Newbie 1st Time Questions

[Snow]

OK, I have been browsing through the forums for a couple weeks now putting together a plan for my (new to me) pickup.

It is a 2005 Chevy Silverado - Maroon. It has low miles, and is in pretty good shape, but has probably never been completely detailed before. I am still in the acquiring products and tools phase, so wanted to make sure that I am on the right track.

1st question: I will be working by hand, do I want to use liquid or paste wax?

Does this sound right for a 1st time detail?
1. Gold Class Car Wash
2. Surface Clay Kit
3. Ultimate Compound
4. Ultimate Polish
5. Ultimate Wax

I am in Minnesota if that makes a difference, so have to deal with the cold and road salt, but do have a shop that I can work in to do the detailing.

Thanks, Snow

[Redefined]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

Sounds like a great start. Maybe pick up a DA polisher for better correction of the paint. It`s also a huge time saver.

[Redefined]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

I forgot, liquid or paste, either will be fine by hand. Keep in mind ULW doesnt stain trim while the paste version does.

[ChevyNick]

Like the above person stated, really consider getting a D/A, it will give you great results, in very short time. Removing scratches and swirls by hand is possible.... But you will definitely lose an arm lol.

[wifpd4]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

If you are in this for the long haul...

I would agree with Redefined, consider a dual action buffer. There will be some up front expense, but with all the territory you need to cover on your maroon truck you will appreciate the ease of working with a DA.

Your list of products seems very appropriate, Ultimate Compound can be your friend. Check out some of the photos from the Saturday classes, you will see both working by hand and by machine.

Ultimate Polish is also a great product. I haven't used it by hand, but by machine it is very versatile. Using a slightly more aggressive approach it has cleaning abilities and can also remove any haze, which usually is limited, created by Ultimate Compound. Then being less aggressive it shines up and polishes the finish. Remember, polish is considered an optional step and your first go round you may wish to skip it. You got the time, will power and product, go for it.

No matter what you do, I would recommend starting on a test spot of 2X2 size and see how much work you need to perform to get the results you want. And then work over the rest of the truck.

Winter is a no win time with the attacks of sand, salt, cinders and liquid brine. Wash and wash often. Use Ultimate Quik Wax to help boost your base coat of wax, until the time and temperature is just right to re-wax. Ultimate Wax has the reputation of being the longest lasting Meguiar's wax. It should also make your maroon truck look great, although your prep work before waxing is super important to get the best look.

Good luck, you need it with a username of Snow....

Unless of course, there is a Meyer's blade on the front of your truck.

[BillE]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

Just to add...if you do go 'by hand', don't even try to do the whole truck at one time (you'll just beat yourself to death).

Just do a section a day is my best advice. I've only used the Ultimate line my hand in VERY limited areas...it is gem to work with.

When doing the cab roof...Yes it will 'tin can' (unles it is crew-cab). There is very little support under the metal.

Keep us on the loop on how it goes.

Bill

[STRIFE]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

I agree with getting a good DA .....I absolutely love my GG3 & GG6...and cannot believe how fast and easy keeping my 3 vehicles looking new has become.

Recently Autogeek had a sale on Griot's Garage DA.....think the GG6 was only $103 & the GG3 was $70-75?? and free shipping!!....but it was a one day sale.....diffrent deal each day!!

[akimel]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

Just to add...if you do go 'by hand', don't even try to do the whole truck at one time (you'll just beat yourself to death).

Just do a section a day is my best advice. I've only used the Ultimate line my hand in VERY limited areas...it is gem to work with.

This is good advice. Hand polishing, with the hope of removing or reducing swirls, is hard, hard work. Indeed, it is so hard that I would advise against even attempting it. A dual action polisher not only makes the job so much easier, but you get better results.

An alternative suggestion: Read this article: Your Daily Driver. Clay bar the truck. Follow up with an application of ColorX or Cleaner Wax. Then top with the wax of your choice, e.g. Ultimate Wax. You'll find this a lot more doable and you will be pleased with the results.

[Blazebro]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

It might be better to book yourself in with a pro for a tuition detail. That way you'll see exactly how to approach something, how to correctly prepare the vehicle and how to get results.

Because of your climate, I'd recommend going Nanotec. They last, and they're robust. Personally I use nanotec/crystaline coatings on virtually all my details, mainly because when someone pays me good money, they want results which last. The only times I don't is when a customer specifies a wax and it's usually bcause it's going into a show or a meet.

Then they come back and we go nanotec at a later date.

[Snow]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

Thanks for the advice everyone. A DA is on my want list, but isn't in the budget quite yet, so I will have to start out by hand.

[Murr1525]

Re: Newbie 1st Time Questions

You'll be ok by hand.

I would focus on getting things shined up the first time. Then you can work on defect removal next time, or as you have time, etc.

Just shining it up will be ok all at once by hand. The defect removal can be exhausting.