Need advice for a upcoming job

[exploreco]

I am going to be detailing a buddies Tahoe for him to sell. He isn't the type of guy that really cleans his cars much. They sit outside all the time and I think the last time this Tahoe got a any kind of a detail was when the body shop did it for him after someone hit him. So, I am not really going to charge him much and really taking this on as more of a challenge and to get to test my skills at using my new DA since I haven't had a chance to do my own cars with it yet. I owe him a few favors to so we landed deal that he is going to buy me a steamer. I have been wanting one for awhile and the inside of this truck is pretty dirty so thinking this is going to be good time to get one. Going to get the McCull0uch 1275 from Harbor Freight. I would love a nicer one but I think this one will be ok to start with for home use.

So, I don't plan on spending a ton of time on the paint but would like to polish it for him or do something to it. There are some scratches I will try to get out also. Here is what I have in my arsenal. I do not plan on clay bar as I am not getting compensated for that and this is really kind of like a dealership type clean up.

I have:
Megs Cleaner Wax
NXT 2.0
ULW
ULP
ULC
D156

Would it make sense to use the cleaner wax over the ULP? I haven't decided if I am going to do the final coat with spray wax or NXT or ULW. He won't care either way. Just depends on how much time I have to spend on the inside, which is where he is most concerned.

Also, which pads would I use for this step? I have some white, orange, and I think one black in Lake County pads.

I appreciate all of your help and will take before and after pictures. I am kind of excited to see how it turns out.

[jfelbab]

Re: Need advice for a upcoming job

If prepping it for sale I'd just go with the cleaner wax and a polishing pad. Cleaner Wax has enough polishing abrasives in it to remove most of the swirling and lessen the scratches. Cleaner Wax is perfect for a quick 1-step prep and will make the truck look well cared for. I'd pay more attention to the other areas like wheels, tires, engine compartment and the interior, especially the driver area.

[C8N]

Re: Need advice for a upcoming job

IMO, if you are going to do any kind of polishing, you should clay.
Having said that, what I would do in your situation is to do the following

WASH
CLAY
SPOT CORRECT with UC on orange pad
CLEANER WAX on white pad

And then call it a day.

[Jarhead0754]

I agree with the clay part. If u want to speed it up alot u can look into one of those nanoskin clay pads. Just pop it on ur da, lube, and to town. There's no kneeding the clay and cuts the time in half plus. If u want to get max results without using a compound. U really need to clay, than go with the cleaner wax. Also applying the cleaner wax will remove the polish u just put on.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Need advice for a upcoming job

The steamer you mention is actually a very nice little unit, especially for the price. It can make interior cleaning quite a bit easier when used correctly.

As for the process on the truck, you might want to look into claying at least the horizontal surfaces before attempting any sort of correction. If it's as neglected as you suggest, then it could be heavily loaded and you'll really struggle to accomplish much with just Cleaner Wax. You don't mention the color of the truck, but if it's a lighter color you might want to look into picking up a tube of White Wax and applying it in a fairly aggressive process. Basically, apply it as if it were a compound - same pad, tool speed, pressure, everything you would do with a compound - and you'll be very surprised at what it can accomplish. Finish with a quick wipe down of D156 and that's it.

Otherwise, this is a great suggestion:

I'd pay more attention to the other areas like wheels, tires, engine compartment and the interior, especially the driver area.

Getting those things done right will really make a big difference in the overall presentation of the truck when you're done.

[exploreco]

Re: Need advice for a upcoming job

Thank you for all the suggestions. I will go ahead and do the clay. I haven't felt it but I am pretty certain he has never put anything on it himself. It is a dark wine color so taking some time with it will only make it look that much better. It really is a pretty truck. Like I said, I am kind of more into it for the challenge and the practice than anything. I appreciate the feedback and will keep you posted and put some pictures up in the show off thread in a couple of weeks when I get it.