Any Tricks to Washing these Cars?

[efnfast]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

efnfast, I agree with you 100% about the proper procedure. I've watched some great detailers do their work and attempt to follow their procedures, though I'm a little gunshy using the pressure washer for fear of stripping or marring the paint.

I'm not an expert detailer, by any stretch, but just reading the thread makes me quiver a little too.

Don't be afraid of the pressure washer - I was until I used it, and saw how essentially it really is to stripping off the initial layesr of dirt which do the most damage to the paint. Just some pointers

- Don't buy an electric one; they crap out all the time and are basically throw-aways.

- Don't go for something 'stupid' (e.g., 3000+psi). Around 2000psi and 2.3-2.5gpm is perfect

- use the widest nozzel possible (I believe it's either 40 or 65, I can't remember). For stubborn dirt I'll go within about 6-7'' from the paint with the widest nozzel. No problems.

For example, using the widest nozzel and my washer (2000psi, 2.2 or 2.3gpm), if I hold the nozeel right up against a piece of wood with 15yr old paint that is flaking away, I can't strip it (paint) off. If you damage your paint on your vehicle, then something was VERY wrong in that area, like a bad repaint

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by efnfast

Don't buy an electric one; they crap out all the time and are basically throw-aways.

I own an electric pressure washer. I use it around the house for various cleanup jobs, but never considered it to wash a car. Can you elaborate further? Why aren't they good? I bought a fairly good one from Home Depot a couple years back.

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I own an electric pressure washer. I use it around the house for various cleanup jobs, but never considered it to wash a car. Can you elaborate further? Why aren't they good? I bought a fairly good one from Home Depot a couple years back.

You can only use an electric pressure washer for cleaning the interior of your car. That's common knowledge.

[efnfast]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

I own an electric pressure washer. I use it around the house for various cleanup jobs, but never considered it to wash a car. Can you elaborate further? Why aren't they good? I bought a fairly good one from Home Depot a couple years back.

Under "heavy duty" usage (more than washing windows; by h.d. I don't mean trying to strip concrete) they tend to overheat and break quite frequently. Parts are ~usually~ cheap plastic, and non-serviceable, so once it fails, it's usually done for.

From what I've seen, the average electric washer lasts a few months to a year or two, then starts exhibitting problems. This isn't to say they all do this, just your average one.