I am super ****. My truck only has 800 miles on it.

Here is my method with my new truck which I have only washed 3x.

Exterior: Washing.

1. Meguiars Car Wash Soap (PH which is recommended by the dealer).
2. Lambs wool sponge dealio from the car parts.
3. To dry, I use a California Water Blade and Absorber shammy.

As I am washing I sort of pick any contaminants by hand, as I am going along.

Does this sound safe so far? I do not notice any surface scratches or swirl marks.

Next: I am ready to wax the truck. FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!

The paint is Silver Metallic Clearcoat, which wax should I use that is safe? and what type of application bonnet and what type of rag/bonnet to take it off? Do you use a damp rag/bonnet to apply it?

I want to keep this truck looking new for as long as the elements will let me!

I wipe the wheels and use Meguiars tire gel for the tires. I wipe the wheels with a blue rag.

What should I use on the black trim (Around the windows, bumper pad, bed rails etc...)? to keep it looking new.

Interior:

The interior is grey as a majority probably are. The manual recommends wiping the dash with a damp cloth. But, I feel there has to be something to protect it or it will fade out right? Of course they only recommend a Ford cleaner, is there something similar that is safe?

Any input would be great, I thought I would start a new thread sort of with combined info.

Thanks a ton and I look forward to seeing how everyone does it!

 

I'm not a Pro but learn lot of things from here I highlight what you must avoid it will create some scratches to you body paint. And for sure you will learn about clay bars before waxing from here though your trucky is new, believe me I came from there. Good luck for your detailing adventure

 

see thread entitled "RP and other gurus"

Both me and RP did a longwinded write up on detailing. And definately return the water blade. It's great if you don't care about swirls/scratches. and paint color has no effect on which wax is safe. (This isn't to call you dumb or anything...everyone here was a beginner once... And a rumor has a way of spreading like wildfire amongst detailing circles...)

G'luck

 

This is a resonable and well written, easy to understand, detail guide that not only gives you products to choose from, but also how to use them.

http://www.ocdetails.com/html/detailing_guide.html

 

DIRECT LINK TO THIS PARTICULAR THREAD.... Lots of information there... enjoy.

 

Check out Autogeek.net! They have everything you need to know about detailing.

 

Don't pick stuff off with your hands