Detailing Thread

[Cav]

I've been getting bad orange dust for a few weeks now. Thick film of it after 3-4 days but noticeable after 2. This is why a non-contact pre wash is essential

[Kwacky]

We've been getting that as well. I thought it was from a building site.

[Perkles]

same here but i thought it was because I lived in Redditch

[Cav]

I just assume Sahara sand to be honest

[D41]

Yep. Sand blown a bazillion miles from the Sahara. Sometimes leads to a "blood rain". Read sommit about it about a year or two ago.

[Cav]

What shampoos are you guys using? I'm getting through my Glossworkz quick so will be looking to get something different next.

[Blade]

Head n Shoulders

[D41]

L'Oreal. Because I'm worth it.

Shampoo for the exterior, or the carpet???

[Perkles]

What shampoos are you guys using? I'm getting through my Glossworkz quick so will be looking to get something different next.

meguirs lasts ages and I also use Turtle wax ceramic top up stuff

[Blade]

Always used AG with no complaints but will watch this thread with interest as maybe there's better and I need to change.

[Cav]

What shampoos are you guys using? I'm getting through my Glossworkz quick so will be looking to get something different next.

meguirs lasts ages and I also use Turtle wax ceramic top up stuff

Which Meguiars? I looked at their stuff but the dilution ratio is pretty poor compared to Glossworkz which I'm blowing through quickly.

Initially I was looking at gloss & hydrophobic shampoos for maintenance washes but I've quickly realised you don't really get them.

I've seen Carpro Reset (pure shampoo, no additives) is very highly recommended and then finishing it off with Gyeon WetLook SiO2 spray & rinse to aid protection.

I'll keep looking over the next few weeks and let you know what I go for.

[Perkles]

A proper detailing geek I know uses baby shampoo

[Cav]

As you may have seen.. I actually did something to my bike yesterday.

It got rid of so much grease and crud in just one application of all these products so given more time it could have been immaculate... besides the engine paint corrosion.

First was a rinse and pre-wash with my usual Autoglym Polar Blast.

While that dwelled I cleaned the wheels with Autoglym Custom Wheel Cleaner.

Next was an iron fallout remover - Autoglym Magma. It doesn't smell pleasant. So much came off that I should probably have given it a 2nd dowsing in hindsight.

Next was an APC / degreaser by way of Bilt Hamber Surfex HD dilute 1:10. That did a great job at getting rid of engine oil stains. I was careful to get as little as possible on the chain.

After a thorough rinsing it was time to use a strong shampoo to try and remove as much of the residue as possible. This was Chemical Guys Clean Slate. It isn't safe for waxes as its designed to strip them.. it certainly stripped all the silicone shine off the bike!

And that's it, the bike is cleaned down ready for fairings. They'll be getting the same treatment plus paint correction, sealant and wax.

[Cav]

Does anyone have any tips for preventing birds crapping all over your cars? I don't park under trees and I avoid parking near the corners of any roofs (as birds seem to nest there).

Every day there's more bird droppings all over the car. As I pulled away this morning I heard a new one land on the roof and when I pulled up at work it had run about a foot down the roof.

The car's getting just a shampoo tonight. I was hoping to wait until the weekend.

[D41]

Buy an air rifle, or..failing that, a Barnett Diablo.

[Cav]

Barnett Diablo.

Is that a haircut?

[D41]

What?? No, a kick-ass take-no-prisoners catapult.
Weapon-of-choice for the budding hooligan in your life.

[Kwacky]

Get a car cover.

[Blade]

Always more bird sh1t in spring as they eat berries which are effectively laxative wrapped seeds.

Not alot you can do as if not parking under trees its totally random.

Carry some throw away gloves and baby wipes so you can deal with it ASAP as their sh1t is corrosive to the paint.

[Cav]

They splatter so much that it isn't just one neat pile.. there're drips spreading a few feet from each drop.

It's partly why I've been washing the car every week.

I realised I don't actually have time to do it tonight either as I slept in so have to finish later.