I guess I need to wash my truck…

[Jhbryaniv]

I thought about ceramic and as too many cases where black vehicles were messed up I decided not to go with it. Seems wax is easier to freshen up.

Easier, yes. But depending on the weather where you live it might last less than a month...

Even a spray coating like 303 graphene, gtechniq c2v3 or gyeon wet coat will last longer than that and have the same level of protection (mostly) and they are much easier to apply...

Waxes have their place - you can get them with some fillers so it will hide some scratches, but a good decon session with chemicals and clay can hide a lot of minor scratches too...

I really should do a white board of my theory of what a scratch is and how to clear them up.... ?

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[Trigganometry]

Trick I learned long ago for hard water. If you have a pressure washer you can use the same foam cannon attachment and rinse it out.Get all the soap out first so no foam is made. Use jet dry dishwasher additive. It thins the water out so you don’t get spots. On your last rinse off.

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Trick I learned long ago for hard water. If you have a pressure washer you can use the same foam cannon attachment and rinse it out.Get all the soap out first so no foam is made. Use jet dry dishwasher additive. It thins the water out so you don’t get spots. On your last rinse off.

Also you can use a leaf blower, pet hair dryer or similar (they sell purpose built 9nes too) to blow all the water away...

Or buy a really nice fancy drying towel and dry it by hand... That's my method... On my truck, on customers we use a blower because there is less chance of scratching the paint if it picks up a grit of dirt.

 

[RANGER_MARC]

I have been thinking about this for quite long time and a decision is made.
I think I finally have to wash my truck. One day. What I mean is I need pressure washer, foam cannon, cleaning and detailing stuff and who knows what else. I guess it’s time to get my own equipment.

Just a tiny tiny problem - I know basically nothing about pressure washers. Also there are like millions of products available when it comes to car wash and detailing. How do I know what I want or need?! Btw, I finally found graphene on sale here. By Turtle wax. Was surprise as I knew it was not available in here.

Mine needs washing, too, but I'm going to wait until we get some warm days when it can actually be fun: wearing shorts, drinking iced [choose your favorite beverage], cranking some [choose your favorite band], etc.

 

[Kristina]

Easier, yes. But depending on the weather where you live it might last less than a month...

Even a spray coating like 303 graphene, gtechniq c2v3 or gyeon wet coat will last longer than that and have the same level of protection (mostly) and they are much easier to apply...

Waxes have their place - you can get them with some fillers so it will hide some scratches, but a good decon session with chemicals and clay can hide a lot of minor scratches too...

I really should do a white board of my theory of what a scratch is and how to clear them up.... ?

Basically I had two options. To pay for professional service and get a good ceramic or long lasting wax, or work on her myself. First one takes good money out of my pocket and I have serious issues with giving away my truck to someone else I probably don't know. I never know if they really do a good work, I've seen too much here.
Anyway, my head is spinning now and I'm confused what's the best way to go and what products?
What you use for rubber mats?

Mine needs washing, too, but I'm going to wait until we get some warm days when it can actually be fun: wearing shorts, drinking iced [choose your favorite beverage], cranking some [choose your favorite band], etc.

Sounds so cool after long winter
You see, a simple thing as a truck wash has turned out not so simple for me. That's why I started the topic in time when I still had to clean my truck from snow again today. As soon as weather turns warm, truck work season starts and I want to be prepared.

 

[AzScorpion]

Basically I had two options. To pay for professional service and get a good ceramic or long lasting wax, or work on her myself. First one takes good money out of my pocket and I have serious issues with giving away my truck to someone else I probably don't know. I never know if they really do a good work, I've seen too much here.
Anyway, my head is spinning now and I'm confused what's the best way to go and what products?
What you use for rubber mats?

Ceramic coatings do cost more but if you get the right one it's well worth the money, especially with a black vehicle. Also you might be able to find a mobile detailer in your area that way you don't have to drop your truck off at some strange place. If not look at online reviews in your area for a reputable shop.

I know not everyone enjoys spending their free time like me (and a few others on here) detailing so paying someone to do it right might be best. Your time is worth money too and if you don't enjoy it (detailing) you'll be miserable every time you do it.

As far as my rubber mats and all my interior plastic and rubber I use the 303 Aerospace protectant. It's great for the dash as it has the best UV protection. I'm going on 4 years and my dash and e-brake boot (which everyone's seems to have ripped) are still like new.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JG3OIF...olid=18AQHC875EVXC&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[rydfree]

I bought this cordless 600 PSI washer from Home Depot last year . You can hook up to a garden hose , pull from a bucket of water or even attach a 2 liter drink bottle to it . Just enough pressure to get the job done and very portable . They have a cheaper 300psi version but it is a bit too weak . This is great for motorcycles too.

RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless EZClean 600 PSI 0.7 GPM Cordless Cold Water Power Cleaner (Tool Only) RY121850 (homedepot.com)

 

[Jhbryaniv]

Basically I had two options. To pay for professional service and get a good ceramic or long lasting wax, or work on her myself. First one takes good money out of my pocket and I have serious issues with giving away my truck to someone else I probably don't know. I never know if they really do a good work, I've seen too much here.
Anyway, my head is spinning now and I'm confused what's the best way to go and what products?
What you use for rubber mats?


Sounds so cool after long winter
You see, a simple thing as a truck wash has turned out not so simple for me. That's why I started the topic in time when I still had to clean my truck from snow again today. As soon as weather turns warm, truck work season starts and I want to be prepared.

Don't worry about product brands, or anything else yet...

Figure out what the end goal of your washing is. Perfection or pretty looks.

And remember, just because you get a fancy coating doesn't mean you don't have to wash your truck... We have customers who get a coating and wonder why their car still looks like crap after 3 months of not washing it.

Realistically, you can buy one of the basic "wash kits" from someplace like chemical guys and get the majority of what you will want to get your feet wet. A bucket, grit guard, basic wash media, basic soaps, maybe some liquid waxes and and a foam Canon.

You might want to upgrade some of those bits as you get into washing your truck, or not. You can add special brushes for the interior detailing, wheel and tire brushes etc.when I first started, it was a cheap chemical guys starter set that gave me the bug that eventually became a part time gig and something I love.

 

[Kristina]

I don't mind working on my truck myself. There is one more black car what I need to take care of also. Products used outside can be all the same, interior is different.
What I want? First to add some protection and shine, what makes it easier to wash and look her younger after winter. Later I can freshen up wax while washing with spray wax.
I know it's most common mistake owners hope after applying a wax or ceramic all dirt will not stick at all or falls off with simple pressure wash.

 

[clarencecdavis]

I need to wash my truck too.

 

[Sparky2]

I used the sunjoe spx 3000 for about 6 years until it finally died. To replace it I upgraded to a Active 2.0 washer and it was a huge upgrade. Their VE 52 is also very good. One does need to use their spray tips to keep from overloading the motor.
I use a budget sunjoe foam cannon I got for less than 20 bucks from Walmart and it produces a impressive thick clinging foam using Technician’s Choice soap. I use distilled water in the foam cannon which helps make better foam. To finish I use Technicians Choice Detail ceramic spray and it makes the finish slick as snot.

https://shop.activeproducts.com/products/active™-2-0-pro-pump-electric-pressure-washer-m22-15

 

[Msfitoy]

Pressure washers make it a whole lot easier and a lot more fun. I use an electric Sun Joe washer with this foam cannon and this snow foam. I have very hard water here too but I have a water softener and also hooked up a spigot for my washer. They do make in line filters if you want to go that route. Once you have all the accessories it's much faster than washing by hand and you're touching the surface less so you'll have less chance of getting scratches.

I dare ya to open the hood...

 

[Msfitoy]

I use a handheld leaf blower to get 90% of the water off as soon as I’m done doing final rinse then follow up with microfiber towel drying. Also avoid doing your truck washing in the sun. Regardless of which tools or products you use this will avoid the dreaded water spots. I would keep it simple if your just learning to wash your truck there are literally tons of different products and every time I think I’ve found the best I find something even better.

I use the 100mph method...

 

[gfitzge2]

Basically I had two options. To pay for professional service and get a good ceramic or long lasting wax, or work on her myself. First one takes good money out of my pocket and I have serious issues with giving away my truck to someone else I probably don't know. I never know if they really do a good work, I've seen too much here.
Anyway, my head is spinning now and I'm confused what's the best way to go and what products?
What you use for rubber mats?


Sounds so cool after long winter
You see, a simple thing as a truck wash has turned out not so simple for me. That's why I started the topic in time when I still had to clean my truck from snow again today. As soon as weather turns warm, truck work season starts and I want to be prepared.

When my truck was new in April of 2019 I had it professionally Ceramic coated with Ceramic pro brand coating. It was a four year product and fairly expensive. Worth it? To be honest it is hard to say. Even with Ceramic coating maintenance and detailing are needed to keep it looking like I want it too. Their maintenance product, Ceramic Pro Care is $65.00 for about 10 oz. (300 ML)

Now that my four year Rangerversary is approaching I am planning a major detailing day (or two) when the weather gets warmer.

Here is my plan. I know that your access to the same brands may be limited, but these are the things that work for me.

Wash Adams car shampoo. It is PH balanced and works well. Pressure washer first, then foam cannon, then rinse with hose, dry with leaf blower and then Adams white micro fiber towels. I like these for drying they are very absorbent. For other micro fiber use I like these from Ceramic pro. They are very soft, the same on both sides and they don't pickup as much grit and debris if you drop one.

Clay bar I am going with a real clay this time. Probably from Mothers or Maguire's. I have used the artificial ones and they are good but not as good as real clay, and they wear out eventually.

Paint touch up A few nicks to repair. Four years daily driver. I have some from Scratches happen.

Stripping? I will use a fairly weak (15 to 17%) Isopropyl alcohol solution to remove old coatings.

Coating 303 Graphene Nano spray coating. I used it on my Mustang instead of Ceramic and very happy with the results.

Wheels Same as paint

Tires 303 Tire and rubber cleaner, rinse with pressure washer. Spray with 303 Protectant. Have used 303 tire balm but it is thick and difficult to get in the side cleats on the BFG KO tires. Spray is easier and results are equal.

Rubber and plastic trim including head lights and tail lights. 303 Protectant.

Wheel wells and under side. Good wash with pressure washer. I have used 303 Protectant in the past with good results, but this time I am going to ty some Wool Wax.

Interior. I have some stains on passenger seat from spilled carry out food. I have used some leather cleaner but it still needs some attention. Not sure what to try next.

Dash and plastic panels Light coating of 303 protectant.

Carpet Just a good vacuuming and some carpet cleaner where needed. What ever is in the kitchen cabinet.

Glass A really thorough cleaning and then Rain X on the exterior.

Engine compartment. Just a good wash and 303 protectant on all the plastic and rubber.

Best of luck to you on your detailing. Make a day of it and enjoy. When you are finished sit back with a cold beverage and admire the awesomeness. I am one of those people that actually enjoys detailing vehicles. It is not work if you perceive it as fun.

 

[AzScorpion]

I dare ya to open the hood...

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