New Truck, New to Detailing

[BMart]

Hello AGO,

Recently bought a new 2013 Ford F-150 Crew, and plan on having it forever so I have been reading up on how to properly maintain my paint. Can't ask questions while lurking, so I thought I would join up and get some opinions from the pros.

My goal here is to establish a regimen that will protect my paint from bugs and scratches and won't drive me crazy from massive commitments of time or money.

Thanks for all the resources already available, and in advance of any direct help you may provide me! Proud to be here!

[Jpatchley]

Welcome! What color did you get? I have the new blue jeans metallic. I know I'm not answering any of your q's but I'm definitely not a pro! Just a fellow f150 owner wishing you welcome!

[Mike Phillips]

Hi BMart,

Welcome to AutogeekOnline!

Take a read-through this, it will walk you through all the steps you want to do to see where you at and get you where you want to go...

How To Detail Your Brand New Car by Mike Phillips



If you like having a book that goes over this then check this out...

Detailing How-To Book and Detailing How-To E-book by Mike Phillips

[TheDetailGeeks]

Did they do the famous dealer prep detail before you got the keys?

[UglyBetty]

Not a pro here, but I recently bought a new vehicle and had to clay bar extensively just to get the paint ready for wax, it was covered in tree sap. I would plan on doing some type of clay bar, minor finishing polish, or paintwork cleansing lotion before wax. Gives you a good initial base to start with before applying sealant or wax and worth the extra step. It will probably save you time down the road.

NEW vehicles tend to spend the early stages of their life outdoors, in transit, and on dealer lots, exposed to the elements, without any type of protection........and I've yet to see a dealer properly detail a car before leaving, I'm sure there are exceptions, just haven't experience it on any of my new purchases.

Congrats on the purchase.....

PS: your next topic needs to ask everyone for the best wax, always fun to stir up the natives!

[BMart]

Welcome! What color did you get? I have the new blue jeans metallic. I know I'm not answering any of your q's but I'm definitely not a pro! Just a fellow f150 owner wishing you welcome!

Oxford White! I had a black truck before this one, and didn't like how easy imperfections show, so now I'm a fan of white which poses its own challenges. Just had the new truck bed covered in black Line-X today, and the black-on-white scheme is really working for me. Only 600 miles, and loving every second. What trim do you have?

Hi BMart,

Welcome to AutogeekOnline!

Take a read-through this, it will walk you through all the steps you want to do to see where you at and get you where you want to go...

How To Detail Your Brand New Car by Mike Phillips

If you like having a book that goes over this then check this out...

Detailing How-To Book and Detailing How-To E-book by Mike Phillips

Thank you so much Mike! I can't believe how involved you are here, you are such a great resource and inspiration for us all. I wish I could come to one of your classes, but I'm in the PNW.

I will definitely check out those links. Thanks again for all you do!

Did they do the famous dealer prep detail before you got the keys?

Yes, but the paint actually looks really good. I'm no concours, but I have inspected it and, while it needs a clay-wash, I'm really happy with it.

Not a pro here, but I recently bought a new vehicle and had to clay bar extensively just to get the paint ready for wax, it was covered in tree sap. I would plan on doing some type of clay bar, minor finishing polish, or paintwork cleansing lotion before wax. Gives you a good initial base to start with before applying sealant or wax and worth the extra step. It will probably save you time down the road.

NEW vehicles tend to spend the early stages of their life outdoors, in transit, and on dealer lots, exposed to the elements, without any type of protection........and I've yet to see a dealer properly detail a car before leaving, I'm sure there are exceptions, just haven't experience it on any of my new purchases.

Congrats on the purchase.....

PS: your next topic needs to ask everyone for the best wax, always fun to stir up the natives!

Agreed. Rail dust is to be expected on a new vehicle. I'm going to just enjoy washing it (properly) over the summer, and do a clay/finishing polish/seal/wax as soon as I get a DA, more knowledge, and proper chemicals (probably this Fall).

Oh, and I've had fun reading all the 'best wax' threads. I've only just recently pushed through the 'best soap' threads, and came out the other side with some aspirin and a bottle of DG 902. Ya, I have a feeling I'm just getting warmed up...

[Evan.J]

Welcome to the forum!

[sproketser]

Welcome & congrats on new PU mate !

[Wors]

Welcome to AGO!

Post a picture of your new truck when you get a chance.

[vet]

Welcome, and congrats on the new truck!

Follow Mike P's advice, and you won't go wrong.

I use the DP line on my F-150, Poliseal followed by Max Wax after it cures, and Wheel seal on the rims. I wash with Optimum No Rinse, and use diluted ONR for a quick detailer, or Meg's QD. Occasionally use Meg's spray wax for touch-ups.

Dedicate good microfibers for drying, buffing, interior, and rims, and use a good mitt or sponge for washing.