Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

nyccarguy

nyccarguy

nyccarguy

I know I’m a little late to the “CCBA spring detail” party. Last weekend I cleaned the inside of our Pilot. Today after I power washed the deck railing, I washed, compounded, & waxed the Pilot. It’s not a full @jmonroe job, but maybe a job that @jmonroe1 would do.

stickguy

looks good. I scraped my fence to get the fungus stuff off of it. that was not a fun job. I really need to convince the wife to move to a smaller house with a no maintenance outsides. I am getting too old for all this heavy yard work labor.

ab348

nyccarguy said:

I know I’m a little late to the “CCBA spring detail” party. Last weekend I cleaned the inside of our Pilot. Today after I power washed the deck railing, I washed, compounded, & waxed the Pilot. It’s not a full @jmonroe job, but maybe a job that @jmonroe1 would do.

Compounded? Does Honda paint oxidize that quickly?

corvette

I’ve done nothing - the G37 needs a claybar and buff with the random orbital. I will probably throw a coat of Zaino on the Tundra at some point and call it a day.

stickguy

I did the clay bar on the jetta (that always lived outside and has a lot of miles in pushing 2 years, never waxed) and a wax job, but by hand. I don't own a power buffer. TLX just got a quick pass with the Griots spray detailer. Did a really nice job!

jmonroe1

nyccarguy said:

I know I’m a little late to the “CCBA spring detail” party. Last weekend I cleaned the inside of our Pilot. Today after I power washed the deck railing, I washed, compounded, & waxed the Pilot. It’s not a full @jmonroe job, but maybe a job that @jmonroe1 would do.

My cousin would be proud of you. He always said to do the inside first since that's where he sits. The outside is for show and for impressing those who walk by. Most people who live outside of his house usually listen when he talks. In any case it looks good to me but I wouldn't park it too close to that tree more than you have to and I'm sure you don't. Something tells me the Pilot was strategically placed there to show off your handy work.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

I did the clay bar on the jetta (that always lived outside and has a lot of miles in pushing 2 years, never waxed) and a wax job, but by hand. I don't own a power buffer. TLX just got a quick pass with the Griots spray detailer. Did a really nice job!

I remember my cousin saying he'd never even think of doing a wax job without a buffer and I have to agree with him. He'd also never do a wax job without the adjustable round sliding seat for doing the sides of the car. The last I looked it cost 20 bucks at Harbor Freight. There is no sense bending over for doing the sides when you can sit down and slide around. This beauty gets all the way down to the rocker panels with no strain on your back. I'd pay twice that price and more for all the work and pain it saves. It's worth looking into these detailing necessities.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

I did the clay bar on the jetta (that always lived outside and has a lot of miles in pushing 2 years, never waxed) and a wax job, but by hand. I don't own a power buffer. TLX just got a quick pass with the Griots spray detailer. Did a really nice job!

I remember my cousin saying he'd never even think of doing a wax job without a buffer and I have to agree with him. He'd also never do a wax job without the adjustable round sliding seat for doing the sides of the car. The last I looked it cost 20 bucks at Harbor Freight. There is no sense bending over for doing the sides when you can sit down and slide around. This beauty gets all the way down to the rocker panels with no strain on your back. I'd pay twice that price and more for all the work and pain it saves. It's worth looking into these detailing necessities.

jmonroe

In my younger days I used the buffer and a three step process. Looked good but I thought the Turtle wash&wax did an almost as good job so I never looked back. Then a friend introduced me to Meguiar’s Ultimate Fast Finish. And it gave noticeably better shine than either the 3 step or the wash&wax.

I wash & wax 3 out of 4 vehicles so anything that saves me effort is appreciated.

corvette

Zaino is easy on and easy off even without a buffer, and I’m guessing most synthetic sealants are similar, but I can understand wanting to use one. Polishing out swirls and fine scratches is too much sweat without a buffer.

jmonroe1

oldfarmer50 said:

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

I did the clay bar on the jetta (that always lived outside and has a lot of miles in pushing 2 years, never waxed) and a wax job, but by hand. I don't own a power buffer. TLX just got a quick pass with the Griots spray detailer. Did a really nice job!

I remember my cousin saying he'd never even think of doing a wax job without a buffer and I have to agree with him. He'd also never do a wax job without the adjustable round sliding seat for doing the sides of the car. The last I looked it cost 20 bucks at Harbor Freight. There is no sense bending over for doing the sides when you can sit down and slide around. This beauty gets all the way down to the rocker panels with no strain on your back. I'd pay twice that price and more for all the work and pain it saves. It's worth looking into these detailing necessities.

jmonroe

In my younger days I used the buffer and a three step process. Looked good but I thought the Turtle wash&wax did an almost as good job so I never looked back. Then a friend introduced me to Meguiar’s Ultimate Fast Finish. And it gave noticeably better shine than either the 3 step or the wash&wax.

I wash & wax 3 out of 4 vehicles so anything that saves me effort is appreciated.

Several years ago I went to the auto parts to get some of my regular wax and a couple clay bars. They didn't sell clay bars separately like I had gotten them before but they had a Meguiar's clay bar kit. It consisted of a few clay bars, lubricant for the clay bars and that cheater stuff you posted. It wasn't a large aerosol can like you show rather a small promotional 6 ounce squeeze pump bottle. When I got to the counter I asked the guy if that stuff was any good. He said it was OK, was very popular and it flew off their shelves. He then pointed to the wax I was buying and said, "it damn sure isn't as good as that stuff, I can tell you that, but it's a quick and easy shine".

I tried it on a fender of Mrs. j's 2012 Subie. It was quick, easy and provided a nice shine but it didn't last like a real wax. But I can see why it's popular.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

No more washing & waxing for me, it puts too much strain on my spine and before I'm done, I can barely walk straight. Then I'm down for a couple of days...it just ain't worth it anymore! I get the Golf waxed twice a year and try to run it through the car wash every other week. Get lots of compliments on the deep blue paint so it must look good. The A3 is white and I also get it waxed twice yearly. Run it through the Audi free wash usually once a month so they can also check the tire pressures for me.
Way overdue for a car wash on the Golf so sometime this week, I'll go. It's right up the street, just past work. Filled up a couple weeks back and now at just a hair under 3/4 or so, have maybe use 3/16's. Friday was the first time I really drove it and think I went 12 miles total, been staying indoors most of the time trying to stay safe. Got those old bandana's washed today so ready if I end up at Publix tomorrow. Need to restock the pantry a bit with tuna fish, mayo, some Progresso soups plus some frozen vegetables and then some fruit. Might make some ziti so need the pasta, cheeses and meat sauce as if done right, can have it for multiple meals. Of course, need chicken pieces unless I get the whole cut-up one and maybe a N Y sirloin steak which we split. Didn't do pizza today, so that'll happen later on in the week.
Trying to heed the warnings to stay in the house but the other half gets out when ever she can. Just looking at this all as an extended vacation knowing that it'll end at some near point.

oldfarmer50

Sandman6472 said:

No more washing & waxing for me, it puts too much strain on my spine and before I'm done, I can barely walk straight. Then I'm down for a couple of days...it just ain't worth it anymore! I get the Golf waxed twice a year and try to run it through the car wash every other week. Get lots of compliments on the deep blue paint so it must look good. The A3 is white and I also get it waxed twice yearly. Run it through the Audi free wash usually once a month so they can also check the tire pressures for me.
Way overdue for a car wash on the Golf so sometime this week, I'll go. It's right up the street, just past work. Filled up a couple weeks back and now at just a hair under 3/4 or so, have maybe use 3/16's. Friday was the first time I really drove it and think I went 12 miles total, been staying indoors most of the time trying to stay safe. Got those old bandana's washed today so ready if I end up at Publix tomorrow. Need to restock the pantry a bit with tuna fish, mayo, some Progresso soups plus some frozen vegetables and then some fruit. Might make some ziti so need the pasta, cheeses and meat sauce as if done right, can have it for multiple meals. Of course, need chicken pieces unless I get the whole cut-up one and maybe a N Y sirloin steak which we split. Didn't do pizza today, so that'll happen later on in the week.
Trying to heed the warnings to stay in the house but the other half gets out when ever she can. Just looking at this all as an extended vacation knowing that it'll end at some near point.

Sandy, talked with the in-law in St. Cloud today. Is it true that Florida is giving out $500 fines for not wearing face masks?

suydam

I’ve finally managed to make Instacart sorta work by setting up deliveries with 3 different stores. Whatever one doesn’t have I can usually get at another. I can last this way for another month at least. I do Zoom workouts and yoga, and virtual happy hours with various friends and family. We are getting by, and I hope we can go back to something resembling regular life by mid-May. We haven’t killed each other yet. We do make time every evening for wine and gratitude, which really helps us get a better perspective. Stay safe everyone!

corvette

I got a delicious “family meal” with curbside pickup from my local Vietnamese place this evening. It will probably make 4-5 meals for me. Only hit the curb twice trying to get the Tundra off the street into a narrow space.

Also forgot that the passenger side window doesn’t have auto-down (only the driver’s does). No auto up on any of them. I’m sure that will be fixed in the redesigned model.

stickguy

I never got a buffer. I really don't trust using it so I just do it by hand. Generally use McGwires (tech wax synthetic or cleaner wax). Goes on easy enough with the foam bad, then wiping off with a microfiber cloth is not too bad. doesn't end up taking all that long.

I do have one of those carts though. Got 5 casters I think, a seat, and a shelf where the wash bucket sits. Pretty handy. Can use it for doing the lower panels if you want.

28firefighter

I took a long drive this afternoon because the weather was beautiful. Did a drive around three major lakes here - Lake Union, Green Lake, and then Lake Washington (the north end). Windows down, sunroof open, good mix of roads.

Normally a drive like this would take 2-3 hours to accomplish because of traffic. I did it in about 55 minutes or so.

I have to say, just driving with some good music is about the only thing keeping me sane. Plus having the cool air coming through the window at speed feels like it’s helping clear my chest.

xwesx

stickguy said:

I did the clay bar on the jetta (that always lived outside and has a lot of miles in pushing 2 years, never waxed) and a wax job, but by hand. I don't own a power buffer. TLX just got a quick pass with the Griots spray detailer. Did a really nice job!

Amazing how much more work you're able to put into detailing a car versus a fence... and without a complaint to be found!

xwesx

I received a message late Friday that my 2008 Forester wouldn't start. Cranked fine, just wouldn't fire. Based on the information provided, it sounded to me like a fuel supply issue. I set up an appointment to look at the car on Saturday morning, loaded up some tools, then headed over.

Turning the car on, I could not hear the fuel pump, so I decided to trace out the wiring to see where/if the problem was in that circuit. I tested the fuse - good. I pulled apart the passenger side of the dash to get to the fuel pump relay and ran a battery of tests on it - good. I pulled apart the back end of the car to get to the fuel pump in the top of the fuel tank....

Well, power *to* the connector there was fine, but I was getting no continuity when probing the ends of the fuel pump's wiring in the fitting at the tank. As such, it was time to pull the pump (always a nasty business). Once pulled, I discovered that the pump itself was fine, but the in-tank connector on the other side of the tank fitting had been arcing for a long, long time, and it was so melted/corroded, there was just no saving it.

Sadly, these parts are not stand-alone replacements, and the only fix is a new pump assembly.... about $400! /sigh

xwesx

I need to follow up first thing tomorrow to see if I can get an assembly locally from the dealership. Otherwise, online order... a couple weeks minimum. With COVID-19, Alaska is like the little unnamed town in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, "Isn't this place just a geographical oddity?! Two weeks from everywhere!"

graphicguy

breld said:

On the TLX, clearly the Type S is the big news, but putting the Accord’s 2.0 turbo as the standard engine is a good move, though not particularly surprising. But I was pleased to see they’ll add AWD as an option on the base model.

I agree. But, as big of an Acura fan as I am, one of the reasons I pulled the trigger on the Stinger was the fact that it already had a TT V6 with a massive bump in HP and Torque compared to my current TLX.

From the pics, I like the new TLX. When the real world ones are out for a little while, I’ll see how they perform. Who knows? Maybe that’s when I’ll trade my current TLX.

pensfan83

As much as I would love a Type S it doesn't look like it will be available in September. The 2.0T, 10 speed, and SH-AWD is still a very appealing combo however and if they have similar trims as they do now I'm sure I would be very happy with a 4 cyl A-Spec.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

I never got a buffer. I really don't trust using it so I just do it by hand. Generally use McGwires (tech wax synthetic or cleaner wax). Goes on easy enough with the foam bad, then wiping off with a microfiber cloth is not too bad. doesn't end up taking all that long.

I do have one of those carts though. Got 5 casters I think, a seat, and a shelf where the wash bucket sits. Pretty handy. Can use it for doing the lower panels if you want.

If the reason you don't "trust" using a buffer is because you're afraid you'll ruin the paint, that won't happen if you use a 10 inch random orbit buffer. I have a 10 inch Craftsman that I've had since the 80's. I think it was made by Wen. FWIW, a few years ago I watched a detail guy on YouTube use the industry standard Porter Cable 5 1/4 inch random orbit buffer using rubbing compound to show that even then you won't harm the paint. I don't want to try that but he wanted to dispel rumors about the use of that type of a buffer. You WILL harm paint by using 7 inch and larger high speed buffers (non-random orbit). Those tools should only be used by the pros.

BTW, you can get a 10 inch random orbit buffer for less than 20 bucks at Harbor Freight. I bought each of my sons one of those years ago because I didn't want to start making calls to find out which one of them had my Craftsman. I really got tired of doing that. :@ That had to be at least 8 years ago and they both said it worked just as well as my Craftsman.

So now you won't have an excuse about using a buffer. I've heard you say several times over the years that you're cheap but surely you have an extra 20 bill hidden somewhere.

jmonroe

stickguy

How do they work? Do you put the way on the buffer pad instead of putting it on by hand? Or is the buffer just to take it off instead of using a cloth?

stickguy

I assume this is the one you meant. I kept meaning to go there (maybe after the world reopens, if it ever does) to get a new outdoor extension cord anyway.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-random-orbital-polisher-61898.html

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

How do they work? Do you put the way on the buffer pad instead of putting it on by hand? Or is the buffer just to take it off instead of using a cloth?

If I am applying just wax, I put the wax on with one of those wax applicator pads and wait for it to dry. Then I use the buffer to take off the dry wax. If I'm using one of those cleaner wax combo products, I put a good dose of that stuff on just one panel and while it is still wet I use the buffer to rub it in then I use another buffer cloth to polish it off. The trick is to have plenty of those terry cloth or mico fiber buffer pad covers. I have well over a dozen of those. After I'm done I throw them all in the washer so they're ready to go the next time I start waxing. Using the buffer is a technique thing but you'll get hang of it just like everyone else does. It ain't rocket surgery. It sure beats doing it by hand. Have fun.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

stickguy said:

How do they work? Do you put the way on the buffer pad instead of putting it on by hand? Or is the buffer just to take it off instead of using a cloth?

I always put the wax on by hand then used the buffer to take it off.

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

I assume this is the one you meant. I kept meaning to go there (maybe after the world reopens, if it ever does) to get a new outdoor extension cord anyway.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-random-orbital-polisher-61898.html

Yep, that's the one. As you know Harbor Freight has 20% off coupons all the time so your price will be better than what the link shows. You otta go get one today. Afterall, what else are you gonna do these days. You can only paint the bathroom so many times, right?

jmonroe

stickguy

I got a whole pile of those little green coupons.

Thanks for instructions. So it just replaces the “wax off” step. That always takes less time than wax on, but sounds like the buffer gives a better finish. For that price, might as well give it a try!

qbrozen

just to add something: you CAN burn through an old paintjob quite easily, regardless of the tool. Paint that has already been thinned out and sun baked over time. So the usual user warnings apply.

tjc78

I have a buffer... it's in the case in came in collecting dust in the basement.

I just do it by hand, it's not like my paint is ever in really bad shape.

fintail

I have a li-ion Ryobi buffer - awesome thing, saves some elbow grease and allows for more consistent/even wax application, which probably saves wax.

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

just to add something: you CAN burn through an old paintjob quite easily, regardless of the tool. Paint that has already been thinned out and sun baked over time. So the usual user warnings apply.

I guess that can happen but I wasn't talking about cars that are ready for the scrap yard. I guess this is a good time for @oldfarmer50 to chime in since he may some old hoopties he'd like to experiment with.

jmonroe

jmonroe1

stickguy said:

I got a whole pile of those little green coupons.

Thanks for instructions. So it just replaces the “wax off” step. That always takes less time than wax on, but sounds like the buffer gives a better finish. For that price, might as well give it a try!

You're welcome, I was just trying to help. But maybe you should listen to @qbrozen before you waste money on a buffer.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

I have the Griot's Garage random orbital that I've been using for years. The only pain in the rear is the fact that you need to use specific pads for different applications. Orange for compound/polish, red for applying wax, & blue with a terry cloth bonnet to remove the wax. My orange compound pad was dirty from the last time I used it & I couldn't find my red applicator pad. Many times I go to remove the wax and it takes a lot of the terry cloth bonnets. So I did the Pilot by hand.

jmonroe1

tjc78 said:

I have a buffer... it's in the case in came in collecting dust in the basement.

I just do it by hand, it's not like my paint is ever in really bad shape.

Hey, I got an idea. Why not just drive down the road and give it to @stickguy. I think I have him all wound up about using a buffer now and free is always better than buying one. What better way to prove that you're a real poster buddy.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

OF, haven't heard that yet to be honest. And, I'm staying home for the most part. Our middle is a pharmacist down at Baptist Hospital in South Miami, Kendall actually. She keeps telling me to limit my exposure outside since I'm now over 65. Since I got so sick back in 2018, she's been after me to take care of myself which I'm trying to do. And with my spinal issues, she's overly concerned. But I'm doing fine, staying in the house. Do need some lottery tickets and some groceries, so off to Publix in the morning. Got my clean bandana's ready to go.
But, so ready to go back to work now. Over 3 weeks at home now and enough, time to get back to normal!!

stickguy

I have a large supply of tools, products and gizmos that I bought for some project and never used, but kept anyway “just in case”. SO what’s one more?

Michaell

Appreciate the commentary on car care - I normally take my cars to the local car wash, but now that they're closed and I have a lot of spare time, I've ordered a few supplies from Amazon so I can do a better job in my driveway.

Haven't yet thought about waxing, but the information provided here has given me a lot to think about.

stickguy

New waxes are very easy if you aren’t obsessive about it. Can do entire car applying, then remove. No need to keep doing small sections. And the Cleaner waxes make it more 1 step. Don’t need multiple products. Just get good quality microfiber cloths to take it off.

pensfan83

I'm planning to get the ZHP a lifetime ceramic coat next year to cut down on the need for waxing/polishing.

kyfdx

pensfan83 said:

I'm planning to get the ZHP a lifetime ceramic coat next year to cut down on the need for waxing/polishing.

I have it on good authority that your ZHP has been waxed at least three times, in the last 10 years. (only by professionals.. )

mjfloyd1

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

How do they work? Do you put the way on the buffer pad instead of putting it on by hand? Or is the buffer just to take it off instead of using a cloth?

If I am applying just wax, I put the wax on with one of those wax applicator pads and wait for it to dry. Then I use the buffer to take off the dry wax. If I'm using one of those cleaner wax combo products, I put a good dose of that stuff on just one panel and while it is still wet I use the buffer to rub it in then I use another buffer cloth to polish it off. The trick is to have plenty of those terry cloth or mico fiber buffer pad covers. I have well over a dozen of those. After I'm done I throw them all in the washer so they're ready to go the next time I start waxing. Using the buffer is a technique thing but you'll get hang of it just like everyone else does. It ain't rocket surgery. It sure beats doing it by hand. Have fun.

jmonroe

Is rocket surgery a combination of rocket science and brain surgery?😂

stickguy

Correct.

jmonroe1

mjfloyd1 said:

jmonroe1 said:

stickguy said:

How do they work? Do you put the way on the buffer pad instead of putting it on by hand? Or is the buffer just to take it off instead of using a cloth?

If I am applying just wax, I put the wax on with one of those wax applicator pads and wait for it to dry. Then I use the buffer to take off the dry wax. If I'm using one of those cleaner wax combo products, I put a good dose of that stuff on just one panel and while it is still wet I use the buffer to rub it in then I use another buffer cloth to polish it off. The trick is to have plenty of those terry cloth or mico fiber buffer pad covers. I have well over a dozen of those. After I'm done I throw them all in the washer so they're ready to go the next time I start waxing. Using the buffer is a technique thing but you'll get hang of it just like everyone else does. It ain't rocket surgery. It sure beats doing it by hand. Have fun.

jmonroe

Is rocket surgery a combination of rocket science and brain surgery?😂

Only a slow guy with a head ache would ask such a thing.

jmonroe

oldfarmer50

jmonroe1 said:

qbrozen said:

just to add something: you CAN burn through an old paintjob quite easily, regardless of the tool. Paint that has already been thinned out and sun baked over time. So the usual user warnings apply.

I guess that can happen but I wasn't talking about cars that are ready for the scrap yard. I guess this is a good time for @oldfarmer50 to chime in since he may some old hoopties he'd like to experiment with.

jmonroe

I’d really worry about burn through if I was using something like compound rather than wax. There are tons of YouTube videos on how to buff correctly. As I said, I only used a buffer to take wax off. And now the most abrasive thing I use is a microfiber towel.

My old van has the paint coming off in sheets so no worries there.

Sandman6472

Think I had that ceramic coating put on last year. Some guy was referred to me and it was a little bit more expensive but it gave it an amazing luster. Folks at work comment on how deep the blue color is so maybe it's better than I thought. All I know is after a car wash, it looks great and the water beads up.

oldfarmer50

Michaell said:

Appreciate the commentary on car care - I normally take my cars to the local car wash, but now that they're closed and I have a lot of spare time, I've ordered a few supplies from Amazon so I can do a better job in my driveway.

Haven't yet thought about waxing, but the information provided here has given me a lot to think about.

Your car washes are closed. I know the automatic ones are still open by me. Having a clean car is pretty essential if you ask me.

Of course that just the brushless automatic ones. If I saw some kids wiping my beauties with a gritty cloth I think I’d need hospitalization.

kyfdx

Automatic washes are open here, as well. I only trust one of them. They do a great job. Hand dry