Share Your Detailing Tips

[nfpgasmask]

OK guys, I can't offer much in the way of tips, but I am a big proponent of a product called "NuVinyl" for the interior plastics. Works great and doesn't leave a film as bad as ArmorAll.

And on the subject of waxing and buffing. I am going to have a go at buffing out the tree scratches on my VX as best I can.

So, does anyone have any tips on what tools to get? I am going to invest in some pro buffing tools and pro compounds. I know I am going to have to do some wet sanding as well. I wish I could take a class in scratch removal or something.

Bart

[nfpgasmask]

Also, does anyone have any tips on removing stubborn brake dust and dirt from rims?

I've been really working hard at bringing back the white Impulse rims. I've got them pretty good, but there is some serious gunk built up in the corners. I carefully tried a little brake cleaner, and that helped and didn't take any of the paint/powder coating off. I'm tempted to try some carb cleaner but I am worried it might ruin the finish. I'm thinking maybe I'll try some Easy Off oven cleaner next and see how that does.

Bart

[vt_maverick]

Also, does anyone have any tips on removing stubborn brake dust and dirt from rims?

I've been really working hard at bringing back the white Impulse rims. I've got them pretty good, but there is some serious gunk built up in the corners. I carefully tried a little brake cleaner, and that helped and didn't take any of the paint/powder coating off. I'm tempted to try some carb cleaner but I am worried it might ruin the finish. I'm thinking maybe I'll try some Easy Off oven cleaner next and see how that does.

Bart

Try some of the Meguiar's HotShine All-Wheel Cleaner mentioned above. Comes in a semi-transparent pink spray bottle. Directions say to wash off after 15 seconds, but I think you could probably go longer without too much risk.

[VX KAT]

And on the subject of waxing and buffing. I am going to have a go at buffing out the tree scratches on my VX as best I can.

So, does anyone have any tips on what tools to get? I am going to invest in some pro buffing tools and pro compounds. I know I am going to have to do some wet sanding as well. I wish I could take a class in scratch removal or something.

Bart

I know yours are more severe (I think) than what I worked on here, but it may give you some ideas...
http://vehicross.info/forums/showpos...62&postcount=5

[Triathlete]

My big secret is a time or two a year I rinse the VX off with some water, wipe with a sponge, rinse again and then dry! Once the monsoon season ends and it dries out a bit here I think I will get rid of the May Moab dirt.
Only adverse affect from the above "detailing" is it tends to bring out all the custom desert pinstriping!

[Ascinder]

Step 1: PM rickshaw

Step 2: Do what he does

Step 3: Realize you don't need any more tips or hints on detailing because your VX may never again be touched by human hands because of it's now perfect glowing finish.

Step 4: Spend plenty of time regretting all that work you did to get it this pretty because now it seems like absolutely everything in the world is conspiring against you to make it dirty.

[vt_maverick]

Step 4: Spend plenty of time regretting all that work you did to get it this pretty because now it seems like absolutely everything in the world is conspiring against you to make it dirty.

Nah, you've got to get over that if you really want to enjoy your vehicle. I was that way with my G35 (first vehicle I ever bought, right out of college) and it drove me crazy. Plus it didn't help that it was black, so while it looked amazing when clean, it looked terrible (at least in my previous opinion) when anything got on it.

Fortunately I learned a lot about detailing products on that car though, so my VX reaps those rewards. Nothing wrong with working hard to keep your car's exterior/interior in good shape, you just can't obsess over it or you stop enjoying the truck.