The weather finally broke and I got around to washing the Hemi for the first time. All I can say is what pain in the ***. The hood and roof are perticuarly dificult to reach. I finaly broke down and got the ladder out but man... How do you guys wash these things top to bottom. Also when I was done and ready to wax my hood didn't have the same glass like feel that the rest of the truck did. I'm thinking maybe I waited to long for the first wash, and didnt want to wax over the rough feeling parts. I'm off to the auto store after work any recomendations? I was thinking of detailing clay and then another layer of wax.

Any other tips and tricks specific to large trucks, and new paint appriciated

 

I kneel on the front bumper and open the doors and hang over the windsheild to clean my hood... LOL! But then again, I'm short...

I personally got myself a orbital buffer... not that pricey and it's a whiz at applying, polishing and so on... LOVE IT!

Did the entire hood feel off... ? Or just certain parts of it...? Was it overspray or something actually in the paint?

What kind of wax will you be using?

~Amanda

 

5 gallon bucket to stand on for the windshield and hood, step into the bed forthe roof. I have a RC though and can get the whole roof from the bed.

 

most of the hood i think....it just didn't have that smooth glassy feel that the rest of the truck did. Kinda gritty I guess. I've allways used meguires gold glass.

 

I just washed mine yesterday...and its raining today!!!

I normaly wash it at the coin wash....its not that hard to reach everything with the brush there.

 

I like the Mr. Clean AutoDry, it works just like they claim if you follow the procedure. Filters and their soap get a little expensive, anything for the Ram though. Still hard to wash!

 

I too use the Mr Clean stuff and it does indeed work! To get at those hard to reach spots buy a telescoping handle, Target has em for like $12, white cotton material, not the brush. Gets all the hood and roof from the bed. Well thats my 2 cents.

 

I would suggest using the Clay Bar to get rid of the rough spots in those areas. I had some on the hood and roof so I use the bar and it got rid of the contaminates that had built up. I could not tell if it was overspray or just pollution. I works great though and I have been using it for years without problems.

 

Big truck indeed!!
I wash the roof while standing in the bed. The rest I can reach from the ground, except the 1 sq ft ares above the rear-view mirror. I just open the front door and stand in the cab to reach that.
I use Dura Gloss 101 wax, and the shine is very smooth and slick-feeling. I also use a 3-year-old cloth towel to dry, takes only a few minutes extra, and there are no water spots. It's a lot cheaper than the Mr Clean!!!
Homee

 

Honestly, I think I have toned down my washing my truck to about once every 2 weeks. Reason is because I use detailer spray EVERY day. No swirls, just deep lustrous black paint...if you guys followed the detailing tips

It's a pride thing too, always wanting to keep the best looking Dodge trucks looking their best.

Doesn't it make you good when someone tells you everyday "Damn, what a beautiful truck!".....keep your detailer spray and microfiber towel in your truck