Originally Posted by Trendkiller Z

Thought of another one...........

Do you have any set time-frame in which you replace your pads, wash mits, rags etc or do you go by look and feel?

Originally Posted by 00 Freak

I am pretty new at detailing and my question is have you seen any kits that an array of products that would cover all bases for newbies like me wanting to up keep their cars better. IMO i think my car's paint look great for 11yrs old but still needs a lot of work and i want it to keep the original paint. Also what are some tips would you suggest to newbies on using the Porter cable?

Originally Posted by samson_420

Awesome thread. . . . My detailing skills still need a "bit" of work.

Headlight restoration: What is a tried and true way?

I done a good wet sand with the usual high grits and polishing compound, but they still turn to crap quite quickly in the AZ sun.

I have another car that had a true pro detail before we got it. It seems to have a clear coat of some sort on the head lights. It's been in the sun way more then my car and they still look way solid and not hazy one bit.


I found some good "looking" stuff (SprayMax aerosol).

But, I don't want to just test stuff on my near mint z.

Originally Posted by GoFast908Z

By correcting headlights, you're removing their protective UV coating. If you don't replace it, it will oxidize again. Opti-Coat, Cquartz, and GTechnique all can accomplish this.

Originally Posted by Kingc8r

When you wetsand your headlights you remove the uv protector/coating so they haze faster. Most clear them after or add some type of protectant sealer

Jeff you're the man for starting this thread

Originally Posted by samson_420

Cool, just what I figured.

Any retail places sell any of these?

If not, which online place has em'?

Originally Posted by samson_420

Holly bejesus that is expensive. . . .

Crap, no other suggestions?

I can get new cheapo lights for that.

Originally Posted by dabest09

Cleaning the barrel of the wheel I was referring to the speedlines on my ws6. I believe it's bare aluminum? And the outer part is clear coated. I tried megs mag and aluminum polish but that really didn't do much. I need a more agressive approach.

Originally Posted by GoFast908Z

Think about the other applications you could use it for....the stuff is awesome and honestly IMO, should be MUCH more expensive. Its worth the cost.

Cheapo lights almost never line up even, so if you want cross-eyed headlight beams, go for it.

You could have a bodyshop re-clear them, or you could get some spray on clear and do it yourself for cheap.

Originally Posted by GoFast908Z

I think the whole wheel is coated, however, to find out for sure, try a wheel polish on the inside in an inconspicuous small spot. Needs to be free of dirt first. But rub some wheel polish on it, and if the polish turns black, they are not coated. If it stays clear, they are coated.

Originally Posted by Bramlok

Like so many others have said, great thread and thank you for doing this!

Last question I had was, what is your opinion on using no rinse or waterless wash products like Optimum No Rinse or Ultima Waterless Wash?

Is this a good substitute or bad idea? I'm talking about a clean car that has light dust build-up after a day of driving.

Originally Posted by samson_420

So, does it appear like a clear coat?

Is it thin? Seems like a rock hard clear coat.

Originally Posted by dabest09

It was coming off black

Originally Posted by Bramlok

Like so many others have said, great thread and thank you for doing this!

Last question I had was, what is your opinion on using no rinse or waterless wash products like Optimum No Rinse or Ultima Waterless Wash?

Is this a good substitute or bad idea? I'm talking about a clean car that has light dust build-up after a day of driving.

Originally Posted by GoFast908Z

By the time they start looking dry, they are usually more sun-bleached than just dried out, so getting shine back to them is something you have to keep up on frequently.

I would suggest any trim shine product that doesn't contain silicone. Silicone will give a false shine, as its the silicone that does the shine and it doesn't soak in to the plastic, so it goes away fast. It also will dry the plastic out more (though there is debate on that subject).

Black WOW is a good one, and also 303 Aerospace protectant, as they both contain UV blockers which will help the trim look good longer. You can also use Zaino Z16, diluted to a low shine or a full strength. Meguiars Professional Water-Based Dressing works nicely too, but doesn't last quite as long.

I would advise against dressing running boards or rear steps on tailgates as they can be slick and you don't want a family member (especially a child) or friend to slip and fall and hurt themselves.

Originally Posted by ThirdgenTa

Have you tried Ultima Trim and Tire Guard Plus? I read great reviews on it and I decided to try it myself. I always use my car as a guinea pig and I Put it on all my trim and my faded wiper cowl. Restored it like new. THat was over 6 months ago and it looks the same. I use it on customers cars all of the time and it always turns the faded trim back to black.
It's a little pricey, but a little goes a long way, lasts long and is by far one of the best products I ever used.