new car from factory, panels untouched thus far - seeking advice

[master_photog]

Hello, we just took possession of our long awaited, custom ordered cabriolet.

We've had the car a couple weeks and I've yet to touch the panels regarding hand washing. It's been several vehicles ago since I've wanted to be very particular on the upkeep of the paint and washing routine. In fact, it's been close to 9 years. Back then, I washed regularly with the two bucket method, clay barred and polished quite often. Now that we have this new car, which will not be a daily driver, I'd like to invest in some more modern equipment and chemicals.

Since getting back on here more regularly as of late, I see a lot of great reviews on All Purpose Cleaners and snow foams all being applied with some sort of a foam gun - either by using a pressure washer or a standard garden hose.

I'm looking for some advice on hardware products and cleaners and maybe a quick method of how you take care of your car or two.

I do not have a pressure washer, so I'm open to suggestions on investing in one of those to pair with a foam gun or would simply using a foam gun hooked up to a warm water spigot be just as effective?

Does one option above have better spray control over another? The reason I ask is because I'll likely not want to over spray the fabric top when foaming.

Thanks for any advice and please address something that I've not considered.

 

[Bill D]

A foam gun would be an outstanding investment in maintaining the appearance of your vehicle

I use mine strictly with a hose and never have the need for a pressure washer

I wash a cabriolet regularly and can easily use the foam gun without getting the top wet. That shouldn't be a problem to do

I'd encourage anyone to wash using the extreme wash method via foam gun. Much more effective and safer than buckets. I'd be in serious crisis without my foam gun.

 

[master_photog]

I'd encourage anyone to wash using the extreme wash method via foam gun. Much more effective and safer than buckets. I'd be in serious crisis without my foam gun.

Thanks Bill!

 

[Bill D]

My pleasure!

 

[seabiscut88]

I also agree I have a foam gun I couldn’t live without.

I also would add a cheap in line water filter. I have found it helps not leave any water spots I would have to wipe off during drying.

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[04lss]

Hi,

If you want to use a bucket make sure to get a grit guard. also consider doing an iron decom.

 

[opie2]

I also agree I have a foam gun I couldn’t live without.

I also would add a cheap in line water filter. I have found it helps not leave any water spots I would have to wipe off during drying.

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Where do you get a inline filter like that?

Also how well do those foam guns work? I use a foam cannon with pw if vehicle is dirty enough to warrant dragging it out

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[Bill D]

Foam guns work fantastically especially if you aim it over the panel of the car you are washing and whisk with a mitt. The foam gun provides a constantly flowing stream of soapy mix over the paint which provides maximum lubrication. It flushes grime from the surface effectively.

I've enjoyed marring free results for a real long time now. I dry with a mini air blower and a PFM towel and I'm good to go.

I can't tell you where exactly, but an entry level foam gun can now be had for as low as $20. For someone new to them,it might be worth trying out. I think I might get one myself as back up

 

[chilly]

Where do you get a inline filter like that?

Walmart, in the RV supplies section, generally a Camco brand but I have seen others

Its a sediment and charcoal filter for filling your RV holding tank or running off "city water" at a campground

 

[seabiscut88]

Where do you get a inline filter like that?

Also how well do those foam guns work? I use a foam cannon with pw if vehicle is dirty enough to warrant dragging it out

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Ace Hardware had them.


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[Coatingsarecrack]

I use both the foam guns and cannons with PW. If driving in winter conditions or rainy weather like here in WA i like to use a PW to remove the heavy gunk and debris.

If your bust out the PW i foam cannon car and then wash with 7-10 wash mitts. Try to use one per panel. Helps with marring. Use a good soap and spray each panel im washing with foam.

If summer and spring and not two dirty i like to do as Bill recommends and just wash with a foam gun and hose. I still pull same 7-10 mitts from bucket with soap but spray with the gun into the forward contact point as i wipe with mitt.

Try to use as much lubrication as possible. I will also incorporate rinseless when im feeling lazy.


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