Scooter McGoo

Wow, great responses, thanks everyone.

 

All the products I mentioned above are Adams products, and I do have Leather & Interior cleaner (as well as Interior detailer/leather conditioner/APC).  I'll give a few of these suggestions a whirl on the steering wheel.

 

Does everyone think this same process will work on plastic, primarily the dash (top two pics)?

My wife is a nurse and is obsessed with hand sanitizer.  She has a small tube in her car that she uses often, and I believe the residue on her hands is beginning to discolor the plastic/leather in her Ford Edge.  I don't know the specific properties of hand sanitizer and it's affect on car interiors, but i know it has alcohol and is meant to kill germs, so is a likely suspect in what may be happening.  My question is how do I get rid of this discoloration?

 

I've used interior detailer and leather cleaner with zero success.  It doesn't even help a little.  My biggest concern is that the damage may be permanent, but if there is any hope I'd love everyones opinion on what products/techniques might stand a fighting chance at fixing this.

 

Pictures attached for reference.

Damn straight! Literally

I got organaized. New storage unit just for detailing ????

Sorry I got a little carried away lol, but to answer your question, I think replacing interior cleaner with interior detailer is a good idea in your case since you say its mostly clean. 

 

Just spray it down with detailer whenever it gets dusty, and use leather conditioner to treat the leathers every once in a while.

 

Not at all.  That's the exact information I was looking for, so thank you for the detailed response.  Sounds like I'm over using my conditioner, and considering I keep my interior very clean, likely overusing the leather cleaner as well.  I'll put in an order for detailer and start using that on a more regular basis than the others.

 

thanks again.

Is the new interior detailer meant for use after using Leather Conditioner?  I know the conditioner leaves a slight gloss, but from the vid/description of the interior detailer, it sounds like it serves a similar purpose?  

 

I currently use interior leather cleaner, followed by conditioner?  However, my interior is always kept very clean minus normal dust build up, so was thinking of replacing interior cleaner with detailer?  I just don't know if that defeats the purpose of the detailer if I follow it with conditioner?

 

Secondly, I assume it's also a maintenance spray to use in between washes correct, considering it's a mild cleaner (vs interior leather cleaner)?  

 

 

Thanks for the help in advance.

Does anyone use an alternative for running boards other than VRT.  It looks amazing, but as the bottle says, they are super slippery to the point of being dangerous. I am conscious of it when I step on the drivers side, and can keep myself from slipping, but the last thing I want is a passenger to put all their weight on the board and slip and fall.

I'm getting mine done today..the agent said as long as you pay you can change windshields out as often as you want.

 

AWESOME!!!!!!

What are shampoo ratios for a 5 gallon Adams bucket vs the 3 gallon?  I currently only have two 3 gallon buckets, and I'm not sure what my ratios should be, nor do I know how full to fill my bucket? 

Nope. But IMO it's just as good, just doesn't have your vehicle make printed on the glass. You can pay the difference and get OEM if you want to. I'd rather just get a free windshield every year.

 

I just learned about pitting, but I was calling them "chips" when I called Geico and they sent out Safelite.  He echoed everything here, it isn't worth it to try and fix and better to just swap out the windshield.  Since I only have 2-3 pits (that only I can see as I am the one detailing), I elected not to deal with the hassle of swapping the windshield for now

 

That being said, you swap it out every year with Geico?  They're ok with that?  How long have you been doing that?

How much do paint chips usually cost to repair at a paint/body shop? (I realize this varies by damage and geographic location)

Hi gang,

 

I recently bought a new-to-me 2014 F-150.  Not only do I love it, but my sense of pride in owning it is what has caused my spiral into my Adams addiction.  In my newfound passion for detailing my truck, I have found some paint damage from the previous owner, primarily on the front fender.  Some are basic chips that have begun to rust, but one is a major gash that looks as if it's raised the paint around it.  I have no idea how to even attempt to fix these and was wondering if I could tap the forums collective knowledge on how someone might approach these two issues.  

 

Thanks in advance

That's a great deal! Did it come with the sides & sand bags? Your gonna want the sand bags or some kind of weights so the wind can't lift it up.

 

To be honest, I'm not 100% sure, but i don't think it did.  I haven't opened the box yet (or what's left of it, damn UPS), but was planning on unpacking it this weekend.

 

It was heavy when I picked it up, but not heavy enough to have weights in it, so my guess would be no, it did not come with sand bags.  I believe it only comes with a roller bag and stakes.  No sides.

They look the same but the buttons for adjusting the height of legs are sooo much easier to operate and it folds and unfolds easy enough I can put a 10 x 15 by myself. The EZ Up requires 2 people to pull in opposite directions in order to expand.

Amazon has some pretty screaming deals. I just purchased this 10x15 caravan canopy. I haven't used it yet but you can't beat the price. It just arrived today so maybe in a couple of weeks I'll test it out. I can also use it at the beach.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Caravan-Canopy-Titanshade-15-Feet-White/dp/B00TJ2JSU8

Forgot...you should clay it, too, after the strip wash, if you haven't done that recently. And may as well polish it, too, since you have bare paint to work with. So much to buy, one would think it's an addiction. Oh, wait!

 

Post some pics when done. I think you'll be thrilled with the look.

So I clayed for the first time (ever) this weekend and just starting laughing at the result.  I laughed again when I used the H20 G&G for the first time; so easy to dry.  It's unreal how well these products work.  I'm so hooked. 

Seriously! SO MANY PEOPLE Wash at night, I'm a little lotta tempted to try it

 

Yeah, but I can't tell you how much I look forward to washing my truck and drinking a beer during the day.  It helps me get through the week. I had never even considered doing it at night because it's so nice to be outside during the day, but it makes a lot of sense.  Maybe I'll give it a whirl.

Forgot...you should clay it, too, after the strip wash, if you haven't done that recently. And may as well polish it, too, since you have bare paint to work with. So much to buy, one would think it's an addiction. Oh, wait!

 

Post some pics when done. I think you'll be thrilled with the look.

will do.  Clay & H20 G&G should be here this weekend. 

Ive done it both ways (by hand, and by machine...) and either way is totally do-able. 

by hand is much easier than you think, and still effective!

The latest formulas allow PS to be applied by hand or machine.

 

A machine is nice for big areas and for getting an even coat, and a hand application is nice for tight areas.

Great to know.  I'll be sure to add it to my next order 

 

They look the same but the buttons for adjusting the height of legs are sooo much easier to operate and it folds and unfolds easy enough I can put a 10 x 15 by myself. The EZ Up requires 2 people to pull in opposite directions in order to expand.

Interesting.  I may have to think about one of these then.  Not only will it fit the truck, but it will be perfect for the beach.

Have you applied PS? It's ideal for dailies, including those that stay outside a lot. Then, use HGG (or Ceramic Boost, according to many on here like Dan T.) every 3-6 washes or so for maintenance and added shine. My car is a daily driver that's white, too, and this regimen is working wonders!

I haven't, though it's on my list to get eventually. Is it doable/effective to apply by hand? I don't have a machine and don't really want to get one at this time.

IMO, Caravan canopies are easier to set up and more affordable than the EZ up Canopy. I have one of each for the past 10 years that I use at BBQ events EZ Up has needed replacement parts a few times but the Caravan is going strong.

What is a Caravan canopy?  They look the same as EZ Ups, so is it just another brand of canopy that you're saying is more durable/reliable?  I like that they have 10x15's.  That might be perfect for a truck.

Don't apply any water to the car until absolutely necessary. Here's a basic outline of the process of recommend:

 

1) Clean wheels, tires, wheel wells and exhaust tips first, spraying only those areas

2) Foam Gun/Canon (if you have one...and if not, get one!) the entire car with Adam's (pH neutral) CS or W&W. If it dries on the car, no worries. The soap will NOT harm your car.

3) Wash car with Adam's sponge/pad/mitt, only using the soap and water that's in the cleaning tool

4) Now, hose rinse the car, and start the clock to get it dry

5) Dry with DS as a drying aid, using either of the drying towels; HGG is another awesome option to dry, seal up and add shine!

 

H2o guard and gloss is great when it comes to drying your car quickly. It literally takes one wipe with a damp towel to dry in the sun. Without it, i have to use two towels, one to remove excess water and the other to finish drying

 

Great tips, thanks.  I just picked up some H20 G&G so I think this might be the route I take.  My truck is white and I start early, so washing/drying is hit or miss, but by the time I want to wax it's too hot/sunny.  However, being a daily driver that stays outside, I think I'll only go with H20 G&G instead of waxing for more protection.  Should arrive by Saturday, just in time for another wash. 

One of those larger pop up canopies could help if you can find one that's not way out of line in price and it's big enough.  Nobody has a garage you can use for a day?  How about a parking garage?  Once your ride is washed,  you could always head there and detail it. My son in law is in the same situation, only he has a 250 and it's black.  No shade.  I have to agree with Roger and say start as early as you can, and get as much done as you can early, even if it takes more than one day.

Of course............you could always move!

Good idea about the parking garage, but there aren't any near by and i fear most of the truck will try by the time I get there.  There is a park near by that may offer some shade if i can find a parking spot.  Maybe I pull up there and detail there.  I just hope the trees don't drop crap.

 

PS- the South bay in LA is paradise.  I could never leave 

 

I'm in the same situation..

Gonna pick up a canopy and do it in the streets of nyc..

Gotta work with what you got I guess.

If you find one that works well let us know the brand/price.  I've yet to find one within reason.

I don't have any trees or access to shade where I live.  I live in a townhouse so we don't have a proper driveway, so much as we have an alley.  There is no shade (other than what the buildings provide at certain points of the day), and even so, my F150 is so big it's never even half way shaded.

 

Any tips from those of you without shady driveways or parking spots would be much appreciated.  It's tough as the truck temp is always high on one side, and everything drys so quickly.  

Nice ride, by the way. But are all CA homes built at an angle like that?!

 

 

No Chris there not, he must have had one boot off when he took the picture

 

 

 

Dr. Seuss designed my neighborhood

Thank you all for the great info. I'll be adding a clay bar kit to my next order