I read the sticky, but was not sure what to actually DO to the exterior of my new vehicle.

I plan to scotchgard the interior, to treat the dash/etc. inside, but the exterior has me perplexed.

I will be shaving some badges and removing a few stickers (it will make sense when I post pics), and I will be buying the vehicle NEW.

So what do I need to buy and use, and in what order? Sorry for being a newbie at it, but I am clueless on this detailing stiff. The stickies help, but some seemed to mix if the steps, the frequency of some steps, and even the NEED for some steps, when the vehicle is new.

Thanks!

 

being that it is NEW, all you really have to do to the outside is wash it, a lil black magic on the tires, and youre good to go. Shouldnt need its first coat of wax for a few months if its spankin new.

 

What you need to buy:

a) Clay Bar - Removes contaminants in paint

b) Since you are in a climate similar to mine, I'd definitely recommend using a product like Klasse to protect your finish. The reason for this is most polymer sealants can last 6 months or more. If you are looking for something OTC, you might want to consider Meguiar's #20

What stuff do you use now?

 

Nothing- I used the Meguars polish and wax on the I30, but only when I first got it. It needed claybarred badly.

With this being new, I want to do it right.

So I should clay-bar it to get the manufacturing and transport contaminants off of it, then the protective (wax/polish???)?

Where can I get the klasse? How do i apply it. Sorry, real noobie here.

 

I've gotten my Klasse here:

click here

The AIO can be applied by hand or with a PC. For the SG, I prefer to apply by hand. I remove both products by hand. Hand application and removal is very easy, if applied properly (i.e. very little product is used)

You may want to consider a polish between the clay bar and AIO. I did this when my max was about a year old and was amazed at how the polish worked. Made the finish look deeper and had more shine than when it was new.

 

Shoot, make the dealer clean that stuff off, its a new car it should be spotless when you take it.

 

Yeah, but I have heard that they don't always take the best care, and that you can end up with swirl marks if they don't do it right...

 

I've never heard of a dealer that clayed a new car before delivery. They'll usually wash it and Armor-All the tires but that's about it.

 

Some basic steps for doing a through detail should be:

-wash with car soap
-dry w/ mf or the absorber, etc..
-clay bar
-polish
-wax

That's basically it if you want to be set for 3-6 months depending on which products you use. Anyway, mess around with it and good luck!

-Ben

 

Unless there are some noticeable contamenants I would hold off on the clay bar. I would get some Meguiars gold class shampoo and dry it with a microfiber. For the tires I would recommend some Stoners more shine less time. After about 3-4 months I would give it a nice thorough detail.

 

Actually, I don't let the dealers touch my new cars because they will swirl the hell out of the finish.

 

Phenry: No problem with being a noob. We will all be glad to help you with this.

Back to the issue at hand, you are correct. You are removing the contaminants from transport. I have seen a lot of threads where many Max owners have had unusual rust spots appear on their cars. Those spots are from rail dust kicked up from the wheels of train cars. In addition, these cars are sitting in lots for extended periods of time and you don't know what kinds of pollutants and other things have settled on the paint.

Clay bars are designed to remove that contamination from the paint. In fact, here's a pic of a clay bar I used on my father's Navigator to get an idea of what contamination looks like:

Clay Bar is on the left;



I recommend using the Clay Magic because it's very pliable and effective.

 

I assume that the proper instructions will be in with the clay bar when I buy it...

By the way, I just got the truck. Pics:

 

 

The proper instructions will be with the clay bar. But I generally do a 2' x 2' area at a time. Make sure you have a decent towel (read: very soft or a microfiber) when you are claying because you don't want to introduce scratching.

 

Another thing you might want to do is to clay the windows while you are at it. Sounds goofy but you'd be amazed as to what you pull off.

After you clay the truck, you then apply the Klasse All In One using a linear motion. Remove immediately. After applying the AIO, then apply the Sealant Glaze. The glaze will have to haze before removal. Wait 24 hrs and then apply coat #2 of the sealant glaze. After that, top it with the wax of your choice to add depth.

 

phenry: What do you plan to do to the interior?

 

Scotchguard, and add huskyliners. Any other suggestions?
(Thanks, Prinz)

 

Another thing to consider is what you are using to treat the vinyl on the inside of the truck. One of the things you want to consider is the level of UV protection. I usually recommend Lexol Vinylex since you can get that OTC.

Also, you can use it on tires and you won't have to worry about that pestiferous sling.

Do you have any microfiber towels? If not hit up your local Wal-Mart and get the 12 pack. You can use those for polish and wax removal as well as cleaning glass to a sterak free finish.

Speaking of glass cleaning, what do you use for that?

 

I was looking over the glass cleaning suggestions, and was thinking about picking somethign up. I usually use windex vinrgar formula.

As you can tel, I have been a real conoseur in the past, LOL.

It is hard to keep things too clean without access to a good water supply. My townhouse is a rental wiht no hose hookup, and there are NO DIY carwashes in the area...NONE.

 

Here's the complete list of stuff in my arsenal. PM me if you have any questions.

http://maxima.cardomain.com/memberpage/125771/4

 

Where is the best place to buy a clay bar? And what are the recommended brands?

 

Im sorry guys, this is my first car with leather seats. The thing that confuses me is when u guys use the term " ScothGuard". I need to know how to take care of my interior in lamens plz. Sorry for the newb inconvenience.

 

I prefer the Clay Magic clay bar. You can get the kits at Wal-Mart or Autozone for $9.99.

 

too: You need a leather cleaner and conditioner. I recommend Lexol for both. I apply it using the terrycloth wax applicators.