Washing materials

[porter4dmfd]

I worked in a detail shop when the clay bars were first introduced. I didn't believe their claims until I saw it demonstrated. They will remove just about anything on the paints surface. We used them to remove rail dust, tree sap, paint overspray, bugs, paint scuffs, tar, and more. If you follow the clay with a good wax, the paint feels like it was just buffed. I use it every time I wax.

I've also discovered the detailing sprays on the market. I like the Mother's brand. I use it on my truck after washing it and it leaves the suface feeling smooth and leaves a great shine. I've also noticed that water beads off like a fresh wax job.

[TampaTundra]

Im just gona fork up the 50+ cash to have it waxed every 1.5-2 months. I knew before hand that by getting black it would be harder to keep looking clean. This is my second car as my first was a 04-05, dont rememeber but it was the first year of the current 4runner body, 4wd sport edition v6 4runner in the "galactic grey". Couldnt be happier with this truck, only had it for 3 weeks, but the black makes washing a little more of a priority.

[4REF1FAN]

I don't have a Tundra yet, but I've always had good success with Meguiars products.

[CaptPete]

I've only had my Tundra 5 days and I have already washed her. In NE Florida we have a daily blizzard of pollen from the slash pines. We also have bugs out already over the highways.

I have been a Blue Coral car wash soap fan for a long time. I do not recommend the wash 'n wax. I also use a high quality carnuba wax every couple of months by Gliptone. I pull the vehicle into the garage and wax her under flurescent lights. At night it's cooler and the lighting keeps you from making mistakes.

When I wash my vehicles and they are thoroughly rinsed off I dry them with my leaf blower. I have a gas powered blower and I blow the water off the vehicle - does not dry the vehicle. I follow up with a clean damp chamois. Dry in ten minutes and no water spots or streaks.

I used to detail cars as a sideline. Sure wish I had a leaf blower back then to dry them with.

Pete wid a 07 Tundra Double Cab SR-5 in Pyrite Mica

[Possum]

You guys are working way too hard. After the first 2 coats of paste wax, I just use one of the 'wax as you dry' products (pumpspray white, waxy, liquid that you spray-on before you towel-dry) I dump the whole bottle into 3 gallons of hot water and brush it into all the nooks and crannies, door seals, grill, wheels, glass, plastic, everything, towel-dry, then buff with more towels. The spray wax takes the abuse untill the next wash, and releases the nasty stuff like salt, pollen, bugz, and teradactyl poop. It builds up and if you park it in the hot sun (after buffing) it'll bake to a hard glaze. It keeps the soft plastics and rubber lubricated/conditioned and doesn't look bad on the tires, either. I finish up by wiping down the interior with the wet towels so coffee and dogsnot don't become permanent. The best stuff is NAPA's house brand. Have fun!

[VonBarrett]

WHY DONT YOU TRY ONE OF OUR SITE SPONSORS? I KNOW THAT ADAMS MAKES SOME HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS

[Mickey]

Originally Posted by VonBarrett

WHY DONT YOU TRY ONE OF OUR SITE SPONSORS? I KNOW THAT ADAMS MAKES SOME HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS

Will look into that. Thanks!

[Bandobras]

So I washed and waxed my truck for the first time yesterday. Took 6 and a half hours and now my shoulder and back are sore haha. I think I need to invest in an orbital. Anyway, it looks fantastic, although there's already a light coating of pollen on it again (DAMN YOU PINE TREES). I think I could have done it faster but I had nothing else to do and it gave me a good excuse to drink a lot of beer.

Anyway, I used:
Meguiar's Gold Wash
Clay Magic Clay Bar
(Couldn't find a polish I liked to take out some of the tiny scratches I found, I'll have to find something online for next time)
Zymol Cleaner Wax - waxed everything including all the windows. In cleaning the windshield I noticed my windshield wipers either are or are similar to those new Rain X wipers. I highly suggest you check them out as they've been working great

On the interior:
Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer
EagleOne 20/20 Glass Cleaner
I don't have a shop vac so I'm gonna take it by a self service car wash and use a vacuum there sometime today or tomorrow.

This was my first time using a clay bar, and it really made the surface smooooooooth. I found myself continuously rubbing on it cause it was so smooth. It was great at cleaning random crap off my windshield and bumper too. This will definitely get a lot of use.

[skirat10]

Have any of you ever used "Klasse" all in one product? I have been using it for 4 or 5 years now and am very pleased! I showed it to a friend of mine that runs a detail shop and he now uses it as well. It's not too expensive either, about $25 on Amazon. The same 16.9 oz. bottle has lasted me for at least 4 years, waxing both of my vehicles at least 2 times per year. It goes on and wipes off very easily. I used it on a black Tahoe for 4 years and it always looked great. Have only had my Tundra for 2 months so I haven't waxed it yet. It's been snowing here in Illinois since the time I bought my new truck! I have also found that polishing with a mist-and-shine product between washing really helps.

[CJ$]

I haven't washed my tundra yet. Its only a few weeks old and it has been raining. on my old truck I used a large soft brush with handle and the Mr. Clean hose adapter. (the one where you don't have to dry it). Am I donig more harm than good if I use this on the Tundra? I want to keep it looking good. Suggestions?

[sxd45]

I would be careful with the brush, I have never liked brushes personally but to each their own, Just use a good quality mitt and some good soap you should be fine.

[SybErkRimInAL]

Originally Posted by sxd45

I would be careful with the brush, I have never liked brushes personally but to each their own, Just use a good quality mitt and some good soap you should be fine.

Yea, especially on a dark colored vehicle.

[sxd45]

where did you get your grille syber?

[SybErkRimInAL]

Originally Posted by sxd45

where did you get your grille syber?

On ebay. Dont remember who the seller was but it was the only 5-piece set for $200.00. The main grille is an overlay. The 3 bumper pieces, I needed to cut out the little center support in each opening then drill holes in each side of each opening to screw in the grille pieces. I have yet to put on the chrome piece that replaces the factory black plastic on the hood and i'm not sure i'm gonna do it. It's a stick-on that I dont think would withstand the heat out here.

[sxd45]

Yeah I agree, its hot here in texas also, and I was wondering why it wasnt an option from the factory to have that piece chromed instead of black, I like how the emblem is still there, i dont want to cover my emblem up like some of the billet grills do.