Great post Merlin!
I use 2 of those ladders, keeps me from having to get down and move it, and I'm 6'4, really helps get the roof Done right.
Another thing I do if mine is really dirty is to swing by the car wash and use rinse to get all the rough stuff off first and do the fender wells, take it home and finish it off with the 2 bucket method.
One day I'll invest in a pressure washer!
Another awesome thread.
I have the Werner step bench also. Very Helpful.
I need to try the blower suggestion.
Yes officer... I am aware of how fast I was going!
A new addition to the Two Bucket Wash Method
Announcing the Three Bucket Wash Method!
The third bucket is for wheels ONLY.
IMPORTANT: Never use the wheel towels on the paint!
Take the third bucket & put in a Grit Guard & some Dawn soap.
Put in 4 to 12 inexpensive microfiber towels and get 'em soaked.
Use 1 to 3 towels per wheel then place 'em in a used towel area.
Do not put 'em back in the wheel bucket and reuse until cleaned.
Wash the wheels with the mf towels and rinse 'em off with a hose.
I also like using a Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush for the rims.
Now for some Extra Fun...Spray the rims with Iron-X and wash again.
It may be necessary to remove the wheels to clean off caked on brake dust.
Note: I prefer to wash the wheel wells, tires and rims first then wash the paint from top down.
Last edited by Merlin; 07-14-2017 at 03:47 PM.
haha I ended up getting one of those little scaffolds last winter. Love that thing.
PSA
On Sale at Home Depot $29.88
Werner Model # AP-20
Internet # 100662616
Store SKU # 769905
39-1/2 in. x 12 in. x 20-9/16 in. Aluminum Work Platform
Werner AP-20
It's solid, light, folds up small and it works for me.
SonicHD (05-26-2015)
I honestly think im getting my scratches from my drying towel need to invest in a blower
You can invest in a blower...The good ones (Metro) have a filter at the intake.
An electric "leaf" blower may work IF you never ever use it for any lawn work.
The problem is you don't want any debris to go in the intake & on to your paint.
Many folks have used a dryer hose clamp at the intake & added a screen/filter.
A few important tools for washing are at least two Grit Guards, a wash mitt and and drying towel.
For a wash mitt I suggest
Merino Wool Wash Mitt
or the MicroFiber Madness Incredimitt
For a drying Towel I like
Microfiber Madness Dry Me Crazy (25" x 17")
Always work CLEAN.
Agreed ^ If you have TWO you can put them end to end and walk (almost) from front to back without moving them.
At 5'6" I can get to the center of the hood, the center of the roof and the center of the tonneau cover.
I just got a second one "On Sale". I thought I'd pass this along while it is "On Sale".
Regular $45 <> On Sale $30 - Save $15. Get Two for $60 is just +$15 more than regular price.
Short version...
What wheel cleaner do you use MERLIN ? your post says dawn. Whats that spray before he dried the car
Dawn will work if your looking to strip existing LSP off the wheels.
Most any good auto-wash soap will do. I like Four Star Ultimate Tire Cleaner Gel.
If you have caked on brake dust then you need to get more aggressive with products.
Some folks use a "Drying Aid" when drying the car. This helps reduce water spots.
Depending on what your looking for...a simple "wash" or "wash and wax".
If your going to apply wax or sealant afterward, don't use a spray wax.
I just placed an order with CarPro for all of the above + some. Even though it's only half black, this is the first time I've ever had a black vehicle, and it's extremely difficult to keep it looking clean (not to mention the imperfections in the paint). For the finish also purchased the Boss G21, microfiber buffing pads, Maguiars D300, D302, etc. Hope to have some fun with decon, and paint correction this weekend
JBA Coffee & Cars 06/12/2016
This truck is what got me into all this detailing. Black is not a color it's a career.
The G21 with a 5" backing plate and 5" microfiber discs with D300 should do the trick with swirls. What pads do you have for the D302?
Decon: Did you get IronX and a foam wax pad for chemical decon followed by mechanical removal (clay bar, clay alternative and ONR)?
For the wheels I have had good results with P21S Total Auto Wash or a good APC. My favorite is Dry Steam but that's another story...