First Detail

turbomangt · 03-10-2006, 08:09 AM

First Detail

Here is a basic guide for detailing your new Sol for the first time. Some basic things you will need are two plastic buckets, wash mitt (don’t use any type of sponge or towel) chanelli, Micro fiber, Terri, lambs wool type. Any of these are available at any auto supply store. Car wash soap, foam applicator pads, Electric leaf blower, wheel brush (soft bristle) waffle weave micro fiber towel, smaller MF towels, clay bar, all purpose cleaner, garden tank type sprayer, (optional) hose and water. Detailing chemicals: clay bar,spray and shine, paint cleaner, paint sealer, poly-seal (optional) dressing, wheel cleaner.

Make sure you work in the shade. Fill one bucket with car wash soap and water, the other with plain water. In your tank sprayer, put a cut ratio less 50% of what they recommend of all purpose cleaner. NOTE, we will use the all purpose cleaner for the first detail only NEVER use all purpose cleaner for regular washings. The reason we are using it now, is because we want to remove ALL contaminants plus any wax you or the dealer might have put on your finish. First spray water on the entire car, wheels and wheel wells also. Now spray the solution on the car from the tank sprayer. Starting from the top of the car, using your wash mitt wash the car as you normally would. Make sure however that you use the fresh water bucket to rinse out the wash mitt, then to go the soapy water. Save wheels for last. Change soapy water as often as necessary depending on how dirty your car is. Now rinse the car. Get a fresh bucket of soapy water, using your wheel brush, clean your wheels and wheel wells, rinse.
Before you dry, clay the car, (read the sticky for clay bar procedure) wash again to remove any clay residue. Use the leaf blower and blow dry the car, final drying use waffle weave MF towel. Spray dressing on the tires and wheel wells.
Paint cleaner/polish. Put a small amount of paint cleaner on your foam pad, using back and forth motion work product into the finish. Remove with a small MF towel, Work in small sections at a time, do not allow product to dry. Do entire car. Keep in mind the claying removes contaminants “ON” the finish and my paint cleaner will prep the paint for final application of the sealant.
Next, using a new applicator pad, apply a small amount of my sealant to the pad, apply a thin layer over the finish, allow to dry 20 minutes, (this allows the sealant to bond to the finish) remove with MF towel. You should put a layer of sealant on the wheels as well.

The poly seal should be used once a month or as often as you want, it has polymers which will prolong the life of the sealant, keeping your finish looking new longer. It will enhance the look, giving it a glass like finish.
See, that wasn’t so bad was it? GARY

sol4362 · 03-10-2006, 08:27 AM

Very nice! Will happen as soon as it comes out of winter hibernation!

PURE_Fun · 03-10-2006, 09:49 AM

You have completely changed my 40 years of washing cars, thanks so much.

Clemsonjoe · 03-10-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PURE_Fun

You have completely changed my 40 years of washing cars, thanks so much.

So 6 months from now you can thank Gary when there are no swirl marks in your car.

GO_DRVN · 03-10-2006, 11:18 AM

Man, I wish the job went as fast as it took to read Gary's instructions.

If I read this right, the key is to take your time and get it right the first time and that will save you time in the future keeping your Baby beautiful.

Thanks, Gary.

ripple · 03-10-2006, 11:27 AM

Thanks turbomangt, thats exactly the kind of "detailing for dummies" guidance I was looking for!

dealernut · 03-10-2006, 01:24 PM

The best way to thank him is to use his excellent products. I would highly reccomend every one of his products for our cars. Especially his MicroFiber products. They are great.

ripple · 03-10-2006, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dealernut

The best way to thank him is to use his excellent products. I would highly reccomend every one of his products for our cars. Especially his MicroFiber products. They are great.

Already plan to Dealernut given my new status I am beginning to order various things this week end....hehe

MiamiSolstice · 03-20-2006, 07:26 AM

Hi - I have been reading your recommendations and want to first say thank you...it has helped me out...
Secondarily, I have read that you belong to a detailer association...any chance that info is available on-line. I would like to hire a detailer for my Sols but am concerned that without the proper training, creditentials, etc. they could do more harm than good...
Also, know of any good detailers in the Miami area??
Thanks

turbomangt · 03-20-2006, 05:29 PM

Here is the link www.detailersassociation.com good luck, and you are welcome, I love what I do. Gary

Stolz25 · 03-24-2006, 11:38 AM

Anyone want to be a little more specific for me with the all-purpose cleaner? I have a feeling its not going to be good if I run out and get some clorox bleach.

Liam1694u · 03-24-2006, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stolz25

Anyone want to be a little more specific for me with the all-purpose cleaner? I have a feeling its not going to be good if I run out and get some clorox bleach.

damn your fast...I was just about to ask the same thing.

In other posts, Turbomangt, you mentioned using dawn dish soap. Can you give little more calrification on these products and when to use them and not to use them.

turbomangt · 03-25-2006, 08:32 AM

The only time you can use a MILD solution of a dawn wash is for the FIRST time you are detailing your car and spending the poper amount of time going through the steps. (wash/caly/wash/deepclean polish/ seal) Once that is done, you should not have to use dawn anymore. for regualr washings use car wash soap. Gary

dengel · 03-25-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbomangt

The only time you can use a MILD solution of a dawn wash is for the FIRST time you are detailing your car and spending the poper amount of time going through the steps. (wash/caly/wash/deepclean polish/ seal) Once that is done, you should not have to use dawn anymore. for regualr washings use car wash soap. Gary

So just to clarify:

In post #1 of this thread you talk about using an all-purpose cleaner for the first detail only, to remove any wax residue, etc. So is this when you would use the Dawn? Can you give us some more examples of what an acceptable all-purpose cleaner would be?

Thanks!

turbomangt · 03-25-2006, 11:33 AM

A mild solution of all purpose cleaner OR dawn mix is acceptable, you can use either or, which is why I mentioned both. just make sure you cut the recommended ratio to half what they suggest. For the dawn, just use enough to get some suds working in the bucket, no need to put more than an ounce or so. Gary