[seminole73]

Just curious.....this will be my first serious cleaning of my FJC since purchasing it a little over a month ago. Up until now, I have just rinsed it with water. Unfortunately, the wife's Odyssey eats up all of the available space in our "2 car" garage and my FJC will be parked in outdoor elements 24/7. What products do most of you use to care for the exterior/interior of your FJCs and would recommend for protection from the elements? Of course I know about Meguiar's and Mother's. I have heard decent things about Poorboy's. Any other recommendations. BTW, the FJC got REALLY dirty after an off-roading adventure this weekend. :rocker:

 

[shfd739]

After using most everything on the market in the last few years my pick is Zaino. I just put a coat on my wife's black Pontiac Vibe and it look amazing. I was surprised at what that one coat would do. The Zaino is kinda pricey but works great.

 

[Z'sFJ]

I use Meguiar's Gold. Works really well.

Zane

 

[neworleansparrothead]

I used to use Meguiars but just recently switched to Turtle Wax Ice after many members here recommended it. It really is nice because if you bump into the black, trim parts, it does not leave that white haze.

I Love It!

Good Luck and welcome!

Kim

 

[seminole73]

Thanks for the recommendations (and the welcome neworleansparrothead). :wave:

 

[Kramer]

Zaino is indeed some good stuff. I've used it in the past. But I like to try different stuff and have tried many.
Lately I have used Griots Garage goods. Just yesterday I spent the day removing tree branch scrapes from the lovely FJ. I used Griots Machine Polish 3 and a Porter Cable random orbital polisher. Went over the whole thing, then followed it up by the ever-so-durable Griots Sealant (again applied with the Porter Cable unit). That stuff SHINES, it's tough and it lasts a long time. Most of the minor scratches are gone as are any swirl marks. Only a couple of deeper scratches remain, but I didn't want to cut too deep into my one year old paint.
Looks better than new. The Black Diamond is amazing when treated right.
I think the biggest thing is attention to detail and the frequency of application. Most stuff is quite good these days.
The best car wash soap for in-between waxes that I have found is Meguires Gold Class.
Enjoy your shine!

 

[tyree326]

Zaino is indeed some good stuff. I've used it in the past. But I like to try different stuff and have tried many.
Lately I have used Griots Garage goods. Just yesterday I spent the day removing tree branch scrapes from the lovely FJ. I used Griots Machine Polish 3 and a Porter Cable random orbital polisher. Went over the whole thing, then followed it up by the ever-so-durable Griots Sealant (again applied with the Porter Cable unit). That stuff SHINES, it's tough and it lasts a long time. Most of the minor scratches are gone as are any swirl marks. Only a couple of deeper scratches remain, but I didn't want to cut too deep into my one year old paint.
Looks better than new. The Black Diamond is amazing when treated right.
I think the biggest thing is attention to detail and the frequency of application. Most stuff is quite good these days.
The best car wash soap for in-between waxes that I have found is Meguires Gold Class.
Enjoy your shine!

x2. I'm a die hard Griots Garage & 3M fan. Looks like you need to start with a good pressure spray first then use a clay bar, wax and finish with polish. Griots Garage cannot usually be found at any retail establishment. Pretty much only mail order.

 

[Briman42487]

malco makes great products. the ones that i have yet to find anything better is their cherry flash wax, leather and plastic cleaner (wonders on the interior), nano spray wax (safe for all black trim, is not a dressing, a protective wax that lasts leaves a nice sheen on the plastic), and their wash and wax is awesome.

malco is a detailers product line. it can be found through a distributor in your area. it blows away any product you can get off a shelf.

 

[seminole73]

x2. I'm a die hard Griots Garage & 3M fan. Looks like you need to start with a good pressure spray first then use a clay bar, wax and finish with polish. Griots Garage cannot usually be found at any retail establishment. Pretty much only mail order.

Should I be using a clay bar already (only had the vehicle for a month or so)? I did actually find the Griot's product line after conducting a Google search. Will their wax leave white residue if it gets on the trim/plastic?

 

[wanderlustguy]

Zaino is one of the best waxes I have ever seen, and I've been buffing with a high speed since 1997. Next would be just about any wax by 3M, followed by the show car glaze every time you freakin can. Here's how mine looks without wax..but the paint feels like it is. I trail ride every weekend so I never go long enough without screwing it up to wax it before I have to work out tree scratches again.

People tell me "you can tell someone who never off roads" I dare them to try to follow me next time I go...I included my brand of trail pinstriping in the pics.

 

[Kramer]

x2. I'm a die hard Griots Garage & 3M fan. Looks like you need to start with a good pressure spray first then use a clay bar, wax and finish with polish. Griots Garage cannot usually be found at any retail establishment. Pretty much only mail order.

Some high-end car washes willl carry Griots. Tyree, Miles carries it locally.

As for residue. There are many types of waxes out there. Typically the cleaners DO leave a residue, but not as bad as say a Turtle wax. Pure waxes typically do not.
Zaino does not.
Griots Sealant does not.
P21s carnuba does not.
MOST pure carnuba waxes do not leave a residue.

Another all-purpose cleaner/wax combo is Classe All-In-One. That's a good general-purpose one.

Not sure I'd worry about a clay-bar just yet. That is good for older finishes or abused paint. If your paint feels rough after a good wash, than yeah, I guess so. But keep that in mind for later. Usually if you keep up with your finish, you won't need a clay bar that often, if at all.

 

[seminole73]

Thanks again for all the tips! :cheers:

 

[Corey]

I am a firm believer in Griot's products.
I use a Porter Cable random orbital to clay, polish, and apply the wax.

Old page I made a few years ago pre-FJ
Waxing with your Porter Cable buffer

Video I made last year with the FJ, but I should have had someone hold the camera for me

YouTube - Waxing with the Porter Cable orbital

 

[voodoocrew]

I like the new maguires tech wax, it goes on and wipes off real easy. I love the turtle wax ice, I use this just for my dash and plastic trim on the interior and exterior, it doesnt fade or leave lines after a rain.

 

[Gottagetone]

I started using Car Wax, Car Polish, Auto Detail Supplies : CHEMICAL GUYS WHOLESALE AUTO DETAILING SUPPLIES CAR WASH PRODUCTS PROFESSIONAL CAR DETAIL SUPPLY FACTORY DIRECT stuff and it is awesome. I use only microfiber towels to wash, dry, and wax. I use the citrus wash and have used the Jetseal 109 with exceptional results. The Black Diamond still looks wet well after drying. I like any of the 3m waxes as well. Here are some photos:

Hood Reflection:

Fresh Wet Beads:

The best thing is the stuff comes right to your door.

 

[CowboyCEO]

I use Dawn dish soap and let it air dry........JK.....

 

[brickfj]

I don't know how much you all are willing to spend, but this is my girlfriend's brother's site. Detailers Domain His name is Phil and he does some amazing work. I use to have a nissan 350z and used the adam's essentials kit. Everything always came out awsome. I haven't been able to wash the fj since I bought it because i ran out of products. Hopefully this will help you guys out some.

 

[seminole73]

After much deliberation, I went with the Turtle Wax Ice products since I could obtain them locally and fairly easily. Attached are a couple of photos of the end result. Thanks again for all of the suggestions! BTW, how do I include photos in a post instead of having to attach and resize them?

 

[Senor Buckwheat]

I can't help much. Before my FJ, I had a F150 pickup for 12 years and 225K. I didn't wax it once. Come to think of it, it was probably only washed once. I once had a neighbor tell me, "Looks like your truck needs a washing". Sad thing, he offered to wash it for me.

This allowed me never having to drive anywhere with other people (i.e going out to lunch) since nobody wanted near it. I didn't have to hear complaints such as "not enough leg room", "uncomfortable seats", blah, blah, blah. I bought it, just like the FJ, for me. :bandit:

 

[Buckwheat]

Hi, Ah'm Buh-Weet. Amembah me?