Car Care

[L03_305]

Car Care:

Well as some of you may know I spend a lot of time cleaning my 1992 25th Anniversary Camaro RS. @ times I think that she gets cleaned more than she get driven. Now, by no means am I calling myself an expert on this subject, but I do know of some tricks that may be helpful to getting your ride looking awesome for cruising this summer. Also many of you may have your own tricks, some may be easier or harder. So, please feel free to add to this post. We can all use the help in some way. Together lets keep our rides looking awesome!

So I do not confuse myself I will be breaking this down into the following 5 sections:

Tires: Ways to keep the brown stains away & looking glossy.

Exterior \ paint & glass: Bring out the best finish possible with your existing paint.

Interior \ Plastics, I cloth (If someone knows some tips for leather please assist) : Keeping it clean & smelling good.

Under the hood \ Plastics & mechanical : Keeping your rides heart looking as good as her/his exterior.

Fender welds: They are more noticeable than you may think.

[L03_305]

Tires:

No one likes a brown tire on their ride. Not only does it not help the rest of the cars appearance, it can get on your nerves. There are several products that I have tried in the past & they worked good on the first application. But after that the old brown/ greenish color just came back to haunt me. Unfortunately you can scrub your tires often but the "residue" will come back. I learn this the hard way.
What I did on my tires: I sprayed them with Westley's Bleche Wite Tire Cleaner & with a plastic brillow pad , scrub the ba-jesus out of them. Dry the tire off with a cotton towel till dry. After the tire had dried, I used Black Magic® Tire Tint Gel Dressing. (They make this with silver, blue & gold flake) I actually use the blue. Apply with the applicator. After that I coated the tire w/ Armor All Detailer's Advantage Tire Foam. Now I would only add the tire foam for the first cleaning. After the first initial application I only add the additional tire foam during shows, less to clean up after driving.

Products:

Westley's Bleche Wite Tire Cleaner (20 oz.):
The best selling formula that attacks brake dust, dirt and solvent dressing. Makes whitewalls and blackwalls look like new. An excellent prep agent for Black Magic Tire Wet, it's also a great idea to pre-spray on tires before going through a commercial car wash
Can find @ just about any auto parts store.
Price: Usually around $2.99 for a 20oz bottle.


Black Magic® 10 Oz Tire Tint Gel Dressing :
Special formula contains metallic pigments that reflect light, giving your tire a totally awesome look.
Water-resistant chemistry maintains a high gloss shine even after repeated rain storms and car washes.
Can find @ just about any auto parts store & Wal-Mart.
Price: Usually around $5.49 for a 10oz bottle.

Armor All Detailer's Advantage Tire Foam (18 oz.)
Armor All Detailer's Advantage Tire Foam cleans and shines tires in one easy step without wiping. With 50% more silicone, Detailer's Advantage gives you the extra shine and protection ingredients you expect from a premium Armor All product. Will not harm wheels or wheel covers.
Can find @ just about any auto parts store & Wal-Mart.
Price: Usually around $5.99 for a 18oz spray can.

[L03_305]

Exterior: paint & glass: Bring out the best finish possible with your existing paint

This for me was the most time consuming. But I found that after I did everything, then the upkeep really wasn't that bad. I was fortunate that my 92's finish never really got that bad. But what I wanted to do was bring out the best in her. First thought, always hand wash your ride unless you take it some where to be professionally detailed. Although the carwashes (self & drive through) are quick & easy, after time your cars finish will take the hit for it. Basing this only off my own experiences, I have found that after time using the washes your finish will dull (in less than one years time) Products that I have used & use.

These are the steps that I used 1st. (I would set a day aside for the first initial application)

Wash:
Mothers California Gold® Car Wash .
Car Wash with a careful balance of powerful cleaning and exacting care. You can wash your car thoroughly while protecting your wax. It's not just about bubbles-various dishwashing liquids and "soaps" can harm your wax. Our Car Wash is strong enough to cleanse dirt and remove road film, bugs, bird droppings, airborne pollutants and other grime, without removing wax or dulling the paint. Mothers' pH balanced, super-sudsy cleaner also resists water spotting. Available in a 32 oz. economy size bottle.
Price: Usually around $4.99 for a 32oz bottle.

Dry the car off using a California Dry Blade. Only use a Synthetic Towel for any place that the blade can not reach.
California Dry Blade & California Water Blade® Car Drying Tool
Will not scratch even the most delicate surfaces (including the paint on your vehicle)
Contours to rounded surfaces like fenders
Patented T-Bar edge
90% of your car can be dried quickly and perfectly without messy towels, or chamois
Large, comfortable ABS plastic handle with ergonomically-designed grip to minimize fatigue during use
Dries vehicles in 1/3 the time
One pass dries it
Price: Usually around $10.95 for the California Dry Blade
Price: Usually around $19.92 for the California Water Blade® Car Drying Tool


Then time for the clay bar.

Meguiar's 16 oz. Quik Clay Detailing System
Here are just a few of those that can cause the surface to become dull and rough: tree sap mist, paint overspray, industrial fallout, hard water deposits, fuel exhausts, rubber particles from cars, insect droppings, bug splatter and more! The Meguiar's Quik Clay Detailing System safely and quickly removes all these contaminants and restores crystal clear reflections and slickness.
System includes full-size 16 oz. Quick Detailer, plus one clay bar.
Safe and effective on all paint finishes including Clear Coat
Safely removes water spots and tree sap mist
The system includes a specially formulated non-abrasive clay bar that safely lifts off the contaminants as the surface is lubricated with Quik Detailer. Instantly, paint is restored to a shiny, smooth as glass finish and is ready for wax protection to be added. Without this technology, many car owners would have been left with only more expensive alternatives to restore their investment. Made for professionals by Meguiar's.
Price: usually around $12.95 for a 16oz bottle.

Next, wax.

Meguiar's Gold Class Clear Coat Liquid Wax (16 oz.)
new standard for incredible shine. In all the years Meguiar's has been developing car wax, there's never been anything to equal the brilliance of this latest formulation. Its rich polishing oils and tough polymer protection glide on easily, leaving a durable and stunningly reflective UV-resistant finish. No matter what type of paint you have, Meguiar's Gold Class Wax will bring out its full depth and richness, while shielding it from the elements.
Price: usually around $10.95 for a 16oz bottle.

Then , last but not least the Quick Detailer .

Meguiars Quik-Detailer Mist & Wipe (16 oz.)
The just detailed look is just minutes away! Meguiar's Quik Detailer has often been called the Missing Link between washing and protecting. It's highly recommended for dealing with common environmental hazards that can harm your finish if allowed to remain between washes. In less that 10 minutes, you'll remove fresh contamination, enhance gloss and extend protection. In fact, it's so safe, you can use it every day! Simply mist it on and wipe it off using a clean 100% cotton towel. You won't need a bucket of water to enjoy a brilliant shine, day after day
Price: usually $5.99 for a 16oz & $9.95 for a 32oz bottle.

Now after this the upkeep will be easy.
Wash when needed, wax ( I usually WAX the 92 about once a month to two months.) & use the Meguiars Quik-Detailer Mist & Wipe as often as possible.

When your car is just a little dusty use a Car Duster to knock off the dust. (IF THE CAR IS REALLY DUSTY I DO NOT ADVISE USING THIS PRODUCT DUE TO IT MAY CAUSE SCRATCHING IN YOUR CARS FINISH!)

The Original California Car Duster (Plastic Handle) or (Wood Handle)
It gently lifts pollen and dust away from the finish and is guaranteed never to scratch. The California Car Duster comes complete with a storage pouch.

The Original California Car Duster (Plastic Handle): $11.95
The Original California Car Duster (Wood Handle) :$18.95 (This product tends to outperform and outlast the plastic handle version.)



You can have a personalized car care prescription that is tailored to your car, your local environment and your goals. Eliminate confusion & guessing and save time. Simply click on the link below to get started!

http://www.meguiars.com/carrx.cfm

[L03_305]

Interior \ Plastics, upholstery (If someone knows of some tips about leather please assist) : Keeping it clean & smelling good.

The only thing that I have used for the interior is:

Armor All Protectant Wipes (25 ct./45 ct.)
Armor All™ Protectant Wipes are the quick and easy way to clean, shine and protect your plastic and vinyl. The wipes are specially formulated to deliver Armor All® protection without leaving a greasy residue on your hands. Can be used for interior vinyl, plastic or rubber. Choose from 25 Ct. ($4.49) or 45 Ct. ($6.99)


When ever the upholstery needs cleaning I use:

STP Tuff Stuff Multi-Purpose Cleaner (22 oz. Aerosol)
STP Tuff Stuff is perfect for cleaning any washable or painted surface. Deep cleaning foaming action lifts dirt and helps restore true color and appearance. For autos and boats, Tuff Stuff is especially effective for cleaning vinyl and fabric upholstery, floor mats, carpet and chrome. For home, Tuff Stuff is excellent for cleaning appliance, Formica, bathroom fixture, asphalt or ceramic tile, painted wall, wall coverings, screens window, fans, porcelain, painted wood or metal. Removes soil and stains from vinyl or fabric upholstery and carpets.

And yes, it does work rather well on chrome.

Smelling good:
Just about any type of car freshener will work.

[Z_Ghost]

Good post.

I moved it to the mod board.

[L03_305]

Good post.

I moved it to the mod board.

:shock: opps.


Thanks, still have more to ad later

[Z_Ghost]

Good post.

I moved it to the mod board.

:shock: opps.


Thanks, still have more to ad later

I just figured that it would be easier to find it in here and it is a good write up.

I may delete my 2 replies later just to keep this post clean looking.

[vernw]

I use the Black Magic Tire Gel exclusively. Last time I applied it was a little over 3 weeks ago now, and no brown spots and the tires are even still shining (though not as well as the first week or two).

The Black Magic Tire Gel really works!!!! (I don't use the tinted version, just the "regular")

Give it a try! (And no, I don't have any connection to the company) 8)


- Vern

[91gta]

I like to uses SOS pads on my tires to get all the tire shin off, and it makes them look new again.

[L03_305]

I like to uses SOS pads on my tires to get all the tire shin off, and it makes them look new again.

That it does, good sugestion!

[MeDa4]

i third the sos pads

[BlackRoc]

Any suggestions for tire wells? No matter how much I scrub mine, they look pretty crappy.

[vernw]

Tried flat black Rustoleum? :wink:

[CT-Z]

My rear wheelwells seem to have something that looks like spray-in bed liner on them already...I'll eventually respray that, and you can get it in a can!

[L03_305]

Any suggestions for tire wells? No matter how much I scrub mine, they look pretty crappy.

My rear wheelwells seem to have something that looks like spray-in bed liner on them already...I'll eventually respray that, and you can get it in a can!


I'll get the product name but that is what I did. Just basically undercoated them with a spray. If you do not want to do that, Use the Tire foam spray on the plastic parts & wax the painted parts.