Mini-Detail: 2005 Dodge Ram (AW Review)

**justin_murphy** · 11-05-2006, 11:25 AM

This is a work truck that I maintain on a weekly basis. He owns his own construction company and is actually on the road selling more than building. Because of this, he always wants his truck clean for a good impression. This weekend he was goind out of town and wanted it waxed. I was strapped for time since it was my wife's Saturday off, so I decided to try out my new DuraGloss AquaWax. I did want a fresh slate to start with so I cleaned up the paint with XMT#2.

Well, here's the full story....
(Sorry. No Before's or Interiors on this one. Was in a HURRY!)

Meguiar's NXT Car Wash
(EDGE Yellow Wash ShMitt...Was dirty....needed some cut! After, I noticed no scratching from this more abrasive ShMitt.)

XMT#2
(EDGE2K Green Cutting Pad at a #5 PC setting.)
Moved alot faster than usual. All I wanted to do was remove any wax that was there. Did this in full sunlight with no dusting and plenty of work time.

Duragloss Aquawax (AW) #951
(Applied to the panel and removed with Cobra Micro-Fiber)
I sprayed one mist per panel. 4 squirts for the hood. Again, in direct sunlight. I sprayed it on, turned my MF over, and buffed off. Way to easy....this cannot look good. Wrong! WOW! Wonderful depth and shine. Metallics popped and the finish had that just waxed feel. Plus, saved me about 30 minutes time....if not more. I will be ordering more of this for my business. Way to easy to use. I'll let you know on the durability in two weeks.

Other Products Used....

No-Touch Tire Foam
No-Touch Tire Shine
DuraGloss #401 APC
(Diluted 4:1 to test. Worked awesome and still smelled great!)
Duragloss Absorb-It Odor Eliminator #371
(Customer is a smoker and this did a wonder on the smell. Pina Colada scented.)
Stoner's Invisible Glass Aerosol
Meguiar's Hyper-Dressing
(Cut 1:1 for interior use.)

Glory shots....

**justin_murphy** · 11-05-2006, 11:27 AM

Reflections...

**justin_murphy** · 11-05-2006, 11:29 AM

Tires, Wheels, and Wheel Wells.......

**ryandamartini** · 11-05-2006, 12:18 PM

very nice. Isnt AW awesome ?

What did you use the APC on ?

**justin_murphy** · 11-05-2006, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by ryandamartini

very nice. Isnt AW awesome ?

What did you use the APC on ?

Wheels, wells, tires, bugs and interior cleaning.
Yeah I really like AW. Never thought it would leave a slick feeling like it did. Any tips on using it? What's the durability of it?

**alban61** · 11-05-2006, 01:10 PM

Great job and pictures! That hood/fender pic (the one above the pic of your reflection) really shows the "flakes" pop. AW looks great! Nice to know you can use it in full sun too.
Now, besides the APC on the wheel wells, did you also use the No-Touch Tire Foam? Maybe, it's just me, but I thought there were Reflections in the wells?!! (last 3 pics).

**justin_murphy** · 11-05-2006, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by alban61

Great job and pictures! That hood/fender pic (the one above the pic of your reflection) really shows the "flakes" pop. AW looks great! Nice to know you can use it in full sun too.
Now, besides the APC on the wheel wells, did you also use the No-Touch Tire Foam? Maybe, it's just me, but I thought there were Reflections in the wells?!! (last 3 pics).

There is!
I use the foam first since it cleans. I spray it on and let sit. I then come back in 15 minutes and wipe it up. Next, I come back with the tire shine and give it a light coating. This gives it the plastic like shine! It costs more but worth it. I'm averaging 3.00 per 100.00 in supply costs. This new technique raised me up to 4.00 per 100.00. So this one cost me 8.00 since I charged 200.00. Well worth it though.....I had 3 calls this morning to do 4 cars after seeing his yesterday!

**P1et** · 11-05-2006, 02:11 PM

Very nice! As a Dodge owner, I can attest to how much time goes into washing/detailing these things. You did a phenomenal job Justin! I see that the truck isn't lifted, do you remember what tires he had on there? That is one great looking Dodge!

**FloridaNative** · 11-05-2006, 03:05 PM

Awesome reflections Justin!! I see you got a haircut!

What a beautiful day it was too! I love how you brought the flake out on that truck! I saw those pics and thought I could hear the snap, crackle and POP of Rice Krispies!

Awesome work as usual Justin!

**justin_murphy** · 11-05-2006, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by FloridaNative

Awesome reflections Justin!! I see you got a haircut!

What a beautiful day it was too! I love how you brought the flake out on that truck! I saw those pics and thought I could hear the snap, crackle and POP of Rice Krispies!

Awesome work as usual Justin!

Yeah.....My head is about shaved! Just in time for winter! I was shaggy....bad. Yeah it was a nice day. High was 61. After this summer, I'm loving it. Perfect detailing weather. 28 degree mornings tend to slow you down when your hoses are froze though!