Welcome to the IHoP

[Supa_c 1]

thats why we need a new section/thread

Right now its white and he doesnt really care if he gets bumped.

It was funny because all he says is " bah, who cares, its getting painted anyway" crazy kid

[Tirefryr 1,742]

Good idea on the thread. We can just have one that will be pinned.

Here's what I do:

If it's new paint, I suggest having it wet sanded. Any new paint job will really sparkle with this as it will rid the paint or any orangepeel or runs. It's especially good with a black car. Next have it buffed, BY A PROFESSIONAL. Actually a professional should be used for both. It can be rather pricey, but these extra steps are key to a mirror finish.

Now, Here is what I do everytime I clean my car. This is a weekly ritual for me, but I am very anal, so other will not need to take it to this extreme.

1. A good wash with dish washing soap. This will strip all the old wax and does a great job loosening baked on bugs. I wet my hand first then just take the soap and rub it into the bumper cover before I do anything. Let it sit a couple minutes and it will loosen stuff up aiding in cleaning. Wet the car and wash. Start at the top, work top to bottom, front to back, one section at a time.

2. Dry the vehicle with a good chamois or something similar. This is key. If the opportunity presents itself, cover the vehicle in a garage and let it sit overnight. This will make sure that all the residual water in the cracks will be dry or receeded and will not interfere with the following processes.

3. Clay bar. Nuff said. Buy one at the local autoparts store and use it. You will be astounded with the difference.

4. A paint cleaner. Similar to a wax, this is just an extra step I take to make sure it's clean. It provides a "prime" for the polish, but it is NOT necessary. Some may not even see results.

4B. A good swirl/scratch remover. If this is necessary, now is the time to do it.

5. Polish. Many people don't realize that paint actually breathes and needs essential oils to maintain it's finish. This is the reason particular dry and heavily sunny areas have oxidation problems. The UV light dries the oils in the paint. Polish is the KEY to getting a good deep lustre. I myself like to use the colored polishes as the oils used in these polishes have a pigment in them that is in the same color spectrum as the paint. Some may not notice the difference, but I do. That's why I use them. More coats of polish the better. I do 4.

6. Wax. Wax is NOTHING MORE than a protectant for the finish beneath it. That is all. Again, here, more is better. At least two is the best. Here again, I do 4.

7. Glaze. Not a necessary step, but just something I like to do to add a little more lustre to the final effect. Once again, this is similar to the polish as it contains some oils. Be leery though, this will attract more dust and you will be dusting your vehicle quite often. For that "show quality" finish, this step is a must. One coat is good.

8. Grab a 6 pack and relax and enjoy the day. If you're a bastard like me, you'll have your girl come over and tip the brew for you as you just don't have any arm strength left to do it.

DO NOT USE THE SPRAY ON TIRE PRODUCTS, like NO TOUCH. They sit on top of the tire and do not soak in. Once the wheels start spinning, you'll be left with greasy looking splothes on the side of your vehicle. This is especially bad with dark colors.

Now, make sure you don't overlook the details. Everything on my vehicle gets done this way. Open up your gas door and make sure you follow the steps there too. Under your hood, trunk, etc as well. Don't even forget about the door jambs. Trust me, it'll score you some brownie points when you open the door for your date and she notices how much care was taken to make sure the vehicle she's riding in looks first class. Men relate cars to women (unless they are ) and a woman will feel special if she see the care and pride you take in your vehicle. She feels she'll receive the same. Of course we all know better.

Make sure you use a proper wheel/tire cleaner and get the proper brushes. Take some time in these areas. I have open wheels and I like to remove them to clean them. Don't even be a B I T C H and not clean the backs of the wheels. If this is not feasible for you, I suggest cleaning the tires/wheels first as most brushes will throw debris all over the place, possibly contaminating your freshly detailed machine.

If you have chrome or polished aluminum, keep up on it. Use a good polish and follow that with a couple coats of wax. This will really help in portecting the finish you worked so hard to get. It will also aid in the cleaning for the next time.

I have more but it's time for a break.

[Tirefryr 1,742]

You know what sucks?

When you have a guy make a sweet as enclosure for you and you can't even use it because it prevents adjustment of the shocks. F U C K!

[Supa_c 1]

Good read Ryan.

I have a beef with Eagle 1 spray tire shine, its not good at all IMO.

It comes off and is super nasty if you get it on your hand

[Supa_c 1]

You know what sucks?

When you have a guy make a sweet as enclosure for you and you can't even use it because it prevents adjustment of the shocks.  F U C K!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

ever heard of moving it

[Tirefryr 1,742]

You know what sucks?

When you have a guy make a sweet as enclosure for you and you can't even use it because it prevents adjustment of the shocks.  F U C K!

ever heard of moving it

No movement allowed with this particular enclosure/trunk. Ever seen the trunk of an SN95 Mustang? Not pretty. Guess the back seat is coming back out and making way for an old idea I used on my previous car.

[Supa_c 1]

SOB !

i just hit a door with my knee....it hurts so much !

that seriously almost makes me cry it hurts so much

[Supa_c 1]

YEEEEOOOOWWWWWW !

[jntar 15]

Supa, you a baby

[Supa_c 1]

dude, i basically kicked the door with my knee. Dead on kneecap.

You call me a baby after you do it an see how much it hurts

[jntar 15]

baby

[Supa_c 1]

w/e

it doesnt hurt now so im back to cleaning up the garage

[Chevy350TPI 12]

Ryan ... you and I have almost the EXACT same bloody routine.

[JimJ 11]

still no offers on my amp yet...and I'm drooling at a pair of 2a3 triodes on eGhey

sucks being poor and unemployed. oh well, that will change in a few weeks.

[Acidburn 10]

sweet write up Ryan

i have a question though, my rims are just painted with a clear coat, should i treat them like you treat the body?

[Supa_c 1]

crap, i need a place to store that !

[Supa_c 1]

test posts ?

[Acidburn 10]

wha?

[Supa_c 1]

the write up silly

[Acidburn 10]

lol ya, i figured that out

[Jordan94z 0]

SOB !

i just hit a door with my knee....it hurts so much !

that seriously almost makes me cry it hurts so much

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I did that getting into a tractor the other day... big bruise still...

[Supa_c 1]

sucks man, dont they hurt like a bish ?

[Acidburn 10]

night all

[Supa_c 1]

later tommy

[JimJ 11]

I did that getting into a tractor the other day...

What kind of tractor?