Need advise

[CJ3B]

Hello guys!

I need a small bit of advise.

I currently own a 2006 Toyota X-runner (bought last December), so it's basically 6 months old.

The truck sleep outside 24 hrs a day, and to keep the paint in tip-top shape I wash it regularly, and wax at least once a month. What I use to wax is:

1. Meguiar's "Step 2 Polish" ( can't remember the name right now; it's the consumer 3-step consumer product);
2. I top it with Zymol wax (btw, last weekend I clayed it, polished and waxed, all done by hand).

I'd like to keep the paint as smooth and nice as possible, so would you guys do anything different?

Now, I'm waiting on a new G100, 80, 83 and yellow (hi-tech) wax All Meg's), plus the pads (8006 and 9006) and some other misc stuff. I have an older Montero that I'm planning on using the 83 and 80. Apart from the yellow wax, what else would you recommed fro the Xrunner, keep on doing what I'm doing right now, or use the 80 and the yellow wax? Paint is nice, wet looking, and smooth as glass, as far as I can tell. Not as deep as your DA-worked stuff, but as best as hand worked can do.

Many thanks in advance!

Jorge

[TrufflePig]

hey Jorge WELCOME TO MOL!!!

What are you trying to achieve is the first question?

And you noted you wanted to keep it as smooth as possible?

what are you using to wash?

what kind of cloth or mitt?

what about drying? what do you dry with?

all this seems like nothing but it makes a huge difference in either scratching the car or not?

are you using the two bucket method.

If only it was as easy as waxing once a month or so.

First you were using the DC1 and DC2 sytem with the Zymol Wax on top.

you said you clay. how dirty was the clay afterwards?

do you have swirling action going on at all on the car?

any scratches?

as the truck sleeps outside i'm sure it picks up a lot of airborn debris and material that is not so paint-friendly that you may not beaware of. this stuff builds up fairly quickly. at least from my experience. even when i wasn't into detailing i would notice stuff building up on the winter beater.

pictures help MOL determine how to help you best.

personally,

i'd.

1. wash
2. clay
3. wash
4. DC 1 or 80
5. DC 2 or 83
6. then you can either do # 6 or #7 but if you do this step then you just take out step 5.
7. NXT Tech WAX - 2 thin even coats and WOW!!! Use the SWIPE TEST...link is below.
8. and then if you really want you can add a 20 or 21 on top.

the thing is there is a thousand and one ways to do this. its all personal preference.

in between waxes you can buy a bottle of Quick Detailer and a MICROFIBRE and maintain the waxy look in between.

Take a look at some of these links.

The 5-Step Paint Care Cycle.

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Step 1 Wash

Step 2 Clean

Step 3 Polish

Step 4 Protect

Step 5 Maintain

How to Wash Your Car Using the Two Bucket Method

How To Wash Your Car using the Two Bucket
Method

The Swipe Test

How to tell when a Meguiar's wax is ready to remove - The Swipe Test

GOODLUCK!!!

[Zet]

TrufflePig has posted a lot of good points and links. Very good point in what you are trying to achive.

But I think there is an error in the numbered list, where it says: "5. DC 2 or 83" You could definitely not use #83 instead of DC2, and neither the other way around. And you wouldn't wan't to use #83 after either DC1 or #80, as it is quite a bit more aggressive.

When the car is outside 24/7, I would clay it quite often, more or less every time you wax. And you might want to use a mild paint cleaner like DC1 before applying polish and wax. So for the monthly routine you could do: Wash > Clay > DC1 > DC2 > Wax.

Check out this thread too: Suggested Products for Taking Care of a New Car

[Murr1525]

Yes, I believe he means DC#2, #7, or #81. Those are your basic pure polishes.

[CJ3B]

Thanks for your responses, guys.

Yes, I grit guard wash with a mitt, 2 buckets.

I use sheepsking mitt, and dry with a chamois (sic?).

What I'm really worried about is keeping that beautiful, nice shine I have, but man, I'm getting tired of all this done by hand.

I just placed an order for the G100, M83, M80 and Hi-Tech yellow wax, with the related 7006, 8006 and 9006 pads (got the 7006 for a older Montero I plan on working on... 10 years old, fair paint, a a REALLY strong engine, so why sell it... just polish and shine it. BTW, those ARE going to be before and after pics...).
I'm just dying for this stuff to get here. I need to cut down on my shine time.

I can't complain on how the truck looks. It looks beautiful at least in my eyes, and especially with all done by hand. No swirls (yet), no scratches, just a couple of chips. BTW, I've heard the for the last couple of years that the Toyota paints are way to soft, or too thin coats are applied. I visit www.customtacos.com (for Tacoma owners), and they ALL complain about this particular issue. Beatiful colors, but easily chipped.

Now, another thing is I'm considering buying another car. I know this is not a polishing-related subject, but what does the Mitsubishi Evo IXMR run in the States, as well as the WRX STI? I've been visiting dealers here, but I think names should be changed to stealers! I was asked $41,000 for the STI, and $39,000 for the EVO

Again, Thanks a million, guys!!!

Jorge
San Juan, PR