Need advice on detailing a new truck...

[LMacdonald]

I factory ordered a Chevy truck. It will be built this week and I should get it in 2 or 3 weeks.

Looking for advise on the first detailing.

Do I need to wait because the paint will be new. Or is 2-3 weeks enough for it to cure?

I have a DA and plan on clay bar followed by 205 then 21.

I saw the dealers wash rack. It is one with the rotating brushes. I will let him know I will wash it myself and not to wash it during dealer prep. Does GM use any special coating on the cars during transit and if so will it come off with soap and water?


Larry

[dc2_]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

if its brand new truck off the lot then 2-3 weeks is definately enough time for it to cure.
o wouldnt even clay since its new but its ur choice

205 plus m21 should be good

personally since it would be a brand new truck swirl free i would just get a pure polish like #7 followed by your lsp

[Tuck91]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

If your getting it virtually defect free then I would just wash. clay. and seal.

Tell us a little bit about the truck? color, trim ,etc

[wifpd4]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Maybe you've already seen this discussion, if not it's a good starting point:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7304

Even a factory order will be in transit, unless you live at the factory, and pick up contaminants. Tuck's advice is always sound, consider clay-barring.

Congratulations, happy detailing!

[Ivan Rajic]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

A good wash, clay, light polish and sealant should do the trick.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

We can give all sorts of potential advice, but the reality is that until you get that new truck (congrats on that, by the way) in your driveway can can critically evaluate it yourself, it's really impossible to tell you exactly what needs to be done.

Good move letting the dealer know not to wash it, especially if their wash station looks like some Machiavellian automotive torture device. How it's transported, what sort of weather it's transported through, exposure time, etc will ultimately determine it's condition upon delivery to you.

Check with the dealer about any sort of protective covering may be in place during transit and see what they normally use to remove it.

[LMacdonald]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Thanks for the advice.

Tuck it is the Chevy 1500 extended cab - LTZ Black on Black.

I am looking forward to the new ride....

[Tuck91]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Thanks for the advice.

Tuck it is the Chevy 1500 extended cab - LTZ Black on Black.

I am looking forward to the new ride....

Sounds like a nice truck.

Wish I could afford the nicer ones.

I have an 07 Extended Cab LT.

[BS MXRacer]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Does it have the new Vortec 6.2L V8 that puts out 403HP?

[LMacdonald]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Tuck, I keep my trucks a long time so I do not mind spending a few extra bucks to get the extras.

I bought new a 1992 Chevy 1500 SS454 in 1992. I kept that for 7 years. My son still has it in his garage.

I bought new a 1997 1500 ext cab. Just sold it last month when I ordered the new truck.

I expect I will keep this one 10 years, maybe longer.

MX racer - no I did look at the bigger engine, but I expect we will see gas go to $4 maybe even more. Canada is already paying that much. The standard engine is the 5.3

[LMacdonald]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Well the truck arrived.... and just like I asked they did not wash it before delivery.

I gave it a good wash and start to detail it.

Clay bared the whole box and now applying the sealant.

Sure is a big change from the 98.. it is a gadget truck... this has more electronics than the first space shuttle.

After the novelty wore off (2 days) I start turning some of them off.

I will post some pictures once I finished detailing...

[Tuck91]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Looking forward to the pictures.

Any areas of concern you had specific questions about?

[MFRANK84]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Not trying to steal your thread Lmacdonald. I have the same questions about my new Jeep Wrangler. I just loaded up on about $120 worth of Meguiar car care products. My Jeep is black and has a beautiful, shiny finish right now. Not sure what I need to do to keep it this way (clay, polish, or wash and wax etc...). Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. Another area of concern for me, more so than paint protection, is the plastic/vinyl fenders and molding (also have the hardtop). There's a ton of it. What products would be necessary to keep these areas in new car condition? Again, don't want to steal a thread. If necessary I'll create my own. Blessings to all.

[Murr1525]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Well, its really pretty similar.

You can:
1. Wash - 2 buckets, Grit Guards ,quality towels, etc.
2. Clay
3. Clean - SwirlX,
4. Wax- Whichever your favorite is
5. Wax - 2 thin coats are best

or:

1. Wash
2. Clay
3. ColorX
4. Wax

As for the vinyl, you can look at Ultimate Protectant or All Season Dressing.

[MFRANK84]

Re: Need advice on detailing a new truck...

Thanks MUR1525,

Another question. I have both Ultimate Compound and SwirlX. Are they pretty much the same or are they different, and if different, in what way? I think I have everything I need on hand to get going except for the Ultimate Protectant or All Season Dressing. Any advantage to either one, or preferences? Thanks.

What's a grit guard?