Eric91Z

5 minutes ago, Yo-Yo Ma's Cousin said:

I think the next thing to try is clay bar very gently though.

I've also read some interesting approaches from @shane@detailedreflections - he likes to use a steamer and a plastic razor, but I'll let him comment and give his suggestions for you.

Yeah, was thinking clay bar would be next.

Had some what I think is fresh tar spots on the Impala.  Tried Strip Wash and clay bar on that and nothing.  Tried Heavy Correcting Compound (as was hitting some other areas as well) and nothing.  Then the Correcting Polish and that finally took them off.  Finished with Finishing Polish and Paint Sealant and BG and all was good there.  Just hope don't have to go through all of that with the truck.  It is the entire hood and roof with few others spots.  Even just found one of these spots on side window!

Ok, hope this is right section for this.  Couple weeks ago did a full wash, paint sealant, BG, etc.  Truck looking great.  Did 1000 mile round trip road trip, parked outside at night at place we stayed, even got rained on.  Thought she still looked good after getting back.  Finally get around to a wash again this morning and find these orange spots - kind of raised, can feel with finger and catch with a nail - all over all horizontal surfaces.  Tried Strip Wash and bug scrubber on them, but nothing  These things are not coming off easy.

Don't have time today to try clay bar or other options, but wanted to get opinions on what route I should try stuff to get this removed?  All input appreciated.

8 minutes ago, BRZN said:

Eric, you state you have the telescopic Pole. Do you have Adam's Truck Brush Head? It's made of the same super soft material as Adam's Wheel Brush. It's perfect for the areas you can't easily reach, like the roof of your truck. We've used the Truck Brush to clean the entire exterior of our Ford F550 we leave at the Carlisle Fairground with no marring, scratches or swirls anywhere. I used it just a few weeks ago to wash the complete exterior of our 20' enclosed locker trailer that again sits on the Fairgrounds without leaving a mark.

 

You'll still want to use it in the Two Bucket Wash way, the long bristles rinse clean when worked in the Rinse Water Bucket, and are then ready to go back into the Wash Water Bucket ready to clean the next pass or two.

No, I have not ordered the Truck Brush and thus the reason I started this post.  The Adam's site specifically warns can causing marring or scratches when using the truck brush.  I know you may not see them on the roof of the truck, but that's not good for the paint.  I do have the Wheel Brush and have used without issue so far on the wheels.  Just going off the warning that they have listed on the Truck Brush.  Would just hate to scratch the paint on either the truck or the camper.

And goes without saying would still use the 2 bucket method with whatever I end up using.  Just saying, would be nice if Adam's looking into an option like the Truck Brush, but softer wash surface...

9 minutes ago, rseward said:

 

Something like this might even allow you to use the microfiber towel of you choosing. 

Yes, that could work.  Mop head would have to be able to attach to the extending pole I already have - like the Truck Brush does.  And would just have to wonder how good that type of material is for washing like the Wash Mit or Wash Pad.  Would love to see them come up with a solution like the Truck Brush, but with better contact surface material...

Product request?  I see you have the Adam's Truck Brush out there, but is there a way to do something very similar, but with even better material to help with those jobs that need something like that?  My truck may be a daily driver, but not sure I want to use that brush for the roof, etc areas I can't reach.  And we have a travel trailer, too, that I am looking for a washing option for, but with the way trailers seem to be so touchy on being taken care of, would love something softer for that, too, that I can use with a foam gun.

I already have the telescoping pole, just need a good brush head to put on there now for those jobs.

On 8/6/2018 at 6:51 AM, rrmccabe said:

The first time I used boost it seemed to buff off about like detail spray.  But after 6 weeks the boost I am putting on new seems to be pretty sticky and is turning my towels yellow which I did not notice before.

 

Rich,

Do you have the Ceramic Paint Coating on any of the vehicles?  Neither of my vehicles do and I have a bottle of this stuff, but haven't tried it.  Started reading and says can use on Ceramic or non-ceramic coated vehicles.  Just wondering if worth the effort to us on a vehicle or not...

19 minutes ago, rrmccabe said:

I personally don't put anything on the carpet liners.  Just soap and wash.   I think the undercarriage spray would be a mess.

Ditto here. Clean it up with APC, but don’t spray anything on when done. Don’t think the carpet discolores like a plastic liner does. 

3 minutes ago, falcaineer said:

 

UCS isn't supposed to be used on carpet wheel wells...hopefully you aren't doing that?

Didnt spray it on on the carpet liners. Just the suspension pieces under there. No spraying on the carpet liners on the truck. 

10 minutes ago, Rich said:

What year is that?  I had an 08 SS Impala that I bought Weather Tech mats for. Still have the mats.  Too bad you're in Iowa or I'd give them to you (assuming they'd fit). Car looks great. 

‘14 LTZ Limited with 3.6L/6-speed setup. It is tuned, too.

Have had Weathertechs in it almost since day 1. Actually, used to just put them in for the winter and the carpets for summer, but now have almost like new carpet floor mats sitting on a shelf somewhere. 

3 minutes ago, pirahnah3 said:

Tip for next time....either make up some VRT Milk in a spray bottle, or get a can of In & Out spray, so much easier, plus then doing your front grill or other areas are really easy to finish up. 

Where do you spray it in that form?  I don’t use on the front grill at all. Just runs off. Not that kind of plastic. And all other exterior items are kind of small, so used small pad, small amounts of VRT, and then hit the plastics, avoiding glass, chrome, and paint...

5 minutes ago, falcaineer said:

Nice work, Eric!

Thanks!  Makes for a long day of detailing when you have a bum shoulder. 

Will say this:

- Eco APC on engine bay followed with light scrub, rinse and VRT was EASY!

- Really like that Under Carriage spray. Used on truck and now Impala. Even better on Impala as it has plastic wheel well liners (truck has carpet ones). Looks so much better!  At least to me. It’s the little things. 

Just now, pirahnah3 said:

Great work, that is one clean lookin car! I bet the dealer couldnt tell it from new! 

Thanks! I try. Actually, had to take the truck in a couple weeks ago for service. Service writer asked the year, told him, and he said it looks nicer, cleaner than the new trucks the PDI and prep!

Well, got the detail done on the Impala today.  Thanks to those that responded on my "Procedure Check" thread.  Did almost all of it, but did not do any paint protection work.  Could it have used some?  Yes, in a couple areas.  But just didn't have time or energy.  Got engine compartment done, when wheels/wheel wells, Iron Remover, then wash with Strip Wash.  Dried, Clayed, Headlight Restoration steps, then Paint Sealant and BG.  Finished off touching up all exterior trim, tires, and then did interior.  First round of BG on interior of windshield on this car.  So far liking it on the truck.

Paint seemed to be in much better shape than I anticipated.  Clay work wasn't too hard and bugs there were on the front end came off easily before washing.

Now, if the wife could just keep it clean while driving.  Not bad for 77,000 miles on her.  Some sunshine for pics would have been nice, but I'm not complaining.  Stayed overcast with slight breeze all day which made the work more bearable.

Got shipping info today for the missing back pad.  Says they are also throwing in a Detail Spray.  Can't argue with that customer service.  Like it better done right the first time, but they are making it right and doing so quickly!

2 minutes ago, falcaineer said:

Sorry to hear that, Eric. Mistakes happen, especially with manual packing processes, but not surprised to hear they took care of you as quickly as possible. And since they did, is the moral of this post to ensure you have all required tools and products before starting a job? If so, good advice! 

Yup, I should have double checked package completeness prior to starting project, or more importantly when products were received. That part is on me. But at same time, if it is manual packing process from supplier, double check could/:lshould happen on that end as well...

14 minutes ago, rrmccabe said:

If you prefer to use  the drill method, I have one you can borrow Eric.

Thanks for the offer, but already had car taped up ready to go.  Trying to work on getting it done between meetings.  Step-daughter's car and trying to get done before she heads back to her Dad's...

So, in a short period have spent quite a bit of money loading up on Adam's products.  Very happy with all of them, but did run into an issue today.  Had ordered the complete Headlight Restoration Kit and watched the video preparing to do that.  Get the headlights on one car all taped off, get kit opened and going through, and no 4" backing plate for the drill.  If I didn't have the Porter orbital I would be SOL.

Called and they apologized and to be getting that drill backing plate sent out, but bit of an oversight on packing the kit up...  Especially when you are all ready to work and parts missing.

11 minutes ago, Chris@Adams said:

Sounds good, however I would reverse 11 & 12.

11 & 12 order seems to flip flop based on who’s posting. What is preference and why?

9 minutes ago, rrmccabe said:

I personally would still use the DS. 

 

I would give all the trim a good coating of VRT before paint correction.

Luckily this car doesn't have a lot of exterior trim to hit, so that will be easy.

Thanks for that input.  Didn't know the DS would block polisher.  Good to know on that.  And use clay with leftover soap.  Never tried that.  Thanks!

Ok, I have read through others and got a few things filled in here and there, but doing a full detail on the Impala this coming weekend.  First time with Adam's products on this car and it hasn't been touched in about a year (other than washes here and there).

Looking at the following:

1. Wash wheels, tires, wheel wells with APC, Rubber & Tire, Wheel cleaners

2. APC for Engine bay

3. Front end and mirror cap bug removal work

4. Strip Wash on the car

5. Iron Remover

6. Clay

7. Wash with Ultra Foam in Foam Gun

8. Dry

9. Paint Correction, as needed

10. Headlight Restoration

11. Paint Sealant

12. Brilliant Glaze (Paint and windows)

Then of course rest of needed detailing with VRT, window cleaning, etc.

I am just trying to verify that initial clean process.  Do I need to re-wash the car after Iron Remover and before Clay bar?  I know Clay Bar will help remove iron spots, too, but know there will be a lot on the car and want the Iron Remover to help with that process.  And I have always done a quick wash of the car after doing Clay Bar.

And for this round, planning on drying after the last wash, check for any needed paint correction work, and then lay down Paint Sealant/BG.  Will use the H2O as go forward, now and then, after hand washes.  But any reason to use the H2O with this process?  I see people go back and forth on H2O then PS or PS and then H2O?  Especially if finishing with BG?

7 minutes ago, Fire_Pilot said:

I must say, I am quite impressed with how good that Truck looks!   GREAT job!

Thanks. Try to keep it simple with the mods and keep it clean. Still doing new AT/Hybrid tires (on the stock wheels), front end level via Bilstein struts/shocks, and Air Lift air bags. And have to say, the tow mirrors were one of the best investments yet - both towing and not towing. 

3 minutes ago, blcksilv08 said:

Great work! Nice looking truck! Brilliant glaze is definitely the ticket for windows....inside and out.

Definitely impressed with the BG on the exterior of the windows.  And I like my windows clean.  Going to try on inside of windshield next.  Is it safe on tinted windows?  Although my side windows clean up better than the front.  Or easier I should say.

I am a recent Adam's convert, coming from the world of Zaino previously.  Did a good wash, clay, Paint Sealant a few weeks ago.  From there, ordered some more products.  Now need to start looking at the bulk stuff (wheel cleaner, Quick Detail, etc).  Anyway, got the Foam Gun and some other stuff and finally got to use them today.  Over the last 3 weeks have put about 1500 miles or so on the truck for road trips.  1 trip about 750 round trip pulling the camper and last one a week trip to Branson with the family.  LOTS of midwest bugs on the front. Still more to get off, but didn't finish today.

Anyway, today did the following:

1. APC on wheel wells, Tire Cleaner on the tires, Wheel Cleaner on the wheels

2. Foam gun with Ultra Foam Shampoo and 2 bucket wash, starting with the bugs up front and top down with 2 mitts

3. Rinsed and pulled in garage

4. Dried with H2O G&G

5. VRT on wheels, and exterior plastics

6. First time using the Brillant Glaze today on exterior paint, chrome, and windows, including side view mirrors which seems to be quite the finishing touch for exterior glass.

7. Tried a little Under Carriage Spay on the visible areas in the wheel wells (not the wheel well liners as those are carpet)

8. Finish with some Quick Detail

9. And then interior detail and interior windows

I am slow, but it is done and everything drying now.

28 minutes ago, rrmccabe said:

Yes, have did everything except the cover Eric and am trying HGG on that.

 

Only issue is it will leave streaks down the paint after rains. Has not been too bad on this truck.

Used the HGG on the cover today when I was washing it (before the rain hit).  Got HGG on all the truck and the wheels (two coats on the wheels, actually).  So far it looks good, but I had used 303 on it a couple weeks ago when I did the full detail of the truck to begin with (before I had the HGG).

Definitely would not like to see streaks running down, especially on a white truck!  Makes me think of the black streaks we get on our camper all the time!  Hate cleaning those off, but at least they come off easy enough.

Chris, my only hang ups with the TS on the tires are: just a bit too glossy looking for me, and I like a little gloss to it, long dry/setup time, and no UV protection.  If the TS lasts longer than the VRT, that's a great plus, but would like to see some UV protection put in it...