New truck going cross country - care help!

[MadamX]

Hello everyone!

Im new here and just found this website last night! Spent few hours reading some posts and had a few questions... But first, im completely new to detailing, just got my first brand new truck few days ago, 2013 Silverado 2500 HD! It didnt occur to be Black was one of the hardest to maintain untill I came across this forum, oh well just have to work harder :autowash: Never had anything this nice so Im happy! I want to keep that mirror shine! I will be traveling across the US from Va to Cali in about a month or two and am already having nightmares of whats to come. Probably salt, road tar, bugs and who knows what else lol:bash:. I was looking at the winterizing article and noticed the forum fav is to start with All-In-One to clean the paint, seal it with Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze, and then top it off with Pinnacle Souveran. I also noticed the Pinnacle was a tiny little jar for 90 bucks lol ( i hope it lasts long?)

My question is what should i do as far as my situation to protect it? Would I be ok with the Klasse twins? Is the a better product to protect since i wont be able to touch it up or stop at a car wash during my travels? Do I need the Pinnacle?

I have done no prep yet, I did buy some turtle wax ice the day i got my truck but came across this and thinking i should take it back? Just curious is turtle wax bad in general? If so is it the durability or the quality? both?

I did the "baggie" test i saw on here and i dont feel anything, it feels pretty smooth. "Glass like".

I dont mind to get the above mentioned forum fav if its what i need, i just wanna protect my baby! Thank you for any help or tips.:thankyousign:

 

[Jomax]

DG501/601 followed by DG 105/601. And last for an amazing shine, collinite 845. This combo will keep that truck looking great for a very long time. Best part? Alot cheaper them Pinnicle combined


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[jjj]

turtle wax isn't bad, just a lot of hipe in some of the products. I would use an AIO or collinite 845. I have gone out of town and taken a washless/rinsless car wash concentrate and a spray bottle. Blackfire makes a great concentrate. Mix 2 oz with 34 oz water or 1 oz with 15oz (smaller bottle) and you have a great spray detailer. And if you need the wash you have the bottle with you... just find a bucket and wash. Take 4 microfibers. But get it ready for the road and take what you think you have room for to try and maitain. :buffing:

 

[t5er]

If it were my brand new truck, I'd wax in VA then cover the entire front of the car and some of the hood with painters tape to minimize rock chips and bug guts over that long drive. Maybe new tape everyday so it doesn't get too tacky. Then I'd detail it on the tail end of the trip; probably just a clay bar, paint cleaner, and sealant/wax

The suggestion to take a spray detailer and MF on the road is a good one.

 

[1oldsalt]

Well my first post here might as well be a response to another first time poster.

Hi MadamX,

Firstly I would get a stone/bug deflector for the hood. Not much you can do about the rest of the front of your truck. Oddly enough I have found that the only trouble area is the front of the hood. The rest of the front end is plastic and seems to resist chipping better than the front of the hood.

Secondly I would get a set of mud guards/flaps. I got Husky brand. I bought my Avalanche in Georgia and drove it home to here in Cali. By the time I got home the lower portion of the door and rear rocker panel was just hammered with little chips in the clear coat. I feel them every time I wash the thing. If I had only known then…

I drive from Cali. to the east coast and back around 3 to 4 times a year. Heading back to Florida next week as a matter of fact.

Are you moving out here? If that is the case I would say just put on a quick coat of polish and do a full on detail and protection after you get out here. If you are coming out for a visit and returning to Va. and want to go all out now the following is what I have done-

1) Clay bar or Nanoskin
2) Polish with whatever you need to remove scratches and such. I used Menzerna 085RD (Super Finish Polish) as my paint wasn't bad and it's white.
3) Menzerna Power Lock
4) Collinite 476
5) Collinite 845

Since your truck is black you may want to do something different of course. I am more concerned with protection. And, as my truck is white it tends to hide the defects a bit. If I had to do it over again I would have started off with a treatment of CQuartz.

You shouldn't have any trouble with bugs in a month or two. Certainly not like in July or August. If you do, spray on some Ultima Waterless Wash or Optimum No Rinse and wipe with a microfiber towel. In a pinch you can use Bounce fabric softener towels with water but that will probably put some light scratches in your paint. You can polish those out later but it's better than the damage that bugs will do to your paint after a couple days.

It's a great trip coming from Va., and a piece of cake to drive. Kind of boring west of Amarillo but I'm not really a desert person. Be sure to check the weather before getting to Flagstaff. The snow storms can come in quick and they shut the highway down. I've been caught twice. Luckily I could get a room for the night.

Hope this helps.

 

[FUNX650]

Until you get to California...
Why not do what the OEM's do for "over-the-road-protection":

Transport-film...what you consider are the vulnerable-areas of your new truck.

About the Automotive Wrap
Vehicle Protection Film for Auto Transport / Auto Shipping Cover / Autoline Auto Transport
Protective Film : New Car Paint Protection : Paint Protector : Automobile Paint Protection : BuyRoadWrap.com


Just a suggestion.



Bob

NOTE: Almost forgot to say: Welcome to AGO!!
(And...I like your forum name!!)

 

[MadamX]

Thank you all for the great info! Wow very helpful, I think I pretty much am using a tip from each of you lol. Can't get any better then that!

I think I'm gonna try the duragloss, mud flaps, hood deflector or painters tape and a detailer spray to go. Great help thank you very much! I do have a question though to start educating myself on detailing products, the duragloss # mentioned above I noticed was for Marine/rv and probably very durable, would this be something I use on a regular basis for protection or is this the goto combo when abuse is planned hehe? I don't have a problem using it just want to be Informed . Thank you again everyone, very big help.

-Susan