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Detailing/Washing Buffs

7K views 94 replies 16 participants last post by  rubiconkid4x4 
#1 ·
I know, I know.. "it's a jeep, it's not supposed to be clean" I know, I am on #4. Are any of you guys detailing/cleaning buffs - anyone from the professional to weekend warrior? :washme: Just curious as to what people wash/wax/detail with and the procedures they use.. I detail quite often and am regularly called OCD. Also here to answer any questions or provide assistance. Been in the auto cleaning/detailing industry for on my own for ~5 years and used to work at a car wash!
 
#78 ·
I'm also a big fan of keeping things clean when I'm staying on the pavement for a while. I detailed at a Porsche dealer for a few years during and after HS but am mostly too lazy to go that in depth... Every once and a while though:

The old '08


Getting a good buff and wax just before deploying:




One thing that I've found is that most people opt for a cheap buffer... Or really, a cheap grinder/polisher. I've always said that if you want a real buffer, you should be expecting to spend over $150. A grinder/polisher is not meant to buff... they typically don't offer the same level of speed adjustment and precision which can lead to burning through paint. My weapon of choice is a Hitachi with either a Meguires or a Milwaukee pad with Griots Garage and or 3M compound. I've recently added a Griots Garage 3" random orbital to the arsenal and am a big fan... I use the Hitachi to make quick work of large surfaces and the Griots for the small hard to reach places.
 
#83 ·
I didn't notice many products for the black exterior plastic. The only black plastic I have is on the roof rack and that piece on the rear bumper. I haven't found anything to make that pop that doesn't seem to look worse after a month. I noticed someone say they use re-black is that good or is there anything else??? Thanks
 
#84 ·
dieseljeep07 said:
I didn't notice many products for the black exterior plastic. The only black plastic I have is on the roof rack and that piece on the rear bumper. I haven't found anything to make that pop that doesn't seem to look worse after a month. I noticed someone say they use re-black is that good or is there anything else??? Thanks
Turtle wax makes a product called trim restorer that seems to last at least a month and it continues to improve the plastic with each use. The only real way to fix it is to paint it I would say.
 
#89 ·
blue3 said:
Last weekend was detail weekend for me.
My hood is getting more wear than I'd like. Dumb question, does putting 2 coats of wax on there do anything? I am using meguairs, guess I am in good company.
Also got a few paint chips missing, wondering if I should hunt down touchup paint or is wax ok to protect it for a while. Been a long time since I've had to worry about stuff like this on my cars.

So do you guys keep the engine bay sparkling, too? I don't detail mine, but I keep it cleaner than the average joe.
Paint chips really won't be protected by wax, better off with good touch up paint clear coat. I do keep my engine bay sparkling, I'll have to get a picture. Simple green does a good job for this. I cover up the electronics when cleaning the engine bay as well.
 
#90 ·
I don't usually clean my engine bay on a regular basis, but when I do I just wipe it down with a damp, soapy rag. I don't usually do the detailing underneath the hood. It makes it look good, but I don't usually have the hood up. Just keeping things clean under there can go a long way to keeping parts working correctly.

As far as doing two coats of wax, I don't see a problem with it. It's going to help protect it a little more.
 
#92 ·
rubiconkid4x4 said:
Well, been waiting for 3 weeks for a new DA polisher and brush.. and they decide to send me an email today saying it can't be delivered. :mad:
I waited 2 weeks for some winter mats that I ordered only to have to message the eBay seller asking where my product was and they said they no longer have them and could refund my money. Good thing I remembered or prob would have never gotten it back.

Back on topic, I've been helping some family move and my Jeep is dirty. It makes me sick lol
 
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