Hi Autogeekers!
Wow, looks like it's been 10 years since I've logged in! I've been happily keeping my vehicles looking slightly better than average using my knowledge and products from a decade ago that I came to like and trust (Klasse, Wolfgang prep and sealant, 303 protectant, DP total interior, life changing Collinite...)
I just bought an immaculate black 2000 Land Cruiser. It is amazingly clean and well kept. Pretty much swirl free, deep mirror like blackness ( though it seems greasy, really transfers fingerprints, not sure what's on there). The tan leather is amazing - zero rips, creased of course but nothing deep, very little bolster wear, looks healthy. Dash is perfect, carpet is nappy fresh looking awesomness. Not so much as single poppy seed to be found in there.
So I want to up my game and get up to date with the latest/greatest and target my use case. I live in the Rockies at 6000 ft. I'll use this truck frequently on unmaintained forest roads not for the joy of wheeling but to access remote trailheads and rock climbing crags with lots of often dirty gear and friends.
My detailing goals:
Specific questions:
Interior: What to do with the leather? For some reason I'm concerned doing too much and upsetting whatever balance has been working so well.
Exterior: Been reading up on ceramics and SiO2. Looks like some voices (not many) are saying ceramics are not awesome for off road? I'm inclined to go Wolfgang, do a light clay/polish, then seal but with what? Topped by Collinite. Refreshed 3-4 times a year. Curious what, if anything, you'd suggest differently. I'd totally go ceramic if that is a good choice.
Generally: any suggestions for making the interior more resilient after getting used hard in dirty environments?
I know that's a lot - getting back to forum searching now. Thanks everyone!
Wow, looks like it's been 10 years since I've logged in! I've been happily keeping my vehicles looking slightly better than average using my knowledge and products from a decade ago that I came to like and trust (Klasse, Wolfgang prep and sealant, 303 protectant, DP total interior, life changing Collinite...)
I just bought an immaculate black 2000 Land Cruiser. It is amazingly clean and well kept. Pretty much swirl free, deep mirror like blackness ( though it seems greasy, really transfers fingerprints, not sure what's on there). The tan leather is amazing - zero rips, creased of course but nothing deep, very little bolster wear, looks healthy. Dash is perfect, carpet is nappy fresh looking awesomness. Not so much as single poppy seed to be found in there.
So I want to up my game and get up to date with the latest/greatest and target my use case. I live in the Rockies at 6000 ft. I'll use this truck frequently on unmaintained forest roads not for the joy of wheeling but to access remote trailheads and rock climbing crags with lots of often dirty gear and friends.
My detailing goals:
- Do no harm (especially to the leather, and probably not too much polishing)
- Lock in the awesome
- Protect from UV
- Protect from off-roading and heavy exposure to dirty gear and people
Specific questions:
Interior: What to do with the leather? For some reason I'm concerned doing too much and upsetting whatever balance has been working so well.
Exterior: Been reading up on ceramics and SiO2. Looks like some voices (not many) are saying ceramics are not awesome for off road? I'm inclined to go Wolfgang, do a light clay/polish, then seal but with what? Topped by Collinite. Refreshed 3-4 times a year. Curious what, if anything, you'd suggest differently. I'd totally go ceramic if that is a good choice.
Generally: any suggestions for making the interior more resilient after getting used hard in dirty environments?
I know that's a lot - getting back to forum searching now. Thanks everyone!