Help with Summer Clean on Used Explorer

[BootyDo]

Hello,

I purchased a '99 Navy Blue Ford Explorer XLT a couple of weeks ago. While I got a great deal on it, there are still some things I'd really like to do to it to get it in top shape. Aside from all the mechanical work and modding, I want to first get it as close as possible to showroom condition.

So I'm asking, (begging really), for suggestions.

Each little crevice in this thing needs to be detailed and thoroughly cleaned. While I don't have oodles of money to spend, I really don't want to skimp on this. I should also mentioned that I basically have a hose and chamois and some other little things but that I don't have all the tools I think I'll need. But a friend of mine just bought an Audi and wants to completely clean his as well. Luckily, we both have leather interior and together, have little mula.

Here's what I was thinking:

Interior:
Leather Seats: Sonus Leather Care Bundle OR Ultimate Leather Cleaning & Conditioning Kit
Carpet:
Resolve Foaming Carpet Cleaner
Clean with my steam-cleaner
Dash:
Clean with Armor All Multipurpose Cleaner
Coat with Armor All Original Protectant

Glass:
Clean with Denatured Alcohol
Clean [again] with Stoner's Invisible Glass & Newspaper
Coat with RainX

Exterior:
Wash with Meguiar's Deep Crystal Car Wash & Wool Chamois
Dry with California Water Blade
------------------------------
Okay, here's where it gets tricky. I really want to try using a Porter Cable, but A) They're expensive and B) I'm really intimidated after seeing all the outcomes of other people using powertools to polish/detail their cars. I know the aforementioned stuff is more something that should be routine, but right now, I'm looking to get the car in like-new condition. But I honestly don't know where to start and I get overwhelmed with sooo many products out there.

I've read AutoTopia and some other great sites over, but I'm still a bit confused.

The car's condition is going to be a huge determinant in what I need. Right now, there are some decent scratches along the doors. Not like somebody keyed the heck out of the thing, but almost like someone was driving in a wooded area and the hanging tree branches, (like twigs), caught it.

Does anyone have advice to someone who is willing and ready to get this thing back to great condition?

Sorry for such a long post. I just wanted to be sure I put out there some of the homework I've done to see if there's any feedback.

If you've even managed to read this far - thanks!

 

[techieman33]

For the paint, wash it, claybar it, then use a mild scratch remover that you can apply by hand, then wax it. It made a lot of difference on mine. And it'll give you a good idea of where your at without spending a whole lot of money.

 

[Flounder]

Two recommendations:

(a) Avoid Armor-All. It slowly evaporates in the sun and helps form that haze you often find on the interior glass. I stick to water and a cloth.

(b) Do not fear the Porter Cable 7424. It takes a heck of a lot to burn your paint. Follow Autopia's how-to and take it slowly, going small segment of body by small segment of body. I recommend their house Sonus SFX polish line with the unit, and SFX pads, too.

 

[UtahX]

I would like to add use a Waffle Weave Towel instead of the Cal duster for drying. You could put down a glaze or polish after claying as well. Then sealant and or wax.

 

[BootyDo]

Thanks for all the advice so far all!

I think with the PorterCable, I have read where it's more difficult to ruin your car's finish because it uses a random motion as opposed to be a circular orbit tool. I do have a buddy who has an old Buick sitting at his apartment complex that I'd love to test this thing on. The only issue is getting the car started we can try this.

I think pictures of my Explorer would really help too. It's hard to describe the scratches; it's not like someone really took a key and used force, but it's almost like someone could have taken a key, and with no pressure, dragged it. But I think something I was reading before mentioned using some sort of compound on it or something.

Also, AdamCKach, do you use any protectant on your car's vinyl? I think I know exactly what you're saying about the Armor All. I always figured it was because I was a smoker, but my ex-girlfriend's car developed the same "film" after I gave her car a complete cleaning. And that's coming from someone who really obsesses over clear windows!

Oh, and UtahX, I was reading that the California blade was okay, but only if you are absolutely positive there's no dirt or debris. Even then, I think I read to still use a mircofiber towel.

Well, my friend should be over today so I'm going to have to sell him on splitting the PC with me! He's got a 2002 Audi A8 and I don't think it would take much to tell him he should get this to give it a great finish. :smoke:

EDIT: Sorry to throw this in, but I'm also a bit curious about what I would need to use to get rid of any "yellowing" on my headlights? Mine aren't as bad as the one on this site, but I want to get them back to "like new" too.

 

[aldive]

I recommend 303 Protectant.

 

[aeaglenfitch]

Maguiar's Scratch X took out a lot of the light scratches i got from trees and brush. i ended up using it on the entire car, it made a huge difference though.

 

[spotdog14]

just one word: mequires... that is all you need. Almost all of my products are meguiars.

 

[BootyDo]

Now I've always been a "Meguiars Man." :biggthump It wasn't until recently that I thought about anything else. While I've always liked Mothers Chrome polish, everything else I've ever used on the outside of my car has been Meguiars.

Does anyone know how Meguiars' Leather Cleaner and Leather Conditioner stack up against the Sonus package?

Also, regarding the Mequiars ScratchX, after washing and using a clay bar, is that when I'd use it on the scratched areas? What about then going back over the whole car with a Polish and then finish up with wax? Does that sound right? :scratch:

Finally, Aldive, I've read a lot of good things about that 303 Protectant. But I guess my question is can I still use something like that Armor All Multipurpose cleaner and then apply this stuff?

Thanks again for all the advice! I'm really swamped with all the stuff I was reading and since everyone seems to have their favorite method and preferred products, this is a pretty nice thread to get feedback from people NOT selling products!

 

[axiom]

In all reality, you could probably use a little soap and water with a cloth or paper towel to clean your interior instead of Amor All. Armor All also dries out the material you put it on a lot quicker from what I've heard. Everyone in my family shies away from that stuff because of the film and the drying out.

As for the yellowed lights, I don't know how to go about getting rid of that if it's even possible. You could always look into diamond headlights on eBay or something if you want to get rid of that and improve your trucks appearance.

 

[aeaglenfitch]

when i used scratch x i just washed the truck then put on the scratch x then the 1ce a year wax from the bright orange bottle

 

[dynamite196]

for the lights there was a thread on here that i'll try and find for you but basically they get wet sanded with a very fine sandpaper and then clearcoated.