Exterior cleaning/drying tips.
#1
Exterior cleaning/drying tips.
The first time I washed/dryed the '04, I became irritated with the concave roof grooves and the cowling around the windshield wipers, i.e. with no drainage features they collect standing water and are difficult to dry. If left to dry naturally, they collect mineral deposits. I now use low pressure compressed air to blow them dry.
In the past, I always dried my vehicles with a chamois, but recently discovered a fantatic drying tool...the California Water Blade. With the Blade in one hand and a chamois in the other, I can dry the '04 in the time it takes for the amazed onlooking neighbor to smoke a cig. The Blade is silicone, supposedly 17 times less abrasive on the paint than chamois, and with each swipe, the surface is totally dry. It also contours nicely on curved surfaces. A great labor saver @ $15-20.
Now, about that brake dust...ARGHHH!
In the past, I always dried my vehicles with a chamois, but recently discovered a fantatic drying tool...the California Water Blade. With the Blade in one hand and a chamois in the other, I can dry the '04 in the time it takes for the amazed onlooking neighbor to smoke a cig. The Blade is silicone, supposedly 17 times less abrasive on the paint than chamois, and with each swipe, the surface is totally dry. It also contours nicely on curved surfaces. A great labor saver @ $15-20.
Now, about that brake dust...ARGHHH!
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Use them if you wish but, I have NUMEROUS small scratches on my paint from them. I've spent HOURS working the scratches out with Meguiars #9 and other slightly abrasive products.
My suggestion is run the other way from the Cali Water Blade.
We've discussed them NUMEROUS TIMES up in General Care and the consensus is that they do more harm than good...
Just 2 cents from a guy that tries like mad to keep up with the auto detailing/polish/wax/protectant/general paint and surface care market.
RP
My suggestion is run the other way from the Cali Water Blade.
We've discussed them NUMEROUS TIMES up in General Care and the consensus is that they do more harm than good...
Just 2 cents from a guy that tries like mad to keep up with the auto detailing/polish/wax/protectant/general paint and surface care market.
RP
#10
I washed mine for the first time this past weekend. I started with my gas powered blower, then finished off with the chamois. This worked pretty well.
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=3294
https://www.f150online.com/galleries....cfm?gnum=3294
#11
Brad...it gives me the greatest pleasure to argue against you...on this board especially !!!
We never discussed blades on the KR board....but I've been using them over here in the UK for some years....and just discovered them in Sam's club in the States.
Brilliant and save so much time !
As for scratches...it IS important to keep running your finger along the blade...especially when first using each wash....to check there are no minute particles that could scratch the paint.
I have been using them on all our cars and on the bigger ones they save so much time.
I won't tell this forum what those cars are or Tr*B**S*** will jump up and down accusing me of being pompous...
(How's the chip by the way T. and I don't mean the one in your engine!)
But Rock knows that I am very protective of my special cars and I wouldn't use anything on them that may cause problems.
The blade is a GREAT time saver if used carefully !!
We never discussed blades on the KR board....but I've been using them over here in the UK for some years....and just discovered them in Sam's club in the States.
Brilliant and save so much time !
As for scratches...it IS important to keep running your finger along the blade...especially when first using each wash....to check there are no minute particles that could scratch the paint.
I have been using them on all our cars and on the bigger ones they save so much time.
I won't tell this forum what those cars are or Tr*B**S*** will jump up and down accusing me of being pompous...
(How's the chip by the way T. and I don't mean the one in your engine!)
But Rock knows that I am very protective of my special cars and I wouldn't use anything on them that may cause problems.
The blade is a GREAT time saver if used carefully !!
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Sam's is where I bought my Cal. Water Blade. I'm with Lenticular, as long as you continually check the edge of the blade to make sure that you keep it free of any debris they work GREAT. The blade and soft terry towels are what I use. I use the blade to get the majority of the water off and then finish with towels.
I have used Zaino products for the first time on this truck and have been VERY happy with them. I CLAYED for the first time on this truck and I AM AMAZED. I was skeptical about it until I tried it. I could not believe the "stuff" that came off a brand new truck that had been "detailed" by the dealer and then carefully washed by me. As someone else on this forum who turned me on to Zaino said, I am now a "Zainoid"....lol.
I have used Zaino products for the first time on this truck and have been VERY happy with them. I CLAYED for the first time on this truck and I AM AMAZED. I was skeptical about it until I tried it. I could not believe the "stuff" that came off a brand new truck that had been "detailed" by the dealer and then carefully washed by me. As someone else on this forum who turned me on to Zaino said, I am now a "Zainoid"....lol.
Last edited by Mallen4258; 10-29-2003 at 08:49 PM.
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