RayS

24 minutes ago, rrmccabe said:

I always add water first because if its a foaming product you will be fighting foam as you add water from a hose.  Pouring chemical into water usually does not do that.

 

 

I never use a hose to directly add water for diluting chemicals.  Unless your hose is filtered, it will introduce contaminates that can be avoided by either letting the water sit in a jug and only pouring off the top or by using filtered water from inside the house.  City water will have chlorine or other additives and well water has its own set of characteristics, in my case I have a high lime content.  You can also get filters for a funnel, but I only used them a couple of times and they didn't seem to be too effective.

5 hours ago, Editguy said:

I really miss the mints when they don't come in my box. I was actually thinking of buying a box of these. Anyone else look forward to their mints? https://www.amazon.com/USA-Flag-Buttermints-108-Pcs/dp/B00A263180/ref=sr_1_20_s_it?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1532800852&sr=1-20&keywords=buttermint

I would consider that cheating unless you are also purchasing Adam's products through Amazon.  I will also admit that I was happy when I received a box with two mints in it, not only did I consider it a bonus, it allowed the wife to share one with me  .

5 hours ago, Bscott94 said:

That what I thought. I figured it would just be for my personal enjoyment but I thought I would ask. 

The wife's car gets DS put on once a week whether it needs it or not.  The car is kept in the garage and not only does she see me paying attention to her car, it also makes the garage smell great.  I have tried DS immediately after waxing with Buttery Wax and I didn't see much of a difference, but waiting until the next day gave me an opportunity to look for anything I may have missed the day before and it seemed to add a little extra luster.

12 hours ago, Rich said:

Have you tried a sticky lint roller?  You know, one  of those that you peel off the layers?  I've tried that with success. Just roll it across the paint and webs.  Worked for me.  Use it before using anything else.   

I would not have thought of using a sticky lint roller at all, that is a good idea.  I know we are going to the mountains again, so I will add one to my travel bag and see how it works - Thank You @Rich

The Wife and I spent the last week in the mountains with another couple and we took turns driving.  When it was my turn to drive, I always made sure the truck was prepared for the day and I ran into a problem - Spider Webs.  Every morning, the truck was covered with spider webs and they were very sticky.   Besides the point that I believe the spiders were either attracted to the shine or the Adam’s products themselves, they were a pain to remove.  My in laws van was not getting covered with spider webs.

I tried a single soft towel wipe, but the towel seemed to plug up and stop removing them, more like smearing them and I constantly flipped the towel to a fresh spot.  I also tried DS and that didn’t seem to do much either.  The cabin we stayed at was limited on resources and the truck was parked a good 100 yards away from the cabin, so I was pretty much limited to what I had in spray bottles.

I also know I am adding one item to my travel bag, a plastic razor blade. There was no avoiding parking under trees and I had tree sap on the truck.  I have used car shampoo and/or DS and a plastic razor blade to remove sap many times, I just never thought of adding a few to my travel kit.

Any ideas on the spider webs before the next trip to the mountains would be appreciated.

While @falcaineer saw a turtle while searching for a Ninja,  @Rich spotted fur and I spotted feathers on two wild turkeys on my way home in a dirty truck after spending a week in the mountains.   Isn’t nature a wonderful thing?

6 hours ago, Rich said:

A what???? 

A simplified mechanism to allow you to use a touch of your ? to instantly sent Adam’s money.  In lieu of the “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”, it becomes “what happens on the iPhone, stays on the iPhone” ?

21 minutes ago, falcaineer said:

Question for more experienced detailers, but thinking a little outside the box, would a plastic razor blade help get someone of it off the paint?

The plastic razor blade is a good idea.  I was able to get some house paint drips off a car with them.  I used some car soap as a lubricant and the plastic razor blade slid under the paint, no scratches.  I recently got some tree sap off my truck with same technique, but had forgotten about the paint drips from years ago until @falcaineer reminded me of it.

I have had my cart just about 2 weeks and love it.  You do want to follow the instructions for putting it together and don’t be afraid to ensure seat the posts and trays with the rubber mallet.  This picture shows the cart way over loaded compared to how I normally have it.  It does roll very nice and can easily hold all the product needed for doing a car.

Just did a run from Columbia, SC to Gatlinburg, TN and hit two small patches of rain and and a couple miles of wet roads.  I used 4 to make it presentable again and another 5 after that to keep it shining.   I also know that I won’t leave home again without WW along with DS and BG and at least a dozen towels.

I have always used 303 on the motor home awning, tonneau cover and hot tub cover and never had a streaking problem.  My last hot tub cover lasted over 10 years and it was the inside that started coming apart and absorbing water.  While I think the leather conditioner is a very good product and I use it on interior leather and vinyl, I would need a lot of convincing to use it on outside items replacing 303.  For the hot tub, I do the cover in the fall and spring.  For the spring treatment, I do it right after pollen season and it gets a good cleaning first.

In preparation for an activity on Saturday, I started very early this morning preparing the truck, let's just say there was light when I started.  After I hit the tires with Tire & Rubber Cleaner, the wheels with Eco Wheel Cleaner and the tire wells with Under Carriage Spray,  I started with a Strip Wash and was prepared to do a Claybar, but after inspection it didn't need it.  It had only been ~3 months since the last clay and the truck had been well protected and had less than 300 miles put on it.  If you are wondering why I went with a strip wash, I wanted to improve the base and it was an opportunity put to practice everything I was learning from reading, viewing video's and forum member feedback.

Step #1: I made sure it was spotless and I put it in the garage

Step #2: VRT or 303 all the trim.  Note: VRT works wonders on the Aeroskin II bug guard, air dam and a few other places.  303 is used on the tonneau cover and window trim.

Step #3: I did one panel at a time with Brilliant Glaze - checked the truck twice for any missed spots

Step #4: one panel at a time with Paint Sealant - repeat checking pattern

Break - Lunch: Fried egg sandwich, the daughters dog was happy, she got scrambled eggs

Step #5: check for misses again (none) - put Buttery Wax on the entire truck

Step #6: Removed Buttery Wax from the entire truck

Break - After break - checked the entire truck for white spots, misses, etc.. Found a few white spots, easily taken care of

Step #7: One panel at a time with Ceramic Boost and then the rims last

Step #8: Windows

Step #9: pulled it into the drive and took this picture

I have one place that I am not happy about with the results and am hoping someone can assist.  The running boards are Westin HDX's and are black steel.  The step pads clean up nicely, but I cannot seem to manage to get any luster into the running boards themselves.  Any suggestions?

As always, I appreciate feedback on ways to improve the outcome in the future.    

1 hour ago, falcaineer said:

Brand New video on the differences between the towels.

 

 

Very informative video, thanks for posting the link.  I have all the towels in the segment, except the drying towel and that is in my wish list.  I add a couple of towels into every order as I'm trying to replace all the various vendor towels.  Of course, I took advantage of the 24 stack borderless grays when they were on sale.   The one thing missing from the video, is the microfiber blanket.  My oldest absolutely wants one and when/if they come back, she will get one.  No, she is not spoiled - she is just developing an addiction and I'm trying to help cope with it.  She is the daughter that helps me with the vehicles.

1 hour ago, moons21 said:

Hmm.. I wonder if I've pissed someone off at Adam's... my last two orders didn't come with mints or stickers... honestly Santa.. I've been a good boy...LOL

 

Good thing they didn't forget my products....

 

And it's not going to stop me from buying more either.. the addition to the mints is real..but not as real as the addition to the products. 

I thought I got a bonus mint in my box that arrived Thursday. Honestly, I didn't know that I getting your mint and mine, but I will tell you it was good.  As for the sticker, someone else must have gotten it, but I only had one.   Of note, if your box page crumpled paper in it, shake the paper - I have had one mint in an earlier box that had slid into the paper during transport.

8 hours ago, Blazelow said:

Do you know the lumen output of those lights by any chance?

I looked at the Lowes site and they are no longer available and I checked the Utilitech site itself and they are not listed.  I found a very similar setup on Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/OOOLED-4800LM-Daylight-Worklight-Fixture/dp/B078BX42XS/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1532079300&sr=1-3-spons&keywords=led+shop+light&psc=1  

I know mine are a lower output than the ones I found Amazon, I believe they were 4000,  and I have had them about 4 or 5 years and they have worked without an issue.  I know they were more expensive at the time, I think they were around $60 for each light.

Similar to you, I had to go from a single bulb that I changed to a box to having a set of lights that I could control.  That is where the linkable lights with the chains came in handy.   If I get to where I can remodel the garage, I will have better lighting wired with multiple switches.  The garage comes after the 2 bathrooms and kitchen.

12 minutes ago, Blazelow said:

Hey guys, 

 

  I just built a new house, and finally have a nice garage to start new with. I just got my new tool box and some shelving put in. My main complaint is that the builder only installed 1 tiny light bulb, that is literally useless.   Do you guys have any recommendations for garage lighting.   I found a set that I like but I think they put out like 4000 lumens each and that might be overkill. 

 

P.S. I was a member here years ago, went on a hiatus, forgot my login info, so here I am back again. 

I went to Lowes and got the 4' Utelitrich LED's with the chain so I could select how many I want to have on, because as you said they can get very bright.  Then good thing is when you have mustang ripped apart and are trying to line up engine and tranny at night, you can get some real light in the garage.  It also helps when you need to get light angles to see different spots on the car, just turn off a light and it changes the optics rather well.  Look for one with a lens cover since it helps disperse the light.

I have two places of preference.  My daughters house and my daughters restaurant and I will enjoy them even more when I finish paying for her 6 years of school.  Should I mention her specialty is pastries. She can cook anything: salmon, brisket, beef tenderloin and did I mention salmon and lets not forget the desserts.  Now, I'm getting hungry again and we just finished eating.  My all time favorite place is the Rendezvous in Kodiak AK.  My second favorite is Belgo Centraal London - I never knew there were so many kinds of Schnapps until I went there the first time.

18 hours ago, falcaineer said:

2,000 likes. ?  Thanks for letting me be a small part of this awesome forum! And a little special thanks to @JoeySr for pushing me over the top! 

 

 

 

 

An added Thank You for all the assistance and knowledge sharing you have given me since I joined this forum - I very much appreciate it.

I did my 30' motorhome once and it took days to complete.  I always worked on the shade side and to keep track of the block I was working on, I used painters tape.   My method was to do a 2'x4' block in the back and once I had product applied, I had time to mark off the next 2'x4' block in the front before working the block in the back.  Next I would apply the product to the front and go back and forth, eventually meeting in the middle.

For marking the blocks, I used blue painters tape and it never left any residue that a quick wipe a microfiber towel couldn't take care of, just don't leave the tape on too long.

A few more pointers, if you leave it plugged in and the refrigerator running, the heat that comes through the side will affect the reaction time of the Paint Sealant.  Also, check the condensation drains at the bottom of windows before you hit them with the applicator.  I had a couple that still had water in them and ran down the side when I brushed them with the applicator.  For the graphics, you can go over them, but they are generally a thicker matte, so I always traced the graphic instead of going from the fiberglass to the graphic due to the bump.

If you did not get any of the Glass Boost, it does make the Glass Sealant last longer.  I also use the Glass Boost on the outside mirrors after I clean then with Glass Cleaner.  I have found that using the Glass Boost on the mirrors cuts down on the headlight reflections at night and any overnight dew rolls off them easier.

5 hours ago, JoeySr said:

 

Just a little to "wet" is all, nothing wrong or not working, just wondering if the Ultra Foam would make more foam & be a tad drier....

I have the standard foam gun and have used the regular shampoo and ultra shampoo.  The difference that I have found is that I need a little less shampoo with the Ultra for the same results.  The product descriptions say Concentrated and Ultra say Super Concentrated, which would explain why less is required.  

I am on a well and my water pressure is 55 at the hose, I wouldn't call it high pressure, but it isn't bad either.  I am using the Yellow tip and in reviewing the description on the foam gun it states:  The Adam's Car Wash Foam Gun now ships with only 2 yellow-green and 2 purple metering tips. We recommend using the yellow-green metering tip and keeping the other as a spare. The purple metering tip can be used for a higher flowrate, but it will use up the Car Shampoo and water mixture in the 32oz bottle more quickly.

My flowrate isn't real high due to pipe sizing, but the pressure is good and I get good coverage with either shampoo and the Yellow tip.  I have not tried using the Purple tip since the Yellow was recommended and it works good.  

My vehicles are all variations of Red from Bright Red to Cajun Red and range from 21 years old to one year old and I am strictly an amateur when it comes to detailing.  I used HGG for the first time a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed with the outcome, it was very easy to use and the effect was excellent. 

Before I use any product I read the feedback from the forum members, watch the video's and hit google for insight outside of this forum.  I also tend to watch the video again the night before I use the product for the first time and again in the morning while the coffee is kicking in.  That reminds me, I really want some of the Cars and Coffee DS... I regress. 

I never get in a hurry and if I need to take a break and hit the web if something doesn't look or feel right, I most certainly do so.  This isn't to say that I have not messed up a few times, I'm still experimenting with some of the products and building my library of layering for each vehicle.  Maybe the difference is the black vehicles vs Red, I don't think I'll touch a black car until we my son-in-law returns from deployment in November and we do his 1971 Datsun 240Z.  For me, on the Red vehicles HGG is a winner and I expect it to be part of my long term regiment.

That is the first I heard of the Syracuse towels.  However, the wife is happy that most of the towels are Wisconsin colors - except the large stack of Gray's, they don't fit into any of the schools.  If we could get some Packer colors, then I have no doubt the sales would go way up and the wife would be happy to purchase them.

When I was deciding between the Foam Gun and Foam Cannon, I thought about how many times I had pulled out my pressure sprayer to wash the vehicles.  It had been over 18 years, which is when I lived up north and dealt with the Salt and Mud.   Since then I have not used the pressure washer on a vehicle, so there was no need to get the Cannon.  I do believe that if I was still up north running the dirt/mud roads, then I'd have the Gun and Cannon.

8 hours ago, rrmccabe said:

 

Then there is Adams Toilet Repair Parts LLC. 

Adams just needs a drop down box that labels it however you like.

 

In all honestly,  I hand wash Cindys car every week and towel dry, VRT and Tire shine.  She has never had a car that looks so nice. She loves the Adams stuff!

 

At at least now I know I'm not the only one that has been trained by their wife.  Even though she smiles every time someone compliments her car and is a co-dependent on my addiction, she viewed the ebay list as a bit excessive for now.