Washing

[02Silverado]

Just wondering how your ride gets cleaned.

*edit* by mobile detailer I mean mobile detailer and wash. Most mobile detailers also do washes. So if you choose mobile detailer then that means you have one come to your house and "wash" you ride.

[454ss]

I do all the washing and waxing myself....at shows the wife cleans the windows and wheels.:D

[BC Rod and Custom]

90% of the time i do it myself but sometimes i'm too lazy and just take to the drive thru detailer.

[2002-Z71]

OOhh, a very sensitive topic to me. My truck only receives hand washes. I would never trust any one else to do it. And for goodness sake, why would I even take it through a car wash. Mine is washed with a lambskin mit soft as a baby's bottom. I even have a seperate mitt that is only used on the rocker panels. I also use a seperate one on any mud or other things. I take real good care of it.

[02Silverado]

Originally posted by 2002-Z71
OOhh, a very sensitive topic to me. My truck only receives hand washes. I would never trust any one else to do it. And for goodness sake, why would I even take it through a car wash. Mine is washed with a lambskin mit soft as a baby's bottom. I even have a seperate mitt that is only used on the rocker panels. I also use a seperate one on any mud or other things. I take real good care of it.
Thats what I like to hear:D

[454SuperSport]

I am the same way with mine. only i wash it. i have different buckets for the top, rockers+wheels+undercarriage, and a seperate mitt for all. i even clean the fenderwells, rear axle, control arms, and whatever i can reach with my brush. the bottom of my truck is just as clean (if not cleaner) than the top. and i only use meguires products, because i wash it all the time and couldn't afford to order that much zaino, but meguires is the next best product. i have to be like this because the truck is black and every little imperfection will stand out.

[rollinstyle]

Mines black too, but I just don't have enough time to do all that stuff.:( Plus, it already had some minor scratchtes when I bought it.

[BIGBADSILVERADO]

EEEWWWW MUD...whats that?

Anyhow....My truck is only touched by ME. (heck, I've still got that annoying steering wheel rattle..you think I'm going to let the "BOYS" at my local dealership touch it...NOT!) I've been using products made by GRIOTS GARAGE (http://www.griotsgarage.com) for many years now with the greatest results ever! Before I bought my SILVERADO, I owned a black SUBURBAN and this truck always looked like it just came out of the showroom! The crew at GRIOTS GARAGE was also very helpfull when it came to helping me in times of trouble...road tar, bird poop, tree sap..ect....

I'm not a paid supporter of their product line but I should be with all of the people I've turned in their direction!:D

TIPS, TIPS, TIPS and even more TIPS on their website!

Try them out...you won't use anything else ever again!

And if you have not already guessed..I wash my own truck!

[ssbogger]

I wash it because the people at the local auto car wash cussed me when i brought it in there because it was too muddy...they told me i should have rinsed all the big stuff off before i got there.....the funny thing is, is that i did rinse it before i got there!:D

I also wash it myself becaue my truck wont fit in the car wash anymore:head:

[1badgmc]

I'm the only one who touches my truck! Washing is quality time for my baby and I! :D:D

[sjf323]

Hmmmm lets me see i've had my truck since Jan '02 and its been washed twice......what can i say I live in southeast Texas and it is always raining and plus I'm in college and I work.....ok ok I'm just a lazy Fu(ker.........:devil:


scott

[Jokeman]

It happens a few times a year.
Basically never.:D :D :D

[CKTA]

I wash mine.:D

[Sierra Sam]

Only hand washing for me, too, using Zaino products. I usually wash it at least once a week, as well as vacuum the seats, carpet, and floor mats. If it has rained, I'll use low pressure from the hose with a gentle shower nozzle, then blow the truck off with an electric blower, then hand dry the remaining water with a 100% cotton towel. I do the tires and wheels first, using Zaino car wash for the chrome wheels and Westley's Bleach White and a stiff brush for the tires. I also clean the wheel wells and anything else I can reach with a long-handled brush while I'm cleaning the tires. Then I empty the bucket and refill with Zaino and start on the body from the top down.

If it hasn't rained, I'll use a bucket of clear water and clean white towels to do the old 3-towel wash. Every other wash I'll do the engine bay, and about 3 or 4 times a year I'll remove the wheels and clean the insides and back of the tires.

The older I get, the longer it takes!:wow: :wow: :wow:

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Sierra Sam
Only hand washing for me, too, using Zaino products. I usually wash it at least once a week, as well as vacuum the seats, carpet, and floor mats. If it has rained, I'll use low pressure from the hose with a gentle shower nozzle, then blow the truck off with an electric blower, then hand dry the remaining water with a 100% cotton towel. I do the tires and wheels first, using Zaino car wash for the chrome wheels and Westley's Bleach White and a stiff brush for the tires. I also clean the wheel wells and anything else I can reach with a long-handled brush while I'm cleaning the tires. Then I empty the bucket and refill with Zaino and start on the body from the top down.

If it hasn't rained, I'll use a bucket of clear water and clean white towels to do the old 3-towel wash. Every other wash I'll do the engine bay, and about 3 or 4 times a year I'll remove the wheels and clean the insides and back of the tires.

The older I get, the longer it takes!:wow: :wow: :wow:


:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

[sjf323]

Originally posted by Sierra Sam
Only hand washing for me, too, using Zaino products. I usually wash it at least once a week, as well as vacuum the seats, carpet, and floor mats. If it has rained, I'll use low pressure from the hose with a gentle shower nozzle, then blow the truck off with an electric blower, then hand dry the remaining water with a 100% cotton towel. I do the tires and wheels first, using Zaino car wash for the chrome wheels and Westley's Bleach White and a stiff brush for the tires. I also clean the wheel wells and anything else I can reach with a long-handled brush while I'm cleaning the tires. Then I empty the bucket and refill with Zaino and start on the body from the top down.

If it hasn't rained, I'll use a bucket of clear water and clean white towels to do the old 3-towel wash. Every other wash I'll do the engine bay, and about 3 or 4 times a year I'll remove the wheels and clean the insides and back of the tires.

The older I get, the longer it takes!:wow: :wow: :wow:

DAYUM now thats what I call washing your truck!!:head: :head:

[DemoN]

i usually let the guys at a local detailer shop to wash it for me every saterday morning, then, if it's the first weekend of the month, i spend about 2 hours hand waxing it with black wax. Every other weekend i use turtle wax "Express wax" to put a high shine on it. By the time i'm done, it's so shiny that i can use it as a shaving mirror.

After waxing, i shine up all the chrome and "armour all" the bumpers and mirrors.

It usually takes me about 3 hours in the morning to do my truck, and i consider it "quality time" LOL

[slammedchevy01]

I ALWAYS hand wash my own truck...Cant trust them other fools except you 02 LOL. I use all Meguiar's products accept the Eagle One Tire Shine for the Wet Look. I got a Lambskin or sheepskin Mit or somethin like that for the body and a reg old mit the the CHrome tips and behind the rear tires since they kick up alot of road dirt . Then I have a seperate one for the B. Coddingtons to keep em lookin like new and gleamin'. I do the rims last so I can dry em without gettin' spots. Dry the truck with a Chamois and Better than new! Every once in awhile apply Quik Detailer from Meguiars and Occasional wax. I gotta garage so It stays pretty damn clean just gets a lil dusty......! I luv meguiars! I do all the lil stuff to like vacuum condition leather and shine up the engine bay.......!Fun Stuff! Easier for us Lowered guys to wash....:D hehe

[quadcab4x4]

Originally posted by slammedchevy01
I ALWAYS hand wash my own truck...Cant trust them other fools except you 02 LOL. I got a Lambskin or sheepskin Mit or somethin like that for the body and a reg old mit the rear tires since they kick up alot of road dirt . Then I have a seperate one for the B. Coddingtons to keep em lookin like new and gleamin'. I do the rims last so I can dry em without gettin' spots. Dry the truck with a Chamois and Better than new!

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :word:

[gil_bo]

same here , i wash it myself, in fact i just finished washing it.

[Loki]

Originally posted by BIGBADSILVERADO
EEEWWWW MUD...whats that?

Anyhow....My truck is only touched by ME. (heck, I've still got that annoying steering wheel rattle..you think I'm going to let the "BOYS" at my local dealership touch it...NOT!) I've been using products made by GRIOTS GARAGE (http://www.griotsgarage.com) for many years now with the greatest results ever! Before I bought my SILVERADO, I owned a black SUBURBAN and this truck always looked like it just came out of the showroom! The crew at GRIOTS GARAGE was also very helpfull when it came to helping me in times of trouble...road tar, bird poop, tree sap..ect....

I'm not a paid supporter of their product line but I should be with all of the people I've turned in their direction!:D

TIPS, TIPS, TIPS and even more TIPS on their website!

Try them out...you won't use anything else ever again!

And if you have not already guessed..I wash my own truck!

I heard about a guy that owns a civic that used that stuff for a while, and he said it worked pretty good (no import jokes i used to have one) I don't think that i would ever use a brush on my paint though. It just scares me...I mean
http://www.griotsgarage.com/images/products/lg/66073_LG.jpg
That looks like it would leave swirls in my paint. I use the lambskin mits, and i use 2 differant buckets, and 2 differant mits. I don't clean the rims and tires with them i just use a towel, because they are just stockers, but once i get some rims, I will be more careful...I just got done washing and waxing today again :D and it looks marvelous. No more Zaino left, so I used meguiars and still looks good :D

[02Silverado]

Ya that is defiantly not good...and that looks like a Porsche. :cussing:

[Y2kand1Sierra]

I always hand wash mine....I have an old bucket I use with some old rags my wife was gonna throw away and I usually get the nice smelling lemon dawn so its lemony fresh......:gone2far: :bull:

[quadcab4x4]

Originally posted by Y2kand1Sierra
I always hand wash mine....I have an old bucket I use with some old rags my wife was gonna throw away and I usually get the nice smelling lemon dawn so its lemony fresh......:gone2far: :bull:

Thats always good :D But if you use that big brush/thick brissels they have out at the DIY car wash you can get your ride looking much better :LOL: :LOL: :gone2far::looking::bull:

[BigJ96]

Honestly, I am scared for Anyone else to clean my truck! I don't even let my fiance help (except on windows). I believe I could have a complete rust bucket and still would not want someone or something else to do it. I would rather it be dirty than let one of those drive through thingys touch it. I am a youth pastor at my church and when we have car washes for fundraisers we use my equipment. I still wash my truck at home before the fundraiser so that my stuff does not have to touch my truck on new terrain. I try to trust people, but I draw the line when it comes to washing my vehicles. Must protect my investment.

[Loki]

Originally posted by BigJ96
Honestly, I am scared for Anyone else to clean my truck! I don't even let my fiance help (except on windows). I believe I could have a complete rust bucket and still would not want someone or something else to do it. I would rather it be dirty than let one of those drive through thingys touch it. I am a youth pastor at my church and when we have car washes for fundraisers we use my equipment. I still wash my truck at home before the fundraiser so that my stuff does not have to touch my truck on new terrain. I try to trust people, but I draw the line when it comes to washing my vehicles. Must protect my investment.


Good man....you're about as picky as i am...i hardly even let my wife open and close her door because she puts finger prints on it...so if that gives you a clue on how anal i am :D

[DemoN]

Originally posted by Loki



Good man....you're about as picky as i am...i hardly even let my wife open and close her door because she puts finger prints on it...so if that gives you a clue on how anal i am :D

You've washed your truck?:confused: when'd that happen???:read: :dunce:

[Loki]

Originally posted by DemoN


You've washed your truck?:confused: when'd that happen???:read: :dunce:

shut up you 4x traitor :D

[DemoN]

Originally posted by Loki


shut up you 4x traitor :D

once again, ya punka$$ bastage, it's not 4X4!! :cussing: :cussing: dammit:cussing: :middle:

[Loki]

Originally posted by DemoN


once again, ya punka$$ bastage, it's not 4X4!! :cussing: :cussing: dammit:cussing: :middle:

sure it isn't...:LOL:

[DemoN]

:LOL: :LOL:

YEAH?! well...well...it may be higher then yours but AT LEAST IT'S SLOWER!! oh.....wait......DAMMIT!:cussing: :cussing:

[02Silverado]

Originally posted by DemoN
:LOL: :LOL:

YEAH?! well...well...it may be higher then yours but AT LEAST IT'S SLOWER!! oh.....wait......DAMMIT!:cussing: :cussing: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

[Loki]

Originally posted by 02Silverado
:LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

so are we laughing with him or at him :D :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

[02Silverado]

Originally posted by Loki


so are we laughing with him or at him :D :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

:think: both but mostly at him:D

[mrflames]

i do all the outside stuff on the truck and my wife dose alll the inside stuff she better at that then i am :crazy:

[silverado4x4]

I let my son wash them both...........once a week!!!!!!! hahaha....i help him most of the time though. Once i told him the tahoe was gonna be his he started taking three to four hours on it...... :D

[02Silverado]

Originally posted by silverado4x4
I let my son wash them both...........once a week!!!!!!! hahaha....i help him most of the time though. Once i told him the tahoe was gonna be his he started taking three to four hours on it...... :D

:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: you better keep your word or he will be one pissed off kid.:D

[KLEEN KUT]

i would NEVER send my ride to a carwash, cuz they just want u to "pay and get outta the way!"
not to mention i am concerned enough about getting ALL the soap off the paint. and please don't get me started on their harsh tire cleaners which can damage the wheels. ;)
Siyé

[BuiltupBowtie]

one time I my girlfriend washed my suv for me when I had a broken leg needless to say I ended up re doing it after she left.

[Mauro]

I wash mine all the time, for 2 reasons, 1) I can't fit in normal car washes....:bawl: and 2) the hand car washes around here want more than $20 to wash my truck! Thats some beer money! :) So I save my quarters all week long and go to the self serve car washes and it usually takes me around an hour, depending on how dirty it is....one a side note, I really miss being able to on the way home from work driving it through a Jack's Car Wash for $5.95 just to get it clean......oh well, maybe when I'm rich and can afford both a 2WD and a 4WD.....:D

[raywwatch]

I wash my truck whenever it needs it and use Blue Coral soap, I use Westley's Bleche-white to clean the tires. I dry it with the Absorber cloth (it lasts for years, mine is on it's 3rd truck) to keep from getting water spots. I have 2 coats of Zaino on now and use the spray detailer every other time that I wash it. I use white cotton towels with the Zaino products. The tires get a coat of Tire Foam and that's only done out on the street because it eats up the pavement on the driveway. The interior doesn't get done as often as the exterior but I use the Electrolux on that. When I wash the interior windows I use a wet towel to wash and a dry to clean. It works better than most glass cleaners.

:fsg:

[BadSilveradoZ71]

Originally posted by raywwatch
When I wash the interior windows I use a wet towel to wash and a dry to clean. It works better than most glass cleaners.

I've noticed this too. As far as glass cleaners, I have found the best ones to use are in the aerosol cans.

[Dixie]

I use a soft brush on Dixie. I usually use the soap at the office which I think is still a Momar soap. I tried that California squeege thing and it sucked a$$. I do better with some towels the wife has yet to put in the washer. When I had white letter stuff we had some stuff that was basically westies once again from Momar that cleaned it up ready for more armorall. Mines not show quality but I don't let anyone else mess with either Dixie or the blazer.gp:damnit:

[DeMcNtRyBoY]

wow guys i used to do all that stuff untill i started haulin stuff in it.. and i figure that i can just get another paint job..oh well cant do anything now cause its damn winter!!!!!:cussing:

[tpirocz]

i generaly wash it my self. if i have the time i was and clay bar, then use zaino :cool: but sometimes if its very drity and im short on time i go to the car wash and use the spray it yourself deal.

[likaroc13]

how many hours does it usually take u to wash/dry? btw, i wash mine myself every chance i get...once it gets too cold, i take it and let someone wash it...i'm very picky about who washes it tho, as all of u are too:)

[mrflames]

i do it all bye myself

[ODPHISIERRA2K]

it depends, with no time, i will go to a DIY carwash with the pressure sprayer. If its a lazy afternoon, and i am visiting my family, then i will do it in their driveway. I live in an apt so i cant really do it at my place.

[surfib]

My buddy owns a mobile detailing business so he an i detail my truck twice a week. My 97 tahoe is spoiled. Mike

[96Z-71]

i do all my self:D :D

[BC Rod and Custom]

A good sunday wash takes me about 3-4 hours. The Z doesn't get a bath very often anymore though since I work 50 hours a week and take 13 hours of night classes at the local college. I've got my head buried in books and too busy to wory about washing my bucket anymore.

[IronMan2003]

I don't even know how to wash a vehicle... Defiently in a little over a year when I paint the truck I'll start doing it once a week by myself but until then... Car wash... $6. Lift and so on first...

[4x4K1500]

I wash mine I like the Mr. Clean thing and I use a lot of Mothers waxes and polishes. And some sweet tire shine

[tek]

all zaino products... 3-4 hours for outside plus another 1-2 inside.. its black so it's clean for about ten minutes then i walk out and get pissed off cause the dust is already collecting..

[CrazyMan]

I wash mine about every two weeks. I get to park under a dirty ass oak tree with lots of birds. I won't cut down the tree, so I have to put in a carport or wash my rides more often.

BTW I F#@*in' HATE bird poop !!!:cussing:

[ZachMan]

I'm a full time student and work fulltime as a CADD drafter at a civil engineering firm and I still find plenty of time to wash my truck once a week , myself.

[Wasted Income]

I'm an engineering intern at PDQ Manufacturing, Inc. This is the company that makes the LaserWash brand auto touchless car washes.
http://www.pdqinc.com/images/laserwash-4000/newLW4000.jpg
http://www.pdqinc.com/laserwash-g5/LWG5S.jpg

As you can imagine, we have 2 R&D test bays out back that we can use whenever we want. I basically get a $12 wash for free every day, sometimes I wash both trucks in a day.

Come to think of it, it's time to leave work...better go wash my truck :idiot: :D

[XxVortecChevyxX]

thats awesome i would love to be able to wash my car everyday

[Snafudilligad]

thats awesome i would love to be able to wash my car everyday

Not paint friendly.

[cxpcman]

i wash my truck myself with a mop and palmolive or dawn

[eyeball03]

EEEWWWW MUD...whats that?

Anyhow....My truck is only touched by ME. (heck, I've still got that annoying steering wheel rattle..you think I'm going to let the "BOYS" at my local dealership touch it...NOT!) I've been using products made by GRIOTS GARAGE (http://www.griotsgarage.com) for many years now with the greatest results ever! Before I bought my SILVERADO, I owned a black SUBURBAN and this truck always looked like it just came out of the showroom! The crew at GRIOTS GARAGE was also very helpfull when it came to helping me in times of trouble...road tar, bird poop, tree sap..ect....

I'm not a paid supporter of their product line but I should be with all of the people I've turned in their direction!:D

TIPS, TIPS, TIPS and even more TIPS on their website!

Try them out...you won't use anything else ever again!

And if you have not already guessed..I wash my own truck!
You should get that steering rattle fixed,I did, mines like new again, intermediate shaft, replaced, I understand how you feel though, I wash mine too!

[Bagged02]

uh mikes car wash 5.00 per wash and its spotless

[Loki]

i wash my truck myself with a mop and palmolive or dawn
i truely hope that is just a poor attempt at humor, because if not...you're in for a new paint job sooner than you would like to be,.

[oldred95]

My grandpa used a mop on his car, but he could care less about how the paint looks. I use dawn to get all the wax off that way I can put some more wax back on.

[IronMan2003]

Whats wrong with cleaning it with a mob? I almost thought it was a good idea lol

If your not gona wax it and so on... it shouldnt ruin it.......

[oldred95]

A car wash is easier. With a mop you have to clean it out and pick up all your buckets and crap when your done. At the car wash you just hop in and go.

[eyeball03]

i wash my truck myself with a mop and palmolive or dawn
Hey! I use to wash my vehicles with dish washing stuff (joy was my favorate) It removes all your wax, and F's up the paint. Try any cheap car soap ya get at the auto stores. I learned the hard way!!

[procomp]

I wash mine don't fit in drive thru car washes

[mudpuppy]

If by 'wash' you mean drive it through a mudhole... then yes, I do wash my obs..
My nbs is still 400kms away sitting in my dads driveway waiting for me to pick it up :cussing: ... I have to sell my obs first, so will someone explain this "washing" thing :dunno: :LOL:

[Cowboy Silverado]

I get out and do it every weekend as long as the weather is nice :crazy:

[Yzingerr]

i wash my truck myself, dont trust anyone else to do it...especially the stupid brushes at the car wash that tear up your wax and clearcoat!

[cxpcman]

i truely hope that is just a poor attempt at humor, because if not...you're in for a new paint job sooner than you would like to be,.
not an attempt at humor... is true!!! dont care about the paint is old and i hate the color now ... so a mop is great and fast

[Bryan TTM]

i wash mine sometimes, if i have time cause i'm like most of you...i want it done right...i want to see new problems as soon as i can(really dont want to see em but its better than a surprize when you dont need it)...i enjoy my vehicles...but about once a month i use a mobil detailer, usually when i have no time...but my favorite form of vehicle washing & detailing is my 14yr old son...he's the best & then i let him drive em, he loves that...i think its important to teach the next gen of drivers all aspects of cars & trucks...kids are sponges and want ole dad involved in thier lives...especially if he's a cool dad

[Bryan TTM]

WAIT..i told you guys wrong...my FAVORITE way to get my stuff cleaned is to have my gorgeous wife do the nekid shine :hump: :hump: :hump:

[04Rado]

I always wash them myself. I use two buckets, one with wool mit for the body and the other bucket and wool mit for the lower part of the body and a brush for the wheels and wheel wells. The only thing is, I use meguires gold class wash and I use probably 1/4 cup of soap each time but the suds do not last. I have tried several off the shelf brands and have not found a good wash. Any recommendations?

[Bullwinkle]

Use more soap. I buy whatever car wash soap that comes in the biggest bottle (usually turtle wax, 1 gallon bottle) & dump it in the bucket liberally. I probably use 2 or 3 cups of soap in a 5 gallon bucket, and fill the bucket 2/3rds full. It stays sudsy the whole time.

[ianbroste]

when you guys say you dont like the drive thru washes are you talking about the touchless drive through washes cause those are all that i use.

[rideinmychevy]

i dont knwo if i can put this here but i have a 2005 silverado and i went to the pressure washer to give her a bath but my buddy said that liek the first year if you use a pressure washer it could ruin your paint because its still "drying" or what ever

[ianbroste]

if you get a brand new paint job ive heard about people waiting for like a month but never a year for the paint to cure.

[rideinmychevy]

any body else i already power washed my truck liek 2 tiems but i havent since i heard it could mess the paint up ????? any one know thansk

[4.8Silv4x4]

I do it myself, if I got time, I like to go to the car wash, powerwash it and then pull it into their parking lot and finish detailing it

[silveradothunda]

I wash and wax my truck myself; because I don't trust anyone else washing it. I wash it every week, I spray wax it every 2 weeks, I buff it every 2 months, and I polish all my chrome every 2 weeks also. It's a big job, but I do it because I love the to see the truck clean, and I get alot of compliments.

[Loudnfast91]

I wash and wax the truck myself.

[2FNLOUD]

i sometimes let my little brother wash mine....sometimes but for the most part we have a few friends over and wash several vehicles at one time and then go sit at the local eatery and let ppl shower us with compliments :FSCrules:

[Mezikedz71]

Hey guys...
Seen some stuff I wanted to comment on.... Dish washing liquid will sofen your paint. It does take off wax but it also opens you up to more rock chips and can dull your finnish. If you want to strip your car of wax use something like PPG DX-330, it cost a little but it wont harm your clear coat.

Also high presure washers can grind dirt into the paint, kinda like sandblasting your finnish. If you have a ton on mud on your truck, warm water out of a bucket loosens its bond with the body and low presure will remove it the rest of the way (if its really muddy Im sure you wouldnt care about blasting it with a HPW as the finnish has allready taken a beatin)

If your looking for a good car wash that doesnt cost alot and is great on your finnish try Super Foam's Max suds... It works great and costs about 10 bucks for 2 gallons.

Also ditch that armor-all or other sylicone based tire dressing for some Blue Guard. This stuff lasts and lasts and it isnt greasy and smells pretty good to boot. Sylicone will remain in paint and cause damage over time. Also if you ever go to repaint the car, you will have to use a sealer first due to sylicone's tendancy to fish-eye everything. Plus Blue gaurd is about 20 bucks a gallon and a little goes a long way...

Needless to say I detail my own vehicle and genrally takes me all day to do (two days if polishing). I clean the interior by removing the seats and shapooing the carpets, cleaning the plastic and getting the windows last (get the dash dressing overspray off the glass last). I clean the seats outside the truck so I can get all the tracks and mounts shined/lubed up to get that fresh out of the factory look. I install the seats, vaccum the carpets and once over the seats with sealer (like scotch guard). The exterior gets washed with kiss-off first (a degreeser for the rockers,bumpers and grill) to get all the bugs and road tar. Then I rinse her off and start in with the hand wash a section at a time, so that I dont let any soap dry leaving spots. I use a natural sponge to wash her with, and dry her with a micro-fiber towel.
Wax/polish is usually 3M fineese-it II polish with a multi-speed polisher, then some 3M prefect-it, I havent found anything that can beat the combo of the two. Ater the paint is done I get out the blue guard and go over all the trim peices, moldings and plastic. Clean the windows, mirrors ,headlights and taillights. Then polish the crome and wheels with mothers........

Its been a while since I have had time to do all this.. and the truck still looks decent. I did take her off-road a bit and now I have a couple "beauty marks" and "personality dimples" on her finnish, so Im probably not going to be as anal about the paint next summer.....

[PoPo Man]

I have to wash at least ever week. The freakin roads around my house are very dirty so it is a never ending war of wash and polish. It really sucks. I recently started using Zano polish and their gloss enhancer spray. Looks freakin awsome but last about three days. Then dust startes to collect.

[JennaBear]

Justin normally washes and waxes both the trucks....so I guess I have a personal mobile detailer!

[Mr2500HD]

I have never let anyone wash my truck or car.

The car usually gets washed every night when my wife gets home. I do this to get the bugs off and other **** it picks up on the 100 mile/day road trip to work. I'll give it a quick wash during the week, and on the weekend I'll do the full deal--weels, weel wells, etc, etc.

I wax it once a month with Meguiars professional yellow wax, and every 3 months I'll do a full clay/clean/polish/glaze and 2x wax. It's a full day's work. I use a new sponge every time it gets washed--so you guessed it, walmart sells me sponges by the case. The motor gets completely done once a month as well. I've had the car since 2000 and it looks brand spankin new.

The truck however I only drive it on the weekends since I'm in the work truck all week. I've had it just about a year and broke 6100 miles this weekend..lol I'll wash it after we take it out--if it gets bugs or **** on it, then I'll give it a full wash usually Sunday night when I put it up for the week. Every time it gets washed of course the wheel wells get done, and everywhere I can get my hand. If it has rained bad I'll get on the creeper and wash the underside off with the hose and some soapy water in a pump-up sprayer. I usually clean the motor when it starts to get a bit dirty to keep it in like new condition.

Sure I'm a little weird, but I plan to drive the wheels off the truck and the car since I got a hell of a deal on the truck, and dont owe a penny on the car =)

[CrazyMan]

I wash / wax / the works about once a month. I use Meguairs Gold wash and their Gold Class wax. I'm looking to try NXT. I use diluted simple green or something mild on the plastics. I use slightly soapy water on the windows and dry with a microfiber towel inside and out. I wash it at the car wash every few days with just the pressure hose to get the crap off. It's a lot of work. It looks so nice when it's clean. Wish I could say the same for the wife's Mazda. 2 yrs old and looks like about 6. *** cars seem to have low quality paint. Trade off for mechanical reliability ?

[Mezikedz71]

Wish I could say the same for the wife's Mazda. 2 yrs old and looks like about 6. *** cars seem to have low quality paint. Trade off for mechanical reliability ?

mechanical reliability ? LOL.... I wish I could say the same for the 2.5l POS that came in my old ford probe gt..... It was made by mazda and was Oh so fun to find parts for.. I'll probably end up parking that car in a river somewhere....

[AZdragger]

right now the truck needs a good bath, but so far the only water it's seen is from the rains and puddles :gone2far: :gone2far:

[Davey]

The folks around my hood think im some sort of wash freak!! different buckets 3 mits and a river down my street,i dont care what they they think!!! thiers never has looked as good as mine! now the the lawn......well... thats another topic!!

[OKLAGMCRUISER]

:digger:

[slofords]

If you want it done right, do it yourself

[Boondox]

Depends on the season. With snow from late October to mid-May, I wash road salt off it once a week. Till June, it's mud season here so I don't bother. In June, it gets a heck of a nice hand wash and really good wax job, then I wash the sheep manure, hay, firewood debris and dirt off it as needed till September, when it gets another really good hand wash and wax.

Very little pavement around here, so I can't see spending so much time trying to keep it shiny. Heck, my truck works for a living. Pete

[birchssclone]

I always wash it myself. I am too picky and would not be satisfied with anyone ele touching it. I usually spend 4-5 hours for the complete wash/wax

[IgotTHEz71]

lately, it seems like the only time the truck gets washed is when i take it in for an oil change, and they give a free wash. with the rain and pollen down here it's just not worth it to me, wash ur black truck and it is YELLOW an hour after you are done

[RidenHigh88]

My dads got an 97 Suburban Choo Choo Cutstom. I recently got my license about 3 months ago and my truck (85 chevy silverado) is being all redone and the whole 9 yards So i have been driven his Suburban which is supercharged and all to so is pretty mean. But i have been washing it every week and waxing once a month. I'm not a normal kid thats just washes daddys truck lol. I go out and buy the best stuff i can afford even if it is off the shelf at pepp boys lol. I usually start off by cleaning all the wheels with Meguires Wheel cleaner. Then the white walls with Wesleys Bleach White and a brillo pad. I cant remember the name but it says Liquid glass on it i believe but i use about a lid full of that with the bucket filled 3/4 the way to wash the truck with. Then the windos i use Invisible glass with newspaper to wipe it dry with ( News paper is the best stuff to use..no Towel dusties). Then i use Teflon Tire wet on the tires and i have special sponges to wipe the tires with so its just a nice coat and not soaking and dripping wet. Then i use the small Turtle wax tub they sell to wax the truck with. The interior gets fully vacumed and armoraled. I usually spend about 3 hours washing the truck. My moms jeep cherokee on the other hand...6 dollar drive through car wash lol.

[Z71kid05]

carwashes leave all kinds of scraches on my truck!!! :flipoff:

[jrmyrnsm]

I've had my truck for about 8 months and washed it once cause I had taken it through a mud hole and had to wash it for almost an hour to get all the mud off. But I'm in college and really dont have much access to a hose but I'll wash her again over the summer when I'm home.

[97Chebbie]

I've had my truck for about 8 months and washed it once cause I had taken it through a mud hole and had to wash it for almost an hour to get all the mud off. But I'm in college and really dont have much access to a hose but I'll wash her again over the summer when I'm home.I know what you mean about only washing when you come home. During the semester I only washed my truck when I came home since my truck just sits in the parking lot collecting dust when I'm on campus since I mostly walk everywhere except for the occasional Wal-Mart run. Over the summer my truck will be washed and waxed a lot more often not that I'll be driving it a lot to work or summer classes.

[donthaveaclue]

same here , i wash it myself, in fact i just finished washing it.


i did mine yesterday. it got a rubbing with some finr compound then a nice coat of eagel one polish. for the most part i wash my vehicles when i have time if not then it runs thru the local clean'er up.

[dwpepper]

I wash my truck myself...I enjoy doing it, and I KNOW that it it done right....the only trouble is finding the time to do it!!!!!

[85-bowtie]

I am the only one to touch my 85 Silverado, so it is washed by hand (it's my baby, and my first vehicle, so you guys should understand)

On the other hand, my 92 S-10 only sees water when it rains, because it's just a rusty old work truck.

[hector228]

i used to work at a car wash, so usually i would wash my truck there. I would use all the products they had for free as long as i was off the clock. but now, since i don't work there, i hand wash my own truck about twice a week, (depends if it rains), then i wax it every two weeks. i also use the same wax on my rims and to tell you the truth, that wax works really good on the rims. i love spending time on my truck. but now that i've seen that most of you guys use zaino, i think i'll give it a try and see what it does. I've heard of it before, my girlfriends bro. uses zaino on his 01 camaro Z28 and it is beautiful, even for a black car. So i guess i'll give it a try.

[cobra0478]

Local detailer gets both my trucks once each week.
Don

[shavednclean94]

i just tell my girlfriend to do it ...it worked once.....but other than that i wash the whip myself

[jfree81762]

I tried hand washing it today, got the engine bay done and went around the house to find my 3YO dropping rocks and bark into the AC fan for the house. 5 minutes is more than enough time for a toddler to find trouble. Just gonna drive through a car wash on my way up to Logan tomorrow to see how bad the trade-in for my truck will be on a 98 Z28 they have... I do however remember the old days when a hand wash is all I'd do, even on my old 95 contour.

[CamaroGuy87132]

I do it

[smokinjoez]

Back when I had my S-10 Blazer, my wife and I went to a car wash to get the salt off. It was during winter so the doors were closed. You put the money in, the doors open, and you drive in. After the truck was washed, the back door opens, the dryer starts and you drive out. Well, the back door opened, we started driving by the dryers and all of the sudden the door came down right on the hood!! We pulled up to the gas station and got the attendant to come out and look at the crease in the hood. I think she was doubtful about what happened. Right at that moment, the back door to the car wash opens and another car comes out slowly through the dryer. Same thing, door came down right on the hood. This was a brand new car too. She pulls up and she gets out and she is PISSED. Well, long story short, the car wash had to pay for a new hood and the painting to match. When I look back at it now it is kind of funny. Imagine going through the dryer and watching the door come down. You are too shocked to back up (plus it drops kind of fast) and all you can do is just watch. Anyway, I usually wash it myself unless there are a lot of bugs after a long trip.

[deaconlew]

Me! Meg's products mainly, except for Turle Wax's "Chrome Polish," and F21 for wheel wells and dash.

[swaptrex]

do it myself...

[phatchevy06]

Gotta do it myself. Machines and other people can't be trusted...lol. They miss too many of the fine details. Sometimes though after I've already washed it, if I get a lil bit of mud or dirt on it by the next weekend, THEN, I MIGHT consider just runnin' through the car wash. But nothing compares to the :bling: of a good hand washed vehicle.

[crxmotorsports]

100% personal hand wash, every time.

[MISTA350]

wash mine every two weeks.....if I have the time

[SierraSLT]

Car Wash = Every two weeks...

That about to change that I will go for hand wash in few weeks when the weather will get warmer and less rain (hopefully!)

[JDBSC1]

Auto car wash never gets it clean. If I go to detailer express they always mess it up too. If you want it done right do it yourself. :fsc:

[BIZILL]

Black Truck...no Other Choice But To Do It Myself, To Be Sure It's Done Right!

[96chevywhip]

I go to the Do It Your Self car washes and spray it and vacuum everything, and usually bring all my products with me and pull out and finish the detailing. I use the Black Magic cleaner for the tires and all the trim and then obviously Armor All for the interior and a nice Chamois to dry it off.

[Hunter]

I havnt washed mine since November, it used to be onyx black but now its dark gray.

[03FullsizeON22s]

I try to wash mine every week or two at least. I do the wash myself. Its hard for me to trust anybody else to wash it. The Drive through car washs never get my truck clean enough its a waste of money.

[Black-Jacket]

no one tocuhes my truck except myself,

[navihawk]

i usually let the guys at a local detailer shop to wash it for me every saterday morning, then, if it's the first weekend of the month, i spend about 2 hours hand waxing it with black wax. Every other weekend i use turtle wax "Express wax" to put a high shine on it. By the time i'm done, it's so shiny that i can use it as a shaving mirror.

After waxing, i shine up all the chrome and "armour all" the bumpers and mirrors.

It usually takes me about 3 hours in the morning to do my truck, and i consider it "quality time" LOL
Is that the tutle wax "color cure" stuff?

[carjeloz]

I make my husband do it

[Atomic]

it takes me all day to do mine, that 9:30 to 1 would never work for me, 9:30 to 8 maybe for the full thing inside and out

No one touches it but me, not even to clean the windows.

i wash it off maybe once a week, wash once every 2 weeks and wash, clay, wax, etc maybe once a month.

[jpstreetracer95]

i wash my truck myself. even though my paint isnt in excelent condition and i got a few of those grocery store mystery dents i'm still pretty particular.the only thing i let my girlfrind do is shammy the water off of it. i let her and her friend wash it once but after it was done i went back and washed it again. one time i went to a party right after i washed it and this kid i knew thought it would be funny to put his hands and face on the window so i rolled it down and cracked him in the jaw...yea i was pissed about the finger prints. i do the two bucket thing and change the water after i do the wheels and rockers. i use one of those big soft car wash brushes. it normally takes about 3 hours inside and out. i try to wash it once a week but i only get to wax it about twice a year.

[chevyz71man]

I wash mine myself. Wax it a couple times a year and wash it maybe ever 3 months or so... It gets sprayed off with a pressure washer to get the mud off in between that time though.

[nebraskaz71]

Basic touch up about 1.5 hrs washing/drying. Basic wax detail 3-4 hrs, wheel polish few hrs, full show detail I need about three days almost full days and then about 3hrs at theshow hehe

[caliking]

I went to a car wash the other day, and these foolio's left my driver side window cracked.My driver side seat was soaked. I will be the only one giving my baby a bath for now on.

[Kunfuzed_420]

When I am not offshore I always wash it my self. When i am offshore, my wife gets it detailed

[1realZ71]

Other fingers on my truck is like other fingers on my woman.I'm sure you know how I feel about that.:guns:

[305ho]

Me and only me. When the kids ask if they can help I say wash your mothers van. I always have to rewash her van but it keeps the kids off my truck. I let them help wash my monte ss once took forever to buff out the scatches.

['96Scrat]

I work in a car wash so my baby gets a $30.00 wash at no cost.:D

I have to do the work but the car wash gives me everything I need to do it.:cool:

[shrubs2000]

I wash my own. The only time I take it to a car wash (brushless)is if I'm away from home. My wife does the windows since I have yet to figure out a way to NOT streak 'em.

[navihawk]

I thought I was starting to get swirl marks until I went over my brothers house and saw his Ram.He has an 04 2500 Ram in black, and he has horrible swirl.Mine you have to bend over around it to try to catch the right light to see any. I think he uses a sponge.:nono:

[Drisco Z71]

well usually i go down to where the local cheerleaders are having a car wash to make money. haha i get my truck washed with a show!:ehcapt:

[phatchevy06]

well usually i go down to where the local cheerleaders are having a car wash to make money. haha i get my truck washed with a show!:ehcapt:
:LOL:

[KickAss89chev]

i'll wash er down with a hose if it gets too dusty or muddy, but other then that, the paint takes a good beating, lol, i havent washed it all summer, haha, but once winter comes, the bottom will be washed regualry, because i dont want rust like i used to!!

[old gezzer]

If you want it done correctly you have to do it your self.

[Bagged 04]

I wash my truck and my girl always cleans my wheels, cause she is better than I.

[Bagged 04]

well usually i go down to where the local cheerleaders are having a car wash to make money. haha i get my truck washed with a show!:ehcapt:

If I ever did that I think I would still have to go home and wash it myself. I have been to a topless car wash, and that was a show! And I didn't go wash the truck afterwards!

Ok I admit it I sat there and watched them wash all the other cars for like 2 or 3 hours afterwards.

[AlwaysFollowed]

Mine never gets touched by anyone but me. No automatic car washes go near my truck.

[jimsprostreet]

does not fit in carwash i do it 2or3 times a year:whatever:

[mjwhoopie]

I'm useing Adams polishes detailing products on all my vehicles. The more I use they're detail spray and car wash soap the better I like it.

I purchased the porter cable polisher and pad kit from Adam's, and am impressed with the pad system that they've developed for it.

[Dustin1]

I will not let anyone wash mine. Washed and waxed it this afternoon, and got the windows tinted.

[fiream400]

I always go to the do it yourself carwash and get the pollen and dust off, then I go home and do the hand wash.
The Trans Am only gets washed by my hand. I took a vacation week last year, just to have a week to clean it, before a show.

[occupant]

When it rains good and hard, I walk outside and throw some soap on it, wipe it off, and let the rain rinse it.

[AGUERRA]

DO IT ALL MYSELF. Scared that if somebody else does it they will f it up and scratch my truck.

[Mark13]

Just got done hand washing it (under my ownership, truck hasnt seen an automatic car wash) and now its snowing. It varies between me doing it in the summer by myself and in the winter my dad helps me wash it (we do it in the nice warm fire stations he works at). The only catch is i have to help wash his. i guess it evens out

[99Suburban]

I do it all myself, most of the time. I've taken through the car wash a couple times, but ya know...

We actually have water restrictions right now and can't do much.

[GREY-GHOST]

I have to go to the do it yourself place, cause I live in the school dorms and I dont have my own yard and garage :bawl:.
But I wash it about every week, vac the floors, clean the engine, wheels, tires, basically a full detail. I never let anyone else wash her. Sometimes I'll let my buddy help me wash off the caked mud after mudding, but only under my supervision.:nono: That usually takes a few hours to get the underbody cause I GET IT ALL.

[SoCalChris]

I haven't washed my truck since September. It's been too cold, if I wash it now the doors will freeze shut. I made that mistake only once.

[Mark13]

I just washed mine today, and now its snowing. O well it was clean for like 7 hrs.

[brne4x4]

I do it myself. I had a mobile guy come do it at work a few times.. it was convenient and he did a really good job cleaning all the mud and crap from the interior, but that got expensive fast and he didnt do the outside justice.

So i make sure i wash it once a week. (Needs to be waxed right now desperately). I clay the truck once or twice a year. Its as smooth as glass. Its great, but then i just go 4 wheeling and ruin it.

I got a little electric pressure washer, and it really helps a lot since its got a wand on it to hit a bunch of spots underneath the truck.

[Trevor350]

I wash my own truck...use mothers, armor all, megiuars and others

[jstnz28]

I wash it myself when I can, but lately most of the time I take it to the hand wash car wash. They do a great job and I can go get a hair cut across the street while they wash it.

[jares99]

I do it at a car wash then dry it

[chevy_rider88]

I wash my trucks at the do it your self place near my house, except for my 88' i wash it by hand but some times i do use the do it your self place during the winter because of the dirty snow getting every where, and its too cold for me to hand wash it but when it gets just warm enough too wash at the car wash i go

[midnight98]

DIY Don't trust the cleanliness of car wash scrubbers.

[jimhrabe]

I normally wash it myself or on a rare occasiopn go to the local hand car wash and they do it

[Z71Nutty]

Summer ME, Winter Holiday drive thru...

[dubgmc]

i do it my self its relaxing to me

[anibolism]

I have a detailing business so I do my truck myself. It gets washed weekly, buffed once a month and express waxed pretty much weekly. I also clay bar it about every 6 months. I'm a FF/Medic and I can usually work on my truck on weekends and after 5 weekdays when i'm on duty which helps a whole lot.

[Savaged]

i hand wash it with a lambskin mit and other basics like liquid car wash, a good vacuuming and armor all all the vinyl, carpet roller on it once in a while, turtle wax platinum, you know the drill. a day off and nice weather and im set.

[navihawk]

This threads still going?Nice dental floss :LOL:

[Silverado_13]

Well... Since I do work at a really nice carwash and I get free anything, I will get it washed there occasionally.

[Proxy]

I wash and wax my vehicles by hand myself.

[00shortbox]

I always had wash and wax my truck, NEVER take it through one of those drive thru carwashes, you don't know what kinds of stuff is in those brushes. The odd time I go to the ones where you pressure wash it yourself, if I'm in a rush or just feel too lazy to spend 2 hours cleaning it at home.

[Pedal2Metal]

Nothing beats a hand wash and wax, brushes scratch, and drive thru pressure washes and even do it yourself dont get all the dirt off unless you scrub it off, but you dont want to use the brush they have, bring your own sponge. i have also heard of car washes recycling water. So you are best of washing your car at home. By a cheap pressure washer if you really think that you need one to make it a little easier.

[Rock_91]

I know this sounds lazy, but I wash my truck twice a year if it needs it or not (and believe me it needs it). I hunt a lot so keeping the truck clean is not an option. I usually wash it after deer/duck season goes out and wash/wax it just before summer. Hey it is black and has the original paint so I guess that is not too bad for a '91.

[DarkCharisma]

I do it myself most of the time, usually just with two mitts, a bucket of soapy water, and a few clean towels I stole out of the bathroom to dry it with.

[Chris @ GGD]

Do it myself :) How else would I do all my product testing :D

[lady3bglover]

I bring mine to the local detailer. I don't have the time for all the nooks and crannies. The Chariot gets the hand wash and wax.

Matter of fact I still have the numbers on it from the track Friday night...think it's time for a was.

Lisa

[BigJohnson]

i always wash mine myself. every few months, usually 2-3, i wax it. every 6 months it gets clay, paint cleaner, polish, and then wax. makes for an all day job... but it sure looks good.

[orangechevy04]

i all ways do it my self mostly because i dont trust anyone else to wash it

[Drpd Fullsize]

I wash my own about 75% of the time. I go to the car wash usually during love bug season when those stupid things get all over your front end, windshield, mirros and everything else ugh!

I also use a mobile detailer or go to a detail shop every now and then to give the rides a good coat of polish.

[chevy 86]

well i usually wash it myself with black magic everything i love that stuff!!! considering the drought we are having the state banned out door water use. i cant stand haveing a dirty truck so i have no choice but to use the drive through even though it does a pretty good job!!!!!!! but i always keep it waxed black magic wet shine!!!!!

[HOMEBREWER]

My self at the wash bay at work.

[89stepside25]

If I had a nice paint job and didn't go offroading... I'd wash it myself.... BUT I needa spray some new paint, then ill do it myself. As for now, Ill go to the car wash I work at.. send it through a few times for free and Im good (a few times... meaning that car washes suck)

[Silverado_13]

Nothing beats a hand wash and wax, brushes scratch, and drive thru pressure washes and even do it yourself dont get all the dirt off unless you scrub it off, but you dont want to use the brush they have, bring your own sponge. i have also heard of car washes recycling water. So you are best of washing your car at home. By a cheap pressure washer if you really think that you need one to make it a little easier.

Actually, unless you use a high enough pressure washer, hand washing will make the dirt on your vehicle act like sandpaper on your clearcoat.

[adro_713]

well i take my 01 silverado to the car wash and wash it my self and i vacum the intirior then i wax it which looks pretty awesome because you only waiste about 5 dollars in the carwash and the wax is only 10 dollars and u are able to use it couple of times:fsc:

[Jersz71]

I do it myself whenver I can, but sucks in Minnesota washing your car outside during the winter, so hello carwash, goodbye salt, for about 20mins at least no salt :)

[JPetrucci84]

I do it, usually every Friday afternoon.

[ksukats57]

i do it once a week

[xAustin]

I do it myself whenver I can, but sucks in Minnesota washing your car outside during the winter, so hello carwash, goodbye salt, for about 20mins at least no salt :)


hear ya on this 1.. i try to carwash mine 2 times a week just to get salt off