Help a Rookie Out!

[ram1500-rookie]

New to the forum and new to the Ram 1500 community!
Just purchased a beautiful white 2012 1500 (4.7 V8) SLT. Bought it last Friday and have been lurking here on the forum since saturday.

Know intro's go elsewhere but I am looking for an easy to follow/thorough step by step process of washing/polishing/waxing/sealing/claybar/etc., along with a list of materials. Not looking to get professional grade products- want to get the hang of it and routine down before I start spending more money. Have access to Walmart and Autozone nearby.

Know I'm asking a lot but I would be EXTREMELY grateful to any kind person to list out their weekly/monthly/annual processes/routines along with everything I'll need.
You'd be setting this rookie up for a long happy life with his new pickup.

 

[Pull Ya]

Wash(2 bucket method)
Check surface to see if clay bar is needed
Clay bar if necessary
Polish
Seal
Wax
My only problem is using cheap OTC products first then better products later, therefore I'll let others talk about which products they think you should use. IMHO---pay a little more now and use quality products--maybe they cost a little more because they do a better job and may last longer or are easier to use or the results may be better, but to each their own
Jay

 

[14hemiexpress]

Wash(2 bucket method)
Check surface to see if clay bar is needed
Clay bar if necessary
Polish
Seal
Wax
My only problem is using cheap OTC products first then better products later, therefore I'll let others talk about which products they think you should use. IMHO---pay a little more now and use quality products--maybe they cost a little more because they do a better job and may last longer or are easier to use or the results may be better, but to each their own
Jay

He pretty much nailed it. The only two things I will add is make sure the Polish you get is clear coat safe (not all products are clear safe) And I like the meguires products they do a pretty good job. Wash, clay, Polish, wax.

 

[ram1500-rookie]

Thanks to you both. Really appreciate the help.

 

[Surf City Garage]

Check out these videos on how to...

Videos for Detailing from Surf City Garage


When it comes down to it, depending on your water restrictions, you want to arm yourself with some basic tools to achieve a clean truck without throwing a bunch of swirl marks and water spots onto while doing so. I can almost guarantee clay bar is needed from the dealer as I haven't touched a car from a dealer in the entire time I have been using claybar, that didn't need it. Simply put, dealers like to gloss up cars for sale, typically with a bunch of filler glazes that will wash away soon enough and reveal the damage they were covering instead of removing.

 

[rduchateau2954]

With a white truck you will most definitely need a clay bar. Every vehicle needs one but white goes above and beyond. Do not buy the clay bar kit from the auto parts store that has the yellow bar. Its about the size of a top of a beer can. Try to find something about the size of your fist, your fingers will thank you. Also keep in mind clay bars come in different grits and the more abrasive bars can and will scratch your paint.

Stick your head right up close to your tailgate and behind the wheels, look for little orange specks. That is brake dust. You and your trusty clay bar will be battling the evil forces of brake dust from now until you sell the truck.

 

[Lobster Poutine]

ill add an iron X decon on the list!