Keeping your truck prestine?!

Do you use the mothers power ball??? If you do not, its an attachment that fits on the end of your drill.

KH

 

I would clay the whole truck, then wax, then wash. So it would be much easier to wipe down. There's also show room detailed that's meant only for show but it really shine it up.
Be careful with tire shine product, it makes the tire slippery.

Use to own a camaro and would detail that car everyday. From buffering, claying to cleaning the nuts and bolts! If you love your truck you will take care of it everyday!

 

I find it much simpler to just watch my paint chip off.

 

It's worth it using a clay bar. Picks up dirt you never seen. Makes it smooth and easier to wipe dirt on top. Probably takes me 10 minutes to wipe down with details but a truck is a different story, might need a ladder for that!

 

Big D, I'm in the same boat. We run oilfield, so constantly in dust, dirt, mud, etc. It's a lot to keep up with, and some days (depending on where the job is and if it is muddy or not) it's futile to even try. But, I take pride in my ride, and enjoy cleaning it. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction when someone compliments my truck, because oilfield trucks don't often get compliments. It certainly isn't a show truck, and the type of work we do means that it never will be. But that doesn't mean that I can't do everything in my power to keep it clean.

What I have noticed is: 90% of the time you see another vehicle is from the FRONT. Therefore, I spend a lot of time each day cleaning bugs and junk off the front end, windshield, fronts of mirrors, etc. When someone sees a truck coming at them and the sun is shining off the grill, the first thing they think is "Man, that's a nice truck." I keep a bottle of Dawn dish soap, a container with a lid, and a high-powered spray bottle under the bunk. Each day (sometimes several times), I mix up a soapy solution and spray the front end and let it soak (best done either indoors or in the shade). Then, I take my container of soapy water, and use a scrubber (bought at Wal Mart, made for bugs, won't scratch paint) and wipe the bugs away. This will leave streaks, but bugs are gone. Then spray some clean water (or glass cleaner) and use a towel to remove streaks. I use this same procedure on the wheels and other chrome/aluminum/shiny parts.

I also spend a fair amount of time with some Mothers and a couple of clean towels. Hand polish the wheels as time allows. I usually do 2 at a time. The other day I pulled into the shade and did both steers. I find it's not too hard to stay on top of the polishing part, but I just need to wipe the dirt and grime off every day.

Now, this is just how I do things. I'm sure there are better ways. I'm glad you started this thread because I love hearing how others treat their trucks. I can always learn better/faster/easier ways of keeping it looking good.

 

Just drive at night and put lots of chicken lights on and you'll always look awesome no matter how dirty it is.