? im obviously so new to this but i want to get better thx
Did you read the Detailing sticky at the top of this forum? It has lots of info, and I think there a link with a video that show what a clay bar does and how to use it. http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t126955.html
Dish soap is not good for your car because it removes the wax. Don't do it again. At least weren't like my neighbor and used Ajax.
To wash the car, you'll need the following:
Bucket (duh ) - 2 if your car is really dirty. One with soap water mixture and one with plain water. The plain water one is used to wash off the wash mit after wiping down your car if it's really dirty.
Car wash soap - I use Meguiars Gold Class. A good soap will be able to carry away dirt and not strip wax.
Wash mit - A good one will be able to remove dirt and not scratch the paint. I think the better ones are called sheep skin mits and they have fine fibers on them. Don't use a sponge, they have a tendency to absorb dirt and can scratch the paint.
To dry the car, I have a Meguiars drying cloth that has a waffle weave on it. I put the cloth flat on the car and pat it down. Then when it 's completely soaked, I wring it out. I have a California Water Blade that speeds things up a lot too. Another method is to remove the nozzle from the hose and flood the panel. This should get rid of most of the water. When drying your car with a towel, use a microfiber or other lint free cloth to prevent little fibers being left all over.
A clay bar is a piece of clay that you rub over your car to remove dirt that is embedded in the paint. You will need lubricant with the clay. The clay can remove wax also so be sure to wax afterwards. If you ever wax your car, and the surface feels really slick but you feel little gritty stuff on there, that is dirt that is embedded in your paint and a clay bar will remove this.
FYI, a clay bar is not really clay at all. It's a form of plastic that stays soft. But it looks and feels just like modeling clay. BTW, never rub modeling clay on your paint.
Im a newb detailer too dont be intimidated youll learn alot here about detailing just ask questions. First thing I suggest is ditch the rag and dish soap,find a plaster type bucket,I got one with lid from my jobsite cleaned out the plaster till sparkling clean and keep all my washing items in it so they dont get lost or dirty,go to Walmart buy some good wash I like Meguirs NXT,a good wash sponge,micofiber towels,maybe some wax applicators there the prices are good and its good enough for starters,then ask questions here about waxs or polishs and protectorants to use.
hey thanks for all the help so quickly guys, what are ur personal favorites for car wash soaps, wax, polish, btw wuts the difference between wax and polish, also, "mits" and drying towels, also clay bars, i want to get started cleaning my truck properly right away. also, my dad purchased an orbital wax/polisher i think it is for like 30 bucks at academy, how would i use this for a polish/wax job?
I meant stuff like Amor All for the dashboard and such,dont mind me Im having some after dinner cocktails (Miller High Life Lites) I went to war on my Tacoma rims today with Magic Clay and Klasse AIO I think the rims won,look better though.
hey thanks for all the help so quickly guys, what are ur personal favorites for car wash soaps, wax, polish, btw wuts the difference between wax and polish, also, "mits" and drying towels, also clay bars, i want to get started cleaning my truck properly right away. also, my dad purchased an orbital wax/polisher i think it is for like 30 bucks at academy, how would i use this for a polish/wax job?
Magic Clay claybar kit at Autozone Auto stores $11 bucks I love to clay with this stuff
I meant stuff like Amor All for the dashboard and such,dont mind me Im having some after dinner cocktails (Miller High Life Lites) I went to war on my Tacoma rims today with Magic Clay and Klasse AIO I think the rims won,look better though.
Personally, I don't like Armor All stuff on my dash. I don't like the glossy look on my dash because it reflects on the window. I just use a towel and wipe off the dust.
I dont use Armor All either Meguirs NXT yes Protectorant for the dashboard,also if you dont like the greasy stuff Meguirs Quick Detail dashboard stuff is excellent.
hey thanks for all the help so quickly guys, what are ur personal favorites for car wash soaps, wax, polish, btw wuts the difference between wax and polish, also, "mits" and drying towels, also clay bars, i want to get started cleaning my truck properly right away. also, my dad purchased an orbital wax/polisher i think it is for like 30 bucks at academy, how would i use this for a polish/wax job?
Read our How to Detail sticky at the top of this forum. It answers all your questions.
Don't use your dads buffer. Get a real buffer. Check out the PC 7424 buffer Group Buy. It ends later on today, BTW.
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) - 2 if your car is really dirty. One with soap water mixture and one with plain water. The plain water one is used to wash off the wash mit after wiping down your car if it's really dirty.
I meant stuff like Amor All for the dashboard and such,dont mind me Im having some after dinner cocktails
(Miller High Life Lites) I went to war on my Tacoma rims today with Magic Clay and Klasse AIO I think the rims won,look better though.
2008 Infiniti G35
Nissan Frontier
Linear Mode
