I know that most everyone here is particular about their trucks (especially those who are regulars in the General Care thread) and I'm preaching to the choir, but...

Here are things I do on all new vehicles. It really helps keep them like new for years.

Exterior[list=a] [*] Wax all usually unseen paint areas including under the hood, rocker panels, in the bed, tailgate frame, and door frames (I use spray wax for this to make it easier in the tight areas).[*] Rain X treat all glass and mirrors (I use a small hand polisher to apply for good coverage).[*] Wax the paint (I'm a 5 step McGuires guy and use the Professional tan bottle products). Wash, Surface Prep, Polish, Protect, and Maintain.[*] Polish/wax all chrome. [*] Protect exterior and engine compartment plastics and rubber.[*] Protect tire including spare.[/list=a]

Interior[list=a] [*] Scotchguard all interior fabrics.[*] Clean and condition leather and vinyl.[*] Fog treat interior glass and mirrors.[*] Install Husky liners.[/list=a]

All the above on a vehicle the size of the SCrew takes 20-30 hours. Yes, at least 20 hours but it give you an armor plating that is easy to maintain.

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OKCrew
(See ya'll at Southern Hills for the 2001 U.S. Open)

2001 SuperCrew, Lariat 4.6L 4x2 , Deep Wedgewood Blue/Harvest Gold, 3.55 Limited Slip, Bench Seats, 6 Disc CD Changer, Ford Bed Liner, Bed Extender, Class III Tow Group, Ford Platform Steps, Ford Bug Shield.

Mods: Astro-Cap EuroLid (Fiberglass Hard Tonneau), Husky Liners, Clarion Camouflage PSWFF15T Powered Subwoofer and 4 SRC5753 Component Plate Speakers.

Future Mods: K&N Filter, Ford 4x4 Front Bumper Valance?, Paint existing Grill Insert or switch with other model e.g. Expedition or SVT?, Ford Molded Mud Guards, Seat Cover(s)?

 

I posted this awhile back hopeing to generate some discussion on other "detailing" and preservation techniques (and also to practice on UBB code).

I should have addressed it as a question. So here goes...

What do you do to your new truck to protect it for many years of use?

 

Good advice. Most people say they are going to do some of that but do none. A little work now makes it much easier later.
I'm going to save this post and use it as a check list so I don't forget. Just hope my truck arrives before the cold weather sets in

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2001 S-Crew Lariat(Ordered 7-28-00) due late Sept or Oct., 4x4, 5.4, Capt. Chairs, CD changer, Lmt. Slip, Tow Pack, Skid Plates, Slider, Steps, Moonroof, Cargo Cage, Oxford White over Graphite

Future Mods. ARE LSII in silver, Expy Console, Brush guard, Spray on liner.....

 

I opted for the Pro-Tec treatment from the dealer. It is basically everything you described (wax, sealer, scotchgaurd etc.), but I paid to have it done rather than doing it myself ($300). It also includes 4 treatments over the life of the vehicle. So, when I want it done again, they will wax & detail it again.

As for the floor, I custom cut gray marine carpet to fit the entire front and back of the screw floor and then put liners on top. The carpet is mold and mildew proof and can be easily cleaned.

I have only had mine 2 weeks, so not much other detailing has been done.

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2001 Bright Red Supercrew
4X4
5.4 V8

No Mods yet, but they're coming!

Go Bucks!

 

I have done most of this except for waxing under the hood and inner fender wells. Once you have it rustproofed (parafin & cosmoline) you can't run your hand over the paint, let alone a rag with wax!!

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2001 Screw XLT
Oxford White, 5.4L,
Towing, Posi, Slider
Power seat, keyless
bedliner

 

Wingnut33,

That sounds like a great deal. It sounds like you are basically getting 5 full detail jobs which would run $100-$150 each on a vehicle the size of the SCrew. Good tip on the marine carpet.

I haven't seen a protection package as reasonably priced as yours. Did it come with warranties against stains etc... too?

To others,

Do you have other long term care/protection suggestions, hints, tips, or tricks?

 

OK Crew,

Yea, it included their version of 'scotch-gaurding' the interior. It also included adding some high-tech rust proffing gadget that connects to my battery. It sends a constant stream of electrons thru the paint to keep it from oxidizing. According to them, the first step in oxidation is the loss of electrons.

You can read about the entire package, products and company at www.getted.com

Let me know what you think.



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2001 Bright Red Supercrew
4X4
5.4 V8

No Mods yet, but they're coming!

Go Bucks!