Brand New 2014 Ram 1500 Sport. What would you suggest for the best start?

[Harleyguy]

OK brand new member here and I want some advise ASAP. I have a brand new 2014 Ram 1500 4wd Crew cab sport with 6.4' box loaded to the gills. White in color and tomorrow I'll have black tube side steps installed. I'm totally in love with this truck and want to get off to the best start possible.
My question is I'd really like to hear your opinions on what I should do for the paint? Should I work it over with a clay bar then apply a good wax and sealant etc. I'd like to hear your opinions on best brands etc. Do you apply a sealant then wax or visa versa? Also what about he leather interior should I treat it with anything special right of the bat?

 

[14hemiexpress]

Nice truck! Welcome! I personally wash, clay bar, polish ,wax. Sealant is known to last longer and you can just apply sealant. Sealant over wax won't do much good as the sealant will just wipe off. I would do one or the other I'm sure others will disagree I bet others will say sealent and wax after the sealent drys. As far as the leather goes there isn't anything I can think of to put on from the start, just as you go use good cleaner and conditior to keep them from fading, drying out and cracking.

 

[cc rider]

Dont go crazy trying to figure out the "best" products. What i did was go on some detailing specific forums like autogeek or autopia cause i was in your same shoes. Everybody had their favorite go to waxes, sealants, etc. What I did was try to figure out what was mentioned more than others and I went with Klasse High gloss sealant and topped it off with some collinite wax (paste "476). I gotta say it looked great and satys a lot cleaner and even feels good. I am in western NY so we are already getting pounded here. I was ready though. You are in Oregon so Im assuming u get your share of bad weather too. Good luck. Oh, ive read wax will add a little bit of a different look to a sealant . It wont hurt anyway. I have a $600 alpinestars riding leather jacket that I use lexol on. That is what the manufacturer recommends. Im not sure about car interior. Never had leather

 

[homebrew]

From my experience, wash and clay bar then closely inspect the entire truck for paint defects. I didn't notice the defects in min till after it was properly cleaned. 3 months later I'm still trying to get it fixed.

 

[Pull Ya]

Great advice from everyone. Most people wash, clay bar, then inspect for any scratches the clay bar may have left. If so use a good polish to correct the scratches, then polish, then wax. The sealant can stand alone, however some people believe that the wax not only gives extra protection but it also gives the paint a little more "pop". Good advice about autogeek and autopia regarding products. Asking people what they like is like asking what your favorite beer is---everyone has their own favorite. I use Wolfgang 3.0 sealant and Collinite 845 wax and also use Opti Spray wax after every wash, but thats just me--read about the different products and get one that you think you will like and try it. You only have one person to satisfy and that is YOU! IMHO the best for your interior is Lexol, hands down. My wife hates the smell so I use a Maguires product on hers though. Good luck and we love to see pictures of completed work----alone with a count of empty beer cans it took to do the job----LOL
Jay

 

[cc rider]

The wax on top of sealant might not add extra protection.it's hard to tell.The wax does give the sealant a little more "pop"though in my opinion and several have agreed in the forums mentioned. When I was done sealing my new black truck,I wanted more . After a coat of the wax, I was more satisfied.