OK here's the dilemma,

My truck is parked outside and develops ALOT of moisture on it over night. I dont want the water to sit on my mildly dirty paint (trucks dusted daily) and have the sun etch it into the surface during the day. So im wondering the safest way to remove the moisture without washing the truck daily. A shammy is sure to scrape the dirt particles across the paint..so ive been using a soft towel. The towel leaves smears all over the paint/windows due to not completely removing the moisture but I use towel as little as possible because i fear ill scratch it. A leaf blower is out of the ? because i get home from work at 4:45am...neighbors would LOVE that! I would really appreciate advise on this. My truck is brand new and i want to keep it looking that way.

Thanks much!
DS

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2000 F150 XLT 4x2, supercab, shortbed, 5.4L auto, 3.55 LS, Class III tow/cooling, 4 wheel disk/ABS, Med Toreador solid, Med Graphite int, 60/40 bench, sliding r.window, pwr everything except seat, 16" chrome alloys
*** In the Works - FabTech 3.5",Bullseye spindles,3" bodylift,Eagle 589's w/BFG AT ko's,alarm/keyless entry,Changer/Fosgate amp/JL subs (when i figure how im gonna make the box fit!) ***

 

Slinger,
If you're as fanatical as you sound (and as I am) I would not recommend any wiping of the surface at all unless it's at least quickly washed first. The water that accumulates on your truck attracts dirt and airborne contaminants, and you're wiping that grime into your finish by wiping off the moisture. Go over the entire truck with plain water and a clean, soft sponge before drying it. If the truck is washed with some sort of mild detergent weekly or bi-weekly, and there's no tar or other serious contaminants on the finish, this will work fine, and it's MUCH quicker than a full-fledged wash.
Use one of the "blade" or squeegee type dryers to knock off the heavy water, then catch the rest with a clean, damp chamois. I bought my blade at K-Mart I believe for less than $10 (made by Blue Poly).
I'm no automotive finish scientist, but I know what works for me, and this has worked great for years.
Hope this helps!

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On order (due week of 1/24): 2000 Lariat Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue monotone, gray leather, 5.4, trailer tow, 3.55 posi.



[This message has been edited by Big Easy John (edited 01-13-2000).]

 

I'd rinse it completely with cold water and chamois it dry.
I don't even like to use a squegee on the windows - the chamois works fine.
The only thing that touches my truck is a clean soft cotton towel used to wax it and a damp chamois used to dry it. (not in that order )
Mine still looks a shiny as ever and I've had it 13 months

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1999 F-250 XLT Super Duty Crew Cab Long Bed
V-10, Automatic 4R100, 4.30 Limited Slip.
GVW = 6700# Towing Capacity = 13,300#
4 Wheel ABS disks + Reese 15K hitch
Dark Hunter Green. Ford Running Boards.
Grey Rhino-Liner. Captain's Chairs. CD+Tape
Polished Stainless Steel Wheel-well Molding http://members.home.net/jchartier/jnctrk.html

 

Also...be careful NOT to use that "California blade" selling for about for $19.95 unless the truck is very clean. Friend of mine told me today that it did scratch his truck..and it was not that dirty. The package states that it will not scratch your truck.

I would HIGHLY recommend buying a good truck cover that specifically says it keeps water off of the truck. They do cost more..but are well worth it.

---------------------------------------------
2000 F-150 XLT, 4x2, 5.4L Supercab, Styleside, Black with silver two-tone, 3.55, class III towing package with heavy duty cooling package, overhead console, sliding rear window, keyless entry, dark graphite interior, in dash CD, Pendaliner bedliner, K&N air filter, rubberized undercoating, cabin filtration system, Bugflector II, 5W-30 Mobil 1, engine build 10/4/99

 

I recommend the blade to save time. Chamois of course works great, but wringing a few extra times takes more time, especially when doing it daily. I've had great results with my blade; use it not only on the windows, but everywhere I can. Remember, it's not the blade that scratches your vehicle ("California" or not); it's using it on a dirty truck! Nothing should touch the finish if it's not clean.

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On order (due week of 1/24): 2000 Lariat Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue monotone, gray leather, 5.4, trailer tow, 3.55 posi.

 

I also have a truck cover from CoverCraft in Oklahoma. It cost $275 for a SuperDuty CrewCab LongBed.
You can order one through CustomerService desk at Pep Boys.
I ALWAYS wash and chamois dry my truck BEFORE putting the cover on.
No scratches

 

Thanks for the input guys. Your ideas are all great and the first that came to mind but there are complications. The truck cover would surely be stolen because i park it outside both at work and at home..they cut those lock cables too (been there,done that). As for hosing it off everyday, I only have access to a hose on the weekends (I have to get other cars moved from the driveway/hose area and the owners are all asleep when i get home at 4:45am). Please forgive me for bein a pain in the a$$ but i dont know whatelse to do. I love my truck and it kills me to watch it bake that water into the paint!

DS:/

 

D/S,
Sounds like we're back to the leaf blower!B.E.J.

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On order (due week of 1/24): 2000 Lariat Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue monotone, gray leather, 5.4, trailer tow, 3.55 posi.



[This message has been edited by Big Easy John (edited 01-14-2000).]

 

DirtSlinger,
If you have an all night car wash (the wand kind)stop by on the way home and spray the truck down.

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'00 WHITE/GOLD F150 LARIAT FlareSide SC 5.4 Auto 3.55 LS
Black Westin Nerfs, White Prime Design BugShield,
White Vtech Taillight Covers, K&N Air Filter,
Leather Captain's Chairs (like a screen door in a submarine!),
and all the Lariat goodies
SOME SHOW and a LOTTA TOW
My am E, Fl *** Member of ??? Ford Group

 

If you use some sort of polish. I use Zaino. It should protect your paint from UV rays. As far as cleaning the paint, I recommend using a spray detailer and a clean 100% cotton towel to wipe it off. You can do this everyday and have a great shine.

Robert

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99 F150 Xtracab 4X4 XLT
5.4 liter Flairside
3.73 gears
all stock for now

 

I live in arizona so it's pretty dusty here.I use meguires quick detailer.It is clear coat safe just follow directions and it seems to work well for me.

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------------------------- 99 SILVER XLT/REG.CAB/4.2/5SPD/3.55/K&N Airbox Mod/Gibson Sweptside/Westin Black nerfs and now SuperChiped

 

Ditto on the detailer. It has lubricants to help prevent scratches.

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Red 99.5 Lightning,
#0975,
Born 5/6/99...Adopted 5/27/99
Chipped w/SuperChip Flipchip chip,
PSP Filter(track untested),
Water Wetter,
Mobil 1,
Foglamp Covers,
13.573@101.08