New car detailing and wax suggestions

[jimlam56]

Hi all, I will be picking up my new Oxford White Ford Focus ST this weekend.
I told the dealership not to detail as I want to do it myself.
I have used zaino with good results in the past but am currently using Croftgate products.
I'd like suggestions on what to do the first time out, should I clay bar, etc.?
Thanks,
Jim

[03mmmonroe]

Hi all, I will be picking up my new Oxford White Ford Focus ST this weekend.
I told the dealership not to detail as I want to do it myself.
I have used zaino with good results in the past but am currently using Croftgate products.
I'd like suggestions on what to do the first time out, should I clay bar, etc.?
Thanks,
Jim

I used clay magic blue clay using Aquanil X to lubricate the clay. Then topped off with quick-n-slick. I just did a 2013 GT500. Car was delivered to the dealer with overspray on the car.

[boatmangc]

Always clay
Rail dust is almost always on a new car

[jimlam56]

Always clay
Rail dust is almost always on a new car
Good point.
The good news is the car was built January 2, received at the dealership on 1/10 and put straight in the corner of the service garage after an inspection wash. So no sitting on the lot for weeks and getting pressure washed... Do you use Croftgate also?

[MM2004]

CROFTGATE!

Mike.

[Rockettman]

I used clay magic blue clay using Aquanil X to lubricate the clay. Then topped off with quick-n-slick. I just did a 2013 GT500. Car was delivered to the dealer with overspray on the car.

Good God that Shelby is a nice car!!!! Wish I had a bank roll to have one. :alone:

[J-MAN]

Do you have a RO polisher?

[jimlam56]

Do you have a RO polisher?

No I do not.

[whitey]

Clay bar, then a sealant...i use opt optiseal with awesome results by hand.

[Accumulator]

I always decontaminate with Automotive International's ValuGard "ABC" system. Works better for me than clay and it's approved by Ford.

[SC Cheesehead]

I used clay magic blue clay using Aquanil X to lubricate the clay. Then topped off with quick-n-slick. I just did a 2013 GT500. Car was delivered to the dealer with overspray on the car.


Always clay
Rail dust is almost always on a new car


CROFTGATE!

Mike.


Yup, yup, and yup.

[J-MAN]

I always decontaminate with Automotive International's ValuGard "ABC" system. Works better for me than clay and it's approved by Ford.

The Master has spoken. The ValuGard system not only removes above surface contaminates like a claybar, it will also remove below surface contaminates. Nothing like starting with a clean sheet of paper so to speak.

As far as protection, with a budget in mind:

Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish will remove light swirls and add a layer of protection.
next
Duragloss #111 Clear Coat Polish has no cleaners, but will add an additional layer of sealant without removing any of the #105.
Note:Even though Duragloss calls their products polishes they are sealants or sealant based. There are those that say that Zaino is made by Duragloss. You can purchase Duragloss products directly from the manufacturer with $5.95 shipping no matter how big your order is or purchase from an online site like Autogeek or many others.

Get plenty of the 4" yellow foam applicator pads and quality microfiber towels, not the 30 in a bundle for $9.99.

When all the work is done you can maintain your finish with Croftgate products if you choose.

Join the Autogeek forum, not the store, and you will find many tutorials on Detailing.

You picked a great color! Properly detailed you will need your sunglasses to look at it in the sun.

[jimlam56]

I always decontaminate with Automotive International's ValuGard "ABC" system. Works better for me than clay and it's approved by Ford.

Where is this sold?
I looked at their website but they seem to be wholesale only.

[J-MAN]

Where is this sold?
I looked at their website but they seem to be wholesale only.

I'd try a FORD dealer.

[Accumulator]

Where is this sold?
I looked at their website but they seem to be wholesale only.

That's one of my pet peeves with them...they sound so "only pros need apply". Fortunately, that's not really the case at all.

Call (800) 543-7156 and order from a lady named Beth. She's friendly and helpful.

EDIT: I really want to make this as painless/appealing as possible, I'm *THAT* serious about the "ABC" system. If (I mean "when" ;) ) you call Beth, you could tell her "Grumpy's friend George" referred you...just thought I'd mention that in case you're leery of calling them because of their whole "we're so Pro-oriented" vibe.

[Grumpy]

Ford Motor Co has the system private labeled under the Motorcraft brand. The use of it is directed for use by dealers in each model's service manual of vehicle since 2008.
That does not mean the dealer's Service Manager follows the use of it. They tend to listen to the $8 an hour kid in the back and that causes problems for the owners.
Up until 2008, Ford issued Technical Service Bulletins for the use of system before making it part of the service manual.
You can see some TSB's of Ford's on the ValuGard.net web site, as well as an instructional video on use of it.
The video is using the ValuGard branded products, but same products.
It is possible to buy the Motorcraft products from the parts dept, however, they usually make one buy a whole case of each product and that will do 60 to 70 vehicles, plus they do not offer the mitts, applicators or such.
ValuGard has a kit, M-32, (which is provided to Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan dealers for their use when they follow their TSB's.
This may clear things up a bit for all.
Grumpy:)

[Accumulator]

Hey, Grumpy :wave:

[Grumpy]

It's all your fault!;)