Howdy everyone, this is my first post. I recently got a new 2005 SuperCrew in Arizona Beige. I've never had a vehicle worth spending the time detailing myself, but I want to do this right. I'm not interested in a show quality detailing job, but I tend to keep my vehicles for a really long time and I want to keep this one looking nice. Here in Texas our main threats are the sun, dust, and bugs. I've been reading some forums and I think I've got the washing and waxing down: I plan on using the Meguiars gold class wash followed by the NXT past wax. My main questions are:
1) What product do I use for the chrome bumpers and wheels?
2) What product do I use for all the exterior rubber and plastic? There is a lot on these trucks with that honecomb grill, the "ice cube tray" between the hood and windshield, the bed rail caps, tailgate cap, bumper cap, etc.
3) What product do I use on the vinyl and plastic in the interior?

I was hoping I could just use the wash and wax for the chrome bumpers and wheels. Next, I was hoping there was a single product I could use for all the interior and exterior vinyl, rubber, and plastic. I don't want anything shiny or greasy for that, I just want something for cleaning and uv protection. Ideally it would be something I could use on the tires too, as I don't really care for the super shiny look. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

1) Use your NXT wax as you would on any painted surface. Both wheels and bumpers.

2) Exterior rubber and plastic... I don't often use a product but, when I do, it's typically Vinylex or Meguiar's #40.

To dry your ice cube tray, use a nice waffle weave microfiber. It'll literally pull the water out. The capillary action that these towels offer is unsurpassed!

3) Vinyl/Plastic on the interior... I don't like a shiny interior because, with shine often comes grease. No matter how hard you try, you will attract a bit of dust with any product that you use (303, Vinylex, #40, etc). For this reason, I utilize a newer product on the market from Meguiar's called Quik Detailer Interior.

Feel free to ask any additonal questions that you may have...

RP

 

Thanks for the feedback, RockPick. I wouldn't use any product on the plastic/vinyl/rubber but I'm worried about the sun fading it. I've the exterior trim fade bad on my last two F150's. The Texas sun is brutal. I picked up some of the Meguair's Rubber/Vinyl Protectant and I'll try that out.

Thanks again!

 

No problem bud. Let us know if you like the product... if not, there are several brands/products out there that we can refer you over to...

Best of luck!

RP

 

I use Meguiars Natural Shine on all of my interior and exterior plastic and vinyl. During the week I just follow it up on the interior with Meguiars Interior Quick Detailer, mainly if I'm gonna have a lady in the truck and it's gotta look good!

- Chris

 

When you get wax on the exterior trim, use WD-40 to remove it.