Hand Wash "Drive Thru"
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Hand Wash "Drive Thru" I am picking up my '99 black SS tomorrow. The car has 30K and has been sitting for the most part in a carport. She is dirty and I was wondering your thoughts on the Hand Wash places... Any concerns or should I wait until I can do the job myself?
You should definitely wait. Most of these places half *** the wash. Others leaves scratches. I'd just do it myself and take your time to get it looking as good as it deserves to look.
The only place I'd let wash my car is one that specializes and is very reputable in full car detailing.
The only place I'd let wash my car is one that specializes and is very reputable in full car detailing.
TECH Addict
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Texas
Do it yourself! I'll give you some basic tips to do it the right way and minimize swirls and other marring (especially since it's black).
Basic Weekly Wash Supplies
Wash Mitts - Eurow genuine sheepskin mitt or a 100% cotton wash mitt.
Car Wash Soap - some popular ones are Eagle One Wet wash, 1Z Perls shampoo, Zaino Z7, and Wolfgang auto bathe.
Drying - Waffle Weave microfiber towels, electric leaf blower, and/or 100% white cotton towels, made in USA.
Washing, Drying and Waxing Tips
- Never use circular motions. Always wash, dry, and wax using front to back and top to bottom motions.
- Don't use the same mitt or bucket for wheels that you use on your paint. The brake dust, etc. from your wheels will cause scratches and swirls in your paint.
- Use two buckets for washing paint. One with a soapy mixture, the other with plain water to rinse the mitt between panels.
Caring for Mitts and Towels
- Wash on the Hot/Cold setting
- Use liquid detergent only w/ no bleach and NO fabric softener
- Add distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle for added softness and soil release
- Rinse twice
- Dry towels on low heat w/ no fabric sheets
Basic Weekly Wash Supplies
Wash Mitts - Eurow genuine sheepskin mitt or a 100% cotton wash mitt.
Car Wash Soap - some popular ones are Eagle One Wet wash, 1Z Perls shampoo, Zaino Z7, and Wolfgang auto bathe.
Drying - Waffle Weave microfiber towels, electric leaf blower, and/or 100% white cotton towels, made in USA.
Washing, Drying and Waxing Tips
- Never use circular motions. Always wash, dry, and wax using front to back and top to bottom motions.
- Don't use the same mitt or bucket for wheels that you use on your paint. The brake dust, etc. from your wheels will cause scratches and swirls in your paint.
- Use two buckets for washing paint. One with a soapy mixture, the other with plain water to rinse the mitt between panels.
Caring for Mitts and Towels
- Wash on the Hot/Cold setting
- Use liquid detergent only w/ no bleach and NO fabric softener
- Add distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle for added softness and soil release
- Rinse twice
- Dry towels on low heat w/ no fabric sheets
If the car is black, as you said, then you don't want to do anything that will potentially scratch it, because otherwise the black looks like absolute hell all the time. Even when clean. If you take it to a drive-through carwash, I guarantee it will be scratched horribly.
Just do it yourself.
Just do it yourself.
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if it's a 99 black car, i'm sure it already has swirls and scratches, just take car of it, wash it, clay bar it, cleaner wax, swirl remover(2 coats), wax(1-2 coats), then sit back have a dos equis and stare at your car. you should take the day off...
i didnt know you werent supposed to wax in a circular motion!
i didnt know you werent supposed to wax in a circular motion!
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