Tips On Cleaning the Acadia's Roof

[Guest]

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Did you miss your activation email?

1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Chop-Chop]

I know there may seem to be a lot of info but trust me your knowledge will make a difference. Remember after
reading you will have the knowledge to understand where most of these swirls are coming from and how to
minimize adding new swirls to your car. For the ones already there try the link at the bottom of my reply.

http://www.autogeek.net/exterior.html

http://www.autopia.org/forum/detailing-articles-videos/35232-accumulator-s-non-marring-wash-technique.html

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29505&highlight=car+regimen

In another thread you mentioned you wanted some info on swirl removal. Here is some links I found for you

http://autopia.org/forum/detailing-articles-videos/77859-test-swirl-removal-hand.html#post786233#post786233

Happy reading!

[SLT09_ACADIA]

thanks for all your time and the links. I like the foam gun technique the best but not sure clearly how this works do I still need to keep rinsing my sponge when washing? as for the waxing I think I'm to afraid to go near that. I think I would make more swirls with wax. I defintelty think I would require a buffer machine?  the truck is to big to tackle by hand. Any brand you can recommend? for buffers

Also do you recommend me buying a bright light to work under as my garage is a bit dark

thanks

would this be a good buffer to buy

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/CarWashingCleaning/CarPolishers/PRD~0475940P/Porter%2BCable%2B6-in.%2BRandom-Orbit%2BPolisher.jsp

[bseemore]

I have a Cosco ladder that I bought at Menards that is really nice to use when washing the roof of our Acadia. Here is a link to the ladder I have (I got it for about half of the list price).

http://www.coscoproducts.com/Products/Work-Platforms/All/Details/2078-11003AGY1-Worlds-Greatest-Step-Stool-Commercial-Three-Step-

They also have this version on Amazon for a good price too:

http://www.amazon.com/Cosco-11-880-PGY-Platform-Stool-Steel/dp/B00006IBFM/ref=dp_cp_ob_hi_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1250904703&sr=8-4

[Chop-Chop]

thanks for all your time and the links. I like the foam gun technique the best but not sure clearly how this works do I still need to keep rinsing my sponge when washing?

The foam gun is nice. I don't have one but If I understand it correctly you still need to use your sponge, mit, etc after the car is presoaked with foam. The foaming will just help get the dirt up from the paint with less action.

as for the waxing I think I'm to afraid to go near that. I think I would make more swirls with wax. I defintelty think I would require a buffer machine?  the truck is to big to tackle by hand. Any brand you can recommend? for buffers

I agree that waxing/washing  the Acadia is a chore. I don't do waxes on every wash. I was more like wvery 2-3 months. Personally I prefer to do it by hand. If done properly your waxing shuold not add swirls. Try to use a quality applicator and maybe a liquid wax that is easy to remove. I use NXT 2.0 liquid. It comes with applicator and is not a bear to remove like some other waxes I tried before. If money is not an issue go for the buffer machine. I don't like to use one as I give up control to wax on the edges near trim and end up applying too much wax between crevices, trim, etc. With my hands I wax better. Now for removing swirls and polishing on the Acadia definently get a polisher like a Porter Cable (I am not sure why the one you linked is so pricey) or a G110 from Meguiar's. Make sure it is dual action though. If you go this route expect to spend about 200-250 US dlls for machine + pads

Also do you recommend me buying a bright light to work under as my garage is a bit dark

thanks

Sure. I work outside but when I am doing full details on my cars I end up spending sometime after it gets dark in the garage. A working light is very handy.

[BOBBO]

SLT09_ACADIA, you don't need to be so worried about waxing your Acadia.  It seems you're thinking of car wax as though it's like shoe polish or Johnson's floor wax that's thick and needs a lot of elbow grease to buff and shine.  There are excellent quality spray-on liquid car waxes that are no more trouble to apply than is Lemon Pledge on furniture, and they don't leave swirl marks and don't need a fancy buffer, just a microfiber cloth to quickly wipe off.

[Speleos]

I'm with the car wash group on this one! - 1 ¹/₂ miles up the road, soft cloth wash, $15.00 paid!  This is what you get:

The windows are cleaned (inside and out),
the carpets vacuumed all the way to the back,
the dash wiped off and
the exterior gets chamoised after the wash.

$1-2 tip to the guys and I'm back on the road in 10 minutes (unless the line is long)!

[SLT09_ACADIA]

The foam gun is nice. I don't have one but If I understand it correctly you still need to use your sponge, mit, etc after the car is presoaked with foam. The foaming will just help get the dirt up from the paint with less action.

I agree that waxing/washing  the Acadia is a chore. I don't do waxes on every wash. I was more like wvery 2-3 months. Personally I prefer to do it by hand. If done properly your waxing shuold not add swirls. Try to use a quality applicator and maybe a liquid wax that is easy to remove. I use NXT 2.0 liquid. It comes with applicator and is not a bear to remove like some other waxes I tried before. If money is not an issue go for the buffer machine. I don't like to use one as I give up control to wax on the edges near trim and end up applying too much wax between crevices, trim, etc. With my hands I wax better. Now for removing swirls and polishing on the Acadia definently get a polisher like a Porter Cable (I am not sure why the one you linked is so pricey) or a G110 from Meguiar's. Make sure it is dual action though. If you go this route expect to spend about 200-250 US dlls for machine + pads

Sure. I work outside but when I am doing full details on my cars I end up spending sometime after it gets dark in the garage. A working light is very handy.

thanks again

[SLT09_ACADIA]

SLT09_ACADIA, you don't need to be so worried about waxing your Acadia.  It seems you're thinking of car wax as though it's like shoe polish or Johnson's floor wax that's thick and needs a lot of elbow grease to buff and shine.  There are excellent quality spray-on liquid car waxes that are no more trouble to apply than is Lemon Pledge on furniture, and they don't leave swirl marks and don't need a fancy buffer, just a microfiber cloth to quickly wipe off.

can you recommned a good liquid spray wax

[BOBBO]

can you recommned a good liquid spray wax

Maguiar's Ultimate Qwik Wax is what I've been using and am pleased with.  Mother's has one that's supposed to be good, too.  If you like, you can go to their Web sites and see what they have to say.  Obviously each one will tout their own, but you might find something that makes you prefer one over the other.