So I'm lazy; and I'm okay with that.
I haven't waxed my 95' in the 7 years I've owned it.

So I'm going to Wax. Going to clay bar-too (only because I bought the McGuire's kit to try and remove sap; didn't work but I was impressed anyway).

So; I'm still lazy and I'm still cheap.

What's the easiest and most affordible process to give an old off-road F150 a little spa treatment?

 

Do that and you will find out your truck is not pink. Do you really want that?

 

I washed the front end over the weekend; It's red.

 

how cheap and lazy do you want to go ?

one wax and one step, or are you willing to do two or three steps involving multiple products ?

 

Good question.

1. Wash
2. Claybar

2? Wax steps. Yea.

I was looking at the orbital machines ($120), not this summer anyway

I was thinking I could just take it to the upscale car wash and see how much they charge for a wax job.

 

Not sure where the clay step comes in but I would use a fine polish before waxing. That will probably give you the most bang for your effort.

Lots of companies like Maguires et. al. make polishes designed for either hand or machine application. I have had good luck on getting luster back in neglected paint even by doing it by hand.

Once you have it polished then you wax to protect.

If you bust hard on it should not take you more than 1.5 hours of sweat to do it by hand.

Or you pay a detail shop $100-200.

 

I would be suprised if you could get a decent wax for less than $75 or so .. but I guess it depends on the definition of decent.

after claying, I would suggest either using the Meguiar's Three Step system, or using a good cleaner wax followed by a nice carnuba or synthetic, which can all be done by hand.

if not using the Meg's three step, then I would probably do the following:
Wash
clay
Meguiar's ColorX
then either Meg's NXT or Mother's Carnuba Ultimate x 2

 

That's the kind of information I'm looking for Gipraw!

 

I would say the paint definitely needs cleaning first.

I know you said lazy (big surprise there) but dont make it worse.

Meguiar's has a 3 step process that works great. Using a DA helps IMO.

Wash, Clay, Clean, Polish, Wax.

 

I'd say Meguiar's Color X is a suitable product for you

 

This would be a very good 'one-step' type of product that may (or may not) work with one application.

You see, this is an agressive cleaner wax that is designed for folks like you in mind. It's not a miracle product so, don't expect it -- you're wanting to go the 'easy' route, this may be the course of action. Again, as is true with any 'one step' product, don't expect it to look new.

Roll it over my way and I'll take care of ya... hahahaha... mucho cheapo. LOL.

RP