new guy with new truck....

Like I said earlier, you're more than welcome to try some of the things I have on hand before you place an order.

I have Collinite 845, 476, Opti-seal, and a few other things. I even have a few compounds and polishes you can try. My only purpose in the photo's was to let you know I have some items to work with. You can even try out my G110v2, and a few pads if you like. I even have clay for you to try. It's up to you.

Seal, then wax.
 
sounds good to me! Maybe we can figure out a place to meet up soon!

I just think the ridgeline needs a good claybar and some sealer and wax, but my wifes car is sitting about 65k on the clock now and has been waxed once in its lifetime. It could use some TLC.
 
Does anyone have any thoughts on my plan of attack? How about microfiber?
 
Basic steps in order are:

  • Wash
  • Clay or nanoskin
  • Correction
  • Seal
  • Wax
If you plan on doing any correction work, I strongly suggest you invest in a DA polisher.
 
being a brand new truck, I wasn't planning on doing any correction.I was going to wash,clay seal,wax.
 
I'm going to buck the tide here.

Firstly, since the vehicle is new, and that hopefully you didn't get the vehicle with the Dealer installed swirls option (what do you guys call it again, DISO's?) I think the OP can get by with just a good mild polish for now, and successfully get by "by hand", without the need just yet, of machining the vehicle's paint.

There's the golden rule which all follow and abide by here, and that is to do the least amount of harm, and to take the least agressive path, (meaning technique, products)

Not that I'm trying to take business away from AG-Autopia, but many good OTC products such as polishes can be gotten.

Products such as Meguiars should not be underestimated, or ignored.
Products such as Meguiars M205 is a totally outstanding product, IMO, can be used a number of different ways with fantastic final results.

A product that just by hand gives phenominal results.

Others. like from the Menzerna Lineup, such as SF4000, or SF4500 would be other serious contenders.

Collinte, and all of their products are all very good, offer great protection, for little prices.

Perhaps prefer a Synthetic Sealant, Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant, or Menzerna Powerlock are both cutting edge, foolproof products, that even a 6 year old with no experience could get concours results from.

Microfiber Towels, yes, get a few, doesn't have to be the most expensive of the bunch, but have a few good ones on hand for removal of final wax-sealant products, and a couple for things like spray detailing.

The Opti-Bond Tire Gel is a very good product. Try staying away from virtually all off the shelf protectants that contain silicones, and petroleum distillates.

Do seriously consider a high quality plastic trim protectant. The intial outlay of cash may seem high, but products such as CQuartz Dlx may be money more wisely spent, and more ecomonical in the long run. The sooner you can protect, and preserve such exterior parts, the better.

Since I see you're a relatively new member here, I advise to sleep on a good basic investment at first, of high quality products, and to keep your eyes peeled, as both AutoGeek, and their sister site, and forum Autopia regularly have great sales, such as free shipping, and discounts, like 15%, or 20% off your order (since you are now a member)

Either site will generally match the other's in regards to free shipping, and the general discounts offered, no probs there.

You have definitely come to the right place. You will find both these entities stand behind every little thing they sell, they literally bend over backwards to please their customers.

You'll get more suggestions, and advice, there's many here who are wise, knowing.

For sure, I very much believe you will become just like all the rest of us, a repeat customer, and will also enjoy the use of these forums. All great people.

Don't hurt yourself too much! :-), and have fun!

You know better than us basically, what's missing in your arsenal. Detailing Tools, Applicator Pads, MF Towels, Grit Guards, a good Wash Mitt are definite must haves, and will be things you be constantly using, and needing as time goes by.

Best of luck, and welcome to the forum! Mark
 
All depends what your expectations are, being new doesn't mean there are no imperfections.
 
BTW, just wanted to add, that's a sharp looking truck!

Owning two black vehicles in my life, I know how hard they are to care for, and keep clean.

As for the more durable permanent coatings the folks are speaking of here, such as CarPro CQuartz, Opti-Coat, and other like GTechniq Exo, etc, these coatings are even more durable than the most durable carnaubas, such as Collinite. And Collinte generally has little peer as far as durability in more conventional products.

Some of these coatings are acid, and gasoline resistant, bird bombs don't stand a chance, they perform in temperature extremes that more conventional coatings could never endure. One of these coatings, I believe it was CQuartz had a youtube vid, with a blow torch being applied to it. (don't quote me on this, the memory is a bit fuzzy)

GTechniq EXO claims over 600 washings, and still beading. And Beads that look like a million little globular pearls on the paint.

Hope you haven't minding my babbling. Mark
 
Nice to meet you mark! I don't mind your babbling a bit. I am here to learn, and I will be a sponge and soak in all the information I can!

I have some m205, and actually used some on my motorcycle tonight ,by hand. I plan to invest in a polisher and more tools as money permits.

My arsenal consists of m105/205 and some 5 gallon buckets at the moment. Wash mit and grit guards are the first things on the list to order.

I just want to get a good sealer on the truck before it meets the salt. Maybe it can wait until spring, I'm not sure.
 
You will be fine until spring. In our neck of the woods, unless you have a lot of time on your hands right now along with a good place to work inside, you're better off to wait until spring when it's warmed up a bit and the salt gets washed off the road from rains.

You have some good products in M105/M205. I highly doubt you'll need the M105, but ya' never know. Do you have any waxes now? I'm sure your truck is beading well now being that it's new. Keep it washed, being particular how you wash it, and you should be fine just using a quick detailer or spray wax on it until you get a chance to strip the paint of wax and really inspect it.

You can use the time from now until spring to decide whether or not to put a coating on it. You can also use the time to do additional research. I like Marks idea of being patient, even with an order. If it needs any correction work, it will need to be done before the coating is applied.

Coating or not, you're going to need to decide if you're going to do the work yourself, if you want somone to help you with the work, or if you want someone else to do the work. I'd be more than happy to assist you either way, by any means that I can, and as always they'll be other Geeks hear to offer advice and assistance as well.

Spring and warmer weather is just around the corner, so I wouldn't get into too big of a hurry especially if its already seen some salt. Hard to get around that livin' where we do.
 
Thanks guys. I have some waxes(Meg's cleaner wax and ntx and the turtle wax black box kit) nothin special. I also have some spray waxes.

At this point, this is the only thing I've put on it.
Pro Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish | ATV | Rocky Mountain ATV/MC

It's intended for my motorcycle but its a good waterless cleaner.

I guess for now I need to be patient, and get some good microfiber and a coat of wax on there.
 
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