Newbie looking for beginners guide to getting started

['03 Ram 5.9]

As the threads states I'm new here and looking for the beginners guide to getting started. I've always kept my truck clean and in great condition. But all I've ever really done is wash a lot and wax 1-2 times a year. I'd love an A-Z step by step on the real way to get the most out of my trucks finish. It's metalic silver if that matters.
Compound? what type, cutting, rubbing, polishing, etc? Wax, how often? is there a better kind to use vs others. clay bar?

separately, I'm in the process of reapairing some minor body rot. If anyone knows of any good links to the best process for filling and finishing please feel free to let me know.

[Bamafire]

To AG.
I was just like you, then I found Auto geek, here you will learn from some of the best detailers around. also I used Mikes Phillips Art of detailing Audio DVD's. Highly recommend.

Mike Phillips Audio Book and DVD Combo

Hope this Helps

[HellaBroke]

Good words here the book and DVD combo will pay for them selves after you start to figure the trade out!
There are thousands and thousands of products out there all depends on how far you want to go, how deep your pockets are.
This is what I started with
Pc7424xd
CCS smart pads yellow-red
( definetly if I did things over order 9 hydro tech pads 3 of each color)
Pinnicale advanced swirl remover kit.
Pinnicale signature series 2- IMO one of the best looking waxes out there right below fuzion

Get ur self 4 chinchilla micro fiber towels
Get a 10-12 pack of your choice of quality mf towels
A large cobra guzzler for drying

Definetly
Go to a hard ware store get two of the universal buckets in the paint section and two screw on lids 20 bucks for two with lids
Get 3 grit guards
A carpro muriono MIT
A lug nut brush
A wheel and wheel well brush
Chemical guys mr pink soap

A decent camera not just ur iPhone! Take good before and after pictures and photos of your 50/50 paint corrected paint not corrected from your test spot!

Sit your wife/ significant other down and prepare her this is an obsession after you get going!

Good luck!
Read read read
Don't buy until you have a full on plan for the whole wash polish wax/seal and maintain schedule/plan!!! It will save you big money over the long run to read first!

[thebamboo23]

Wash, clay, polish, wax

[cleanmycorolla]

Just get Mike's book, or read more in his forum. Tons of great info!

[Mike Phillips]

The below article has videos, pictures lots of detailed information and links to more detailed information usually with videos and pictures.

How To Detail Your Brand New Car by Mike Phillips


Even if you're not working on a brand new car you would follow all the same steps.