I have a new topper on my truck that will reach its 90 day cure time real soon, so im going to do a full detail to the outside. I need some product help. heres my plan and if you can help me choose some products or make some changes please do. This is my first detail. iv always just used NXT every couple of months.

Wash (gold class)
Clay (suggestions on brand please)
polish (suggestions on brand please)
Nxt or #21 (which one)
Collinite 845
Four Star Ultimate Paint Protection Spray ( ill also use this after all washes untill the next detail along with eagle one wax as you dry)


I have some scratches and would like to remove them what should i use and where in the process should i use it. Im not going to use it on the whole truck, just the problem spots. My truck is a white 2004 f-150.

Thanks for all the help
Ryan

 

Scratch-X for the scratches

 

I would pick #21 over the NXT ..

how bad are the scratches? if you can't feel them with your fingernail, then ScratchX would be a good choice for something to use by hand.

 

where in the process do i use the scratch x.

 

I've used mothers and Megs claybars and personaly I like megs better. However, mother's worked well too and from what I've read there isn't much difference.

I would scratch-x after claying. I would also only use it in the spots where it's needed instead of the whole vehicle. Well, unless you have arms like a weight lifter.

I like Megs #7 show car glaze for a pure polish

I'd also pick the #21 over the nxt

 

anyone else have any suggestions on a polish. or do i even need to polish after i clay or should i go right to #21.

 

Im hoping "RP" will be on and give me his advice. He seems to have a wealth of knowledge.

 

what is the current condition of the paint?

will you be doing this by hand, or by machine?

 

If you buy a Mothers clay kit it comes with a small bottle of carnuba Cleaner wax. If I were you I would go 1. Wash, 2. Clay, 3. Cleaner Wax, 4. #21. I'm no RP but I know enough to get by.

 

the paint is in okay shape. its has a couple coats of Nxt wax on it. this is my plan so far.

Wash (gold class)
Clay (suggestions on brand please)
Scratch X in problem spots
polish (suggestions on brand please) Or a cleaner wax
meg #21
Collinite 845
Poor boys quick detail or another qd product ( ill also use this after all washes untill the next detail along with eagle one wax as you dry)

Would you say a polish coat or a cleaner coat would be better

Everything will be done by hand.

 

Get ready to spend 8+hrs on your truck! The Polish/Cleaner debate is up to you. Some people are gonna say polish and some will say cleaner. Why dont you use polish this time and cleaner wax the next??? The only way to learn is from experience and you never know til you try it so what the hell, its not gonna make the truck look bad.

 

you don't want to use a cleaner wax prior to the #21 (or NXT).. it won't bond properly on top of a carnauba based wax.

a polish like Step 2 of the three step System would be an easily acquired choice.

As for brand of clay .. grab a Meg's or Mother's kit from your local parts store .. either one will work fine ..