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Merian
Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014
Posts: 5212
Location: Orygun
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 Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:30 pm Post subject: Re: Who uses what to clean where? |
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Meguairs ceramic "wax" lasts longer than anything I've ever used - looks as good as their Gold Class Wax.
they have a spray it on version too for the ultra lazy
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BCE56
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013
Posts: 396
Location: So Cal
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| Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2021 12:15 pm Post subject: Re: Who uses what to clean where? |
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Old thread I know.
1) Several years after new paint job I noticed cracks in paint at body seams, orange rust stains showing.
I applied Loctite Extend Rust Neutralizer to the cracks with a q-tip. After two applications the rust turned black, indicating successful conversion. Cracks can now be filled with touchup paint.
2) Tire dressing: I have used 303 protectant with acceptable results for many years. I don't like the "wet look" and I refuse to apply armorall.
When I purchased new tires for my other car recently, the dealer used a product called Tire Shine. Made in USA by REMA TIP TOP, P/N 90017. Package describes it as a "Water based Silicone Dressing, Non-Hazardous and VOC Compliant."
I was pleasantly surprised by this product- it dries to a non-greasy semigloss finish on tires, does not appear to attract dust and has withstood several car washes relatively intact.
I did not find this product locally, so I returned to the dealer and got a bottle from him. I used this yesterday on tires, grilles, bumper ends etc.
Results are promising.
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=BCE56=
'86 Syncro Tintop EJ22, OBD II SmallCar adapter plate conversion
'96 Volvo 850 Turbo
'69 Frankenbug now driven daily. |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1531
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2014 8:14 am Post subject: |
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Wow, wow and WOW!
Finally got around to using my new wax today:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UNOYM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Meguiar's G7016 Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax
Wish I'd done some before and after pictures, but couldn't find the camera! It made all the little white lines everywhere disappear! With out a doubt WAY better than NuFinish! How often do I apply it? I know it's when the water doesn't ball up, but I never really notice the water not balling up, so maybe I'm not waiting enough already? It made the black on my mirrors SHINE. Was I supposed to put it on the black of my mirrors? I actually wasn't planning on it, got some on by accident and then saw how great it looked and finished it off! I'd compare it to how black the Forever Black made everything, but am curious which will last longer!
I used the Forever Black on everything that was black (except the mirrors b/c it didn't occur to me and then I got wax on them). I think that shoe one might have been easier to use, but ***NOTE*** when you get it on the paint, lights or other things, it's REALLY hard to get off. Like REALLY hard. It'd be a genius that invents this stuff in different colours to fix rock chips and stuff in a less damaging way than paint!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FOIJXQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 WOW! It looks so much better! I had to do two coats on the lower grill, didn't get around to a second coat on my upper grill, will see how it looks. Looked a bit patchy, but it was getting dark and the bugs were starting to eat me.
It looks Sooooo much better thanks Kam! 
Then, finally I got around do Whink Rust Remover:
http://www.amazon.com/Whink-01281-Rust-Stain-Remov...st+remover
Not as big a fan of this stuff as everything else b/c it bleached the rust mark out of the fabric. I could have done that for free with the bottle of bleach I have. Or, better yet, the liquid dishwasher bleach soap I have. I'm happy the marks are gone, it looks better, it wasn't expensive, but I wouldn't buy it again, personally...
And, then once clean, I sprayed the 303 Fabric Guard on. The one bottle was enough to do all 4 sides of the canvas. Be careful with the stuff, it says NOT to get on rubber. It made the pop top luggage rack shine when I got some on their by accident. Not really sure what is in the stuff, but don't think it's was very good for the paint!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096PRFC6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now to order the 303 Protectant, thought I had, but must have missed it...Now, I'm all waxed and painted up and can't protect it!
Found the camera:
After
After
Before
Picture makes it look a bit patchy, the top one still looked a bit patchy, but bottom one did not, will have to go and take a look at it again!
Can I put WAX over it to protect it, or is that what the 303 protectant is for?
Thanks!
tam
| kamzcab86 wrote: |
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Do I also need to wax them? |
I don't, but perhaps others do.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Also, which do people prefer and why NuFinish, Turtle Wax or something else? |
I, personally, don't like NuFinish, and that's putting it politely. Turtle Wax is good; can't go wrong with it. I use Meguiar's products.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Oh, and for all the black plastic'ish exterior parts (mirrors, grills, bumper end caps, and wipers), what do people PUT on them to clean them up and revive them a bit? |
Removing wax/polish from black parts: rubbing alcohol, followed by a protectant. To revive that stuff, there are a number of products on the market like Forever Black. If it's all bad enough that it's now a grayish color, Kiwi Shoe Dye works well. To protect plastic and rubber: 303 Aerospace Protectant. If rubber has begun to dry out, use baby oil on it. |
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1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1531
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 10:18 am Post subject: |
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Kam, thank you, thank you and thank you again!
Found everything on Amazon, ordered most of it!
Meguiars Carnauba Wax (liquid), thought I should go easier since it'll be my first time.  I now see why you don't like the NuFinish, I asked my guy why there were white lines all over my paint. What'd he say? It's the NuFinish, I don't like it. LOL Another Vanagon friend told me he loves it. What colour is his Vanagon? White. I get it, personal products for different reasons. LOL
Got the Forever Black, hopefully it helps the situation and does not make it worse!
Got the 303 for the Canvas, but not the detailing one, last bottle is still 1/3 full, will finish it....
Cleaning my Vanagon is far more fun than cleaning my house! LOL
| kamzcab86 wrote: |
Because 20 years ago NuFinish was a crappy product. Used it once, then it sat in a cabinet until it dried out. Perhaps the formula has changed, but there are better products on the market, in my opinion.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Will see if I can swap the Turtle Wax for Meguiars at Canadian Tire. |
Turtle Wax still makes good stuff. Car detailing products are like personal care products: Everyone has their favorites; just because I prefer one brand, doesn't mean you'll prefer it too. Try the Turtle Wax; if it works well and you like it, keep it and try Meguiar's next time.
And, yes, liquid waxes/polishes are easier to use than tub pastes.
This protectant?
http://www.amazon.com/303-Products-30350-Aerospace...protectant |
Both will work, the shoe dye is simply easier to come by in most areas. For some reason, Forever Black is not available at most auto parts stores. Example of what the dye can do:
I used the dye on a portion of my van's lower grille; it worked, but not good enough. My lower grille is beyond standard help at this point. It'll be removed, sanded, and painted.[/quote]
Thanks, it does not look like that, will skip it and see how the other stuff works before ordering anything else....
tam
| nemobuscaptain wrote: |
Rubbing compound is useful for swirls and haziness in your clearcoat.
It's won't work like it did on that Beetle's acrylic enamel paint if you use that rubbing compound on newer clearcoat systems. Once you burn through the clearcoat, the paint is shot and needs to be resprayed. |
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1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
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nemobuscaptain
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Joined: March 07, 2002
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kamzcab86
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Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8563
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 9:51 am Post subject: |
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Rubbing compounds are used on paint that has been allowed to dull and severely oxidize, and usually after polishing compound hasn't done a good enough job. For example:
If your paint doesn't look like the "before" section of that Beetle, don't use a rubbing compound. Instead, use a polish and/or paint cleaner and/or clay bar.
| tam_shops wrote: |
THANKS!
Curious why you do not like NuFinish? |
Because 20 years ago NuFinish was a crappy product. Used it once, then it sat in a cabinet until it dried out. Perhaps the formula has changed, but there are better products on the market, in my opinion.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Will see if I can swap the Turtle Wax for Meguiars at Canadian Tire. |
Turtle Wax still makes good stuff. Car detailing products are like personal care products: Everyone has their favorites; just because I prefer one brand, doesn't mean you'll prefer it too. Try the Turtle Wax; if it works well and you like it, keep it and try Meguiar's next time.
And, yes, liquid waxes/polishes are easier to use than tub pastes.
Yes and yes.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| How do I know if I need the shoe dye or the Forever Black? Mine is a general dull grey colour. It really wasn't *as* noticeable, until I got those great DRLs! |
Both will work, the shoe dye is simply easier to come by in most areas. For some reason, Forever Black is not available at most auto parts stores. Example of what the dye can do:
I used the dye on a portion of my van's lower grille; it worked, but not good enough. My lower grille is beyond standard help at this point. It'll be removed, sanded, and painted.
_________________
~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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tam_shops
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Location: Vancouver BC
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kamzcab86
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Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 8563
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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| tam_shops wrote: |
| Do I also need to wax them? |
I don't, but perhaps others do.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Also, which do people prefer and why NuFinish, Turtle Wax or something else? |
I, personally, don't like NuFinish, and that's putting it politely. Turtle Wax is good; can't go wrong with it. I use Meguiar's products.
| tam_shops wrote: |
| Oh, and for all the black plastic'ish exterior parts (mirrors, grills, bumper end caps, and wipers), what do people PUT on them to clean them up and revive them a bit? |
Removing wax/polish from black parts: rubbing alcohol, followed by a protectant. To revive that stuff, there are a number of products on the market like Forever Black. If it's all bad enough that it's now a grayish color, Kiwi Shoe Dye works well. To protect plastic and rubber: 303 Aerospace Protectant. If rubber has begun to dry out, use baby oil on it.
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1531
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 9:34 pm Post subject: |
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Simple Green ROCKS! I forget who suggested it to me, thank you to you!
[img]
http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/043318139321_4.jpg[/img][url]
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/simple-green-32oz-...12:s[/url]
I used it to clean my hubcaps today and with hardly any scrubbing, I pretty much gave up on them last year after scrubbing and scrubbing and having them still look dirty...Sprayed w/ Simple Green and my general car wash scrub brush and WOW, do they look great. If I didn't hate hubcaps so much, I might be sad to see them go.
I also noticed when using the metal polish that I'd scrubbed the inside of my new wheels so much that I appear to have scrubbed some of the finish (paint?) off. It's the inside and they're clean and now have metal polish on them. Do I also need to wax them?
Also, which do people prefer and why NuFinish, Turtle Wax or something else? My bottle of NuFinish is finished. I'd bought a bottle of Turtle Wax, but wound up using the Metal Polish on my wheels. Just debating keeping vs returning it. My Vanagon does not have any kind of clear coat finish on it, unlike my car...Shame!
Oh, and for all the black plastic'ish exterior parts (mirrors, grills, bumper end caps, and wipers), what do people PUT on them to clean them up and revive them a bit?
How do you get NuFinish off the above black parts when you get a bit on here and there.
Finally, super sad, did my Spring Cleaning today (wash, vacuum and NuFinish) and found *several* rust spots in my wheel wells. One above the stove window (that I'd put paint on last year and is now bigger). And, a spot that looks like it was once repaired (be weary of old repairs) near the foot well and now doesn't look right, as the cancer grows.     Top of repair list!
tam
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1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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tam_shops
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Chuey
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Joined: October 18, 2010
Posts: 897
Location: Oceanside, California
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| Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 9:46 am Post subject: |
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Wax on - wax off, Grasshopper.
Once it is on the vehicle, you most likely won't ever wax them again, though.
Chuey |
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tam_shops
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Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1531
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 8:30 am Post subject: |
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Thanks, will try the Spray 9 on the cracks I couldn't get into. There are still a few dirty spots. My preference always goes to affordable and non-toxic non-corrosive first, then if I can't get the job done, I'll try something more aggressive...I also don't want to damage the finish.
There are still some little tiny pits/holes (inside the spokes) with dirt in them and then the cracks and corners.
Oh, do I need to and/or can I put a layer of wax (or something??) on them once I am happy with them?
Thanks for all the tips everyone!
tam
| Chuey wrote: |
I guess I saw this too late to be of help to Tam but I'll put this here for future folk. For the same wheel cleaning task and many others, I use "Spray 9". I don't like to breathe any chemical fumes and try to avoid these, as well. It's not a strong smell but I can't imagine any chemicals being good to breathe.
The other product I use for cleaning greasy car parts is "S 100". It is a motorcycle cleaning product from Germany. Won't harm surfaces and is effective.
With both products, the backs of wheels will need scrubbing as well. But more like 15 min. each to get super clean.
I think you can find Spray 9 in some auto stores and S 100 is at most motorcycle shops.
Chuey |
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1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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Chuey
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Joined: October 18, 2010
Posts: 897
Location: Oceanside, California
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| Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2014 7:52 am Post subject: |
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I guess I saw this too late to be of help to Tam but I'll put this here for future folk. For the same wheel cleaning task and many others, I use "Spray 9". I don't like to breathe any chemical fumes and try to avoid these, as well. It's not a strong smell but I can't imagine any chemicals being good to breathe.
The other product I use for cleaning greasy car parts is "S 100". It is a motorcycle cleaning product from Germany. Won't harm surfaces and is effective.
With both products, the backs of wheels will need scrubbing as well. But more like 15 min. each to get super clean.
I think you can find Spray 9 in some auto stores and S 100 is at most motorcycle shops.
Chuey |
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tam_shops
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Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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My project once the kids go to bed tonight! Thanks!
I found the Bon Ami at Ace Hardware in Blaine WA. Yeah!
tam
| Dampcamper wrote: |
| tam_shops wrote: |
You use Bon Ami on your aluminum wheels? I've never actually seen it and use Comet or Ajax myself. Looked it up, seems it's less abrasive than what I have and is known for cleaning aluminum. I will check Target/Walmart next time I'm in the States. Thanks!
tam |
I'm not sure how hard the plastic clear coat is over the aluminum. You can use Bon Ami (you'd think they could source that out of Quebec, non?) on fiberglass gel coat, like your shower stall / hot tub / boat / cast resin bathroom sink all of which are pretty soft so "probably". Try it "out of sight" so if it scuffs the coating it will be "out of mind".
This stuff (Bon Ami) is way softer than Comet or Ajax. Those brands make liquid cleaners for plastic tubs, too, but they contain some chemicals. |
From this:
To this:
Each wheel took about 45min. 3hr to do all four.
I used:
2 cans of Bon Ami, it is a good friend indeed!
1 bottle of Palmolive (dish soap).
My favourite dish brush from the kitchen.
My favourite scrub brush for the floors.
Face cloth (wanted the smaller size and bumpier fabric than my dish clothes).
My dh's toothbrush. Should have replaced it before I left with it b/c he was none to pleased when he couldn't find his toothbrush.  I guess I could have returned it when I was done.
Some, but not a lot of scrubbing.
There are still a few slight dark/dirty little corners, which I'll get to another time. The inside still has black lines on them, but I didn't scrub them very much and I won't see that. Yet, it still bothers me. LOL
tam
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1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
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Dampcamper
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Joined: October 07, 2013
Posts: 789
Location: Rainy Portland, Oregon
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| Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 12:10 am Post subject: |
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| tam_shops wrote: |
You use Bon Ami on your aluminum wheels? I've never actually seen it and use Comet or Ajax myself. Looked it up, seems it's less abrasive than what I have and is known for cleaning aluminum. I will check Target/Walmart next time I'm in the States. Thanks!
tam |
I'm not sure how hard the plastic clear coat is over the aluminum. You can use Bon Ami (you'd think they could source that out of Quebec, non?) on fiberglass gel coat, like your shower stall / hot tub / boat / cast resin bathroom sink all of which are pretty soft so "probably". Try it "out of sight" so if it scuffs the coating it will be "out of mind".
This stuff (Bon Ami) is way softer than Comet or Ajax. Those brands make liquid cleaners for plastic tubs, too, but they contain some chemicals. |
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tam_shops
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Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1531
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:17 pm Post subject: |
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You use Bon Ami on your aluminum wheels? I've never actually seen it and use Comet or Ajax myself. Looked it up, seems it's less abrasive than what I have and is known for cleaning aluminum. I will check Target/Walmart next time I'm in the States. Thanks!
| Dampcamper wrote: |
A gentle powdered cleaner, probably used by my Grandmother's mother. Non-scratching, mostly it's limestone and Feldspar. They came out with a new formulation a while back but I've still got a couple of cans of the old stuff so don't know if it works any better.
I use it on plastic (formica), painted surfaces (I've removed overspray with it) and as the first step in cleaning the window glass if there is any crud on it.
Good for your fiberglass hot tub, too. |
Wonder if something like Tilex or just bleach and water will work. If I do it in my shower stall w/ hot water it won't ruin my grass and will clean my shower stall. LOL Thanks!
| Merian wrote: |
| I use a spray bleach product for mold and baby moss here in the Great NW. |
I knew someone here would know something affordable to use!
tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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Merian
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Joined: January 04, 2014
Posts: 5212
Location: Orygun
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:45 pm Post subject: |
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I use a spray bleach product for mold and baby moss here in the Great NW.
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Dampcamper
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Location: Rainy Portland, Oregon
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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A gentle powdered cleaner, probably used by my Grandmother's mother. Non-scratching, mostly it's limestone and Feldspar. They came out with a new formulation a while back but I've still got a couple of cans of the old stuff so don't know if it works any better.
I use it on plastic (formica), painted surfaces (I've removed overspray with it) and as the first step in cleaning the window glass if there is any crud on it.
Good for your fiberglass hot tub, too. |
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tam_shops
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Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1531
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 7:57 pm Post subject: |
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WHEELS! Had to guess that was coming! LOL
What do you use to clean the grease off your wheels? I've already tried scrubbing with the stuff I use to wash my car with, dish soap, fantastic, and that bug and tar remover Kam suggested. I can now see SOME silver. LOL
I just bought some Cimoniz from CT and then googled it. Seems the two reviews I read no one had problems. And no one that replied liked it. It has some sort of acid in it. I see now that it has "corrosive" on the bottle. So I read the super fine print with my bifocals tipped all the way down, it says something about not using it on polished aluminum. Does that apply to my E320s? They aren't really *polished* like the CLK320s, but certainly have a clear coat of some sort on them that is damaged.
If you can't use the stuff on alloys, what's the point of it? LOL I've never seen anyone w/ hubcaps go out and buy 3 different cleaners to get the hubcaps clean. Well, ok, maybe I did but my Vanagon hubcaps were really dirty when I got them!
So what DO I use for the 1/4" grime inside the wheel. I already got the outside clean and out of site out of mind just doesn't cut it for me. LOL
Oooh, hot water in the shower stall?
Thanks!
tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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tam_shops
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Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1531
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 10:40 am Post subject: |
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Thanks! Found it at Walmart! Will see if the Canadian Walmart has it, otherwise will order some from the American one! 
Will let everyone know if it works!
tam
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Whink-Rust-Stain-Remover-16-fl-oz/15716648
Speaking of stains, my pop top had mold on it again this year, so annoyed since I even removed the mattresses this year, not a lot, but I bleached it when the canvas was off. Wondering who rinses the Tilex off with water, who dilutes it w/ Vinegar and who just leaves it? Last year I used a carpet cleaner and rinsed it off w/ Vinegar or Peroxide, I forget which I used...But, then I remember someone else saying they don't bother to rinse it off, wondering the long term consequence of not rinsing it off?
It sure looks CLEAN again!
tam
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Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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