Washing and Waxing The Newly Painted Cuda

[loco340cuda]

My Cuda is just about done being restored and I'm getting it ready to take to the Good Guys show in November.      I would like to wash the car and I'm thinking I might get it waxed as well and I wanted to get some input from you guys on the board on some questions/concerns on this.

On the surface I know this kinda sounds like a dumb question but unlike all the other cars I own the Cuda has vinyl hockey strips, textured black tail panel, and a textured grill.

Here are the things I'm wondering about:
-Washing the car and keeping the vinyl hockey stripes from getting hair line scratches in them.  I might just be overreacting on this but not sure as I don't know how durable these stripes are.
-How to clean tail panel and grille without getting lint or other fiberous material stuck in it.
-Getting car waxed and not getting wax residue in the following places.
    -along the edges of hockey stripes
    -next to engine call out on the hood
    -along edge of hood pins

I might just be overthinking or being unnecessarily paranoid about this but I have owned this car for 15 years and it finally has a nice paint job on it and I don't want to do anything to ruin the appearance of the car.

Also, I will wash the car myself but if I decide to get the car waxed I will have someone else do this as I don't think I have the patients to do this.

You inputs are greatly appreciated.

-Thanks

[4Cruizn]

Well first I would wax the car myself as I really don't trust to many to do the job I would do with attention to detail.  Some of the commercial shops I think are sloppy.  Next I would check with who ever painted your car and make sure you are able to wax it right away.  Some paints need to cure a little I believe . . . .

 

[Rdchallenger12]

My Cuda is just about done being restored and I'm getting it ready to take to the Good Guys show in November.      I would like to wash the car and I'm thinking I might get it waxed as well and I wanted to get some input from you guys on the board on some questions/concerns on this.

On the surface I know this kinda sounds like a dumb question but unlike all the other cars I own the Cuda has vinyl hockey strips, textured black tail panel, and a textured grill.

Here are the things I'm wondering about:
-Washing the car and keeping the vinyl hockey stripes from getting hair line scratches in them.  I might just be overreacting on this but not sure as I don't know how durable these stripes are.
-How to clean tail panel and grille without getting lint or other fiberous material stuck in it.
-Getting car waxed and not getting wax residue in the following places.
    -along the edges of hockey stripes
    -next to engine call out on the hood
    -along edge of hood pins

I might just be overthinking or being unnecessarily paranoid about this but I have owned this car for 15 years and it finally has a nice paint job on it and I don't want to do anything to ruin the appearance of the car.

Also, I will wash the car myself but if I decide to get the car waxed I will have someone else do this as I don't think I have the patients to do this.

You inputs are greatly appreciated.

-Thanks

As far as waxing around the stripes... Use painters tape to mask off the edges so that you don't risk getting any in between or on the stripes themselves. Cue tips would work well to get residue from around the pins.

Also, yes... wax the car yourself so you know that it is done correctly and how you want it done with a certain wax that you know works.

[JH27N0B]

Use a soft brush and microfiber towels on your tail panel and grille. 
Keep wax away from the stripes, not sure of any special techniques except take your time and be careful.
You think you have it tough, I have a Challenger T/A that I am finishing restoration on.  You can't get wax on the organsol finishes like the hood, spoiler, tailpanel etc!  I was told to use a horse hair brush to clean off the hood.  As far as washing it, I haven't crossed that bridge yet, but will likely try and hope to keep water off the car altogether.  I won't be driving this car on wet roads or in rain though.

[1 Wild R/T]

Use a soft brush and microfiber towels on your tail panel and grille. 
Keep wax away from the stripes, not sure of any special techniques except take your time and be careful.
You think you have it tough, I have a Challenger T/A that I am finishing restoration on.  You can't get wax on the organsol finishes like the hood, spoiler, tailpanel etc!  I was told to use a horse hair brush to clean off the hood.  As far as washing it, I haven't crossed that bridge yet, but will likely try and hope to keep water off the car altogether.  I won't be driving this car on wet roads or in rain though.

On the organsol you'll find Lemon Pledge is your best friend....

[mopar jack]

I agree on keeping wax away from organisol and stripes. I you use Meguiar's final inspection to clean those areas when needed. Micro fiber clothe's only and if your clothe hits the ground throw it away or use for oil clean up. If you have to use water to wash the car I recommend you use a blower to remove the water that will collect in the window channels and elsewhere to prevent rust.

[loco340cuda]

Guys thanks for all the feedback, it sounds like my paranoia might have some merit to it.      

Just for some background..... the car was painted nine months ago so I think waxing the paint should be okay. 

At this point I'm not sure if waxing is necessary due to the car is garaged and when it is not driven it is under a car cover in the garage but I would be curious to hear if you guys think waxing it makes sense.  Your feedback has made think that if I do wax it I will do it myself.  I have had many things done at other shops and it does not seem to make a difference how many times you give them instructions it always seems they screw something up. As I get older I tend to do more stuff myself because I know it will get done right to my expectations and if is does not I have no one to blame but myself and at least I did not pay some one else to screw it up. 

At this point the car looks good but there are some smudge spots from finger prints or various other smudges on the car that I want to clean so that is why I am thinking about washing it.  If I do decide to wash it I will be careful with how much water I use so I don't get water puddling up in bad places.  On the other hand I do live in Arizona and standing water does not sit around very long so maybe this is not really an issue. 

[loco340cuda]

On the organsol you'll find Lemon Pledge is your best friend....

This is the second time I have heard this, I will give it a try.

I was also told it works good on the dash pad.  It tried it and it does make the pad look nice without being over shiny.  I'm betting it works good on other part of the car as well.

[Rdchallenger12]

This is the second time I have heard this, I will give it a try.

I was also told it works good on the dash pad.  It tried it and it does make the pad look nice without being over shiny.  I'm betting it works good on other part of the car as well.

Chemical Guys also makes a special wax and sealant for matte finishes... of course it may just be lemon pledge

[dfrazz]

This is the second time I have heard this, I will give it a try.

I was also told it works good on the dash pad.  It tried it and it does make the pad look nice without being over shiny.  I'm betting it works good on other part of the car as well.

You will want to get some protectant on the dash to prevent it from cracking/fading.  I use 303 protectant, really good stuff invented by astronauts no less. 

[roadman5312]

You will want to get some protectant on the dash to prevent it from cracking/fading.  I use 303 protectant, really good stuff invented by astronauts no less.

                                                303 is awesome.                             

[loco340cuda]

While we are on the subject of cleaning other parts..... what do you guys use to clean and make the tires look good?

Also what do you guys use for car wash soap?

-Thanks

[dfrazz]

Most of the time I just use a detailer, but if needed I use Meguiar's Car Wash soap.  For tires/wheels Mothers has some good stuff.  I avoid Amor All as it has a tendency to dry things out. 

[Rdchallenger12]

While we are on the subject of cleaning other parts..... what do you guys use to clean and make the tires look good?

Also what do you guys use for car wash soap?

-Thanks

I swear by Adams polishes and Chemical guys for my car cleaning and detailing.... with that said, for tire dressing I use Griots in an airisol can. It goes right on and doesn't kick up onto the paint.

[blown motor]

I never wash my car! I polish and wax it every winter. Aside from that I lightly rub out spots with a micro fibre cloth or spot treat with either a cloth and water or a detailing spray. If more serious water is needed I use a wet shami.