Any tips on detailing a Roadster?

[stenkb]

I will be putting the Pirelli's on as well and driving all winter - except the couple weeks we get a foot or two of snow - in which I kept my gas guzzling Hummer for this reason.

[dsm363]

I found this thread about detailing a Tesla Roadster on a different forum. He works for Adam's Polishes but it looks nice.
SByer: I went ahead and ordered from Girot's Garage: Interior Cleaner Wipes, Leather Care Wipes, and The Detailer's Handbook. I found 'Raggtopp Fabric Cleaner and Protectant Kit' on Amazon so I guess that's the stuff you were talking about as well. Thanks again.

Dave

[mpt]

I assume the ones where you hold the spray wand yourself are ok?

I've used a home pressure washer for a year now on the roadster with no ill-effect; it's especially good for keeping the suspension parts clear of stones and muck.

As a year-round driver, the only issue I've had has been the stone chips, actually, the almost complete removal of the paint on the sills. I'm heading into the second winter and I don't expect to have any paint left on there by spring. I'm still waiting on a long term fix from Tesla.

[dsm363]

There aren't any special products they recommend at Tesla for cleaning the car (just heard back). Just lots of soap and water.

[vfx]

Mine is just a wash routine. That MB thread is a full detail job. On the Tesla Owners forum someone put up a long post covering their whole wash routine. That was back in early 2009 but the new forum does not seem to have a search engine.

[dsm363]

I've got the whole Zaino system on the way. He suggested going ahead and applying the Zaino products as soon as the car arrived (not waiting 6 months for the paint to harden) since his products are not wax based. Does that sound right? I guess I'll wash the car with dawn and follow his suggestions/instructions online when it gets here if it does. I've never really spent any time detailing a car before so would hate to get the Roadster and mess up the paint in the same day.

[SByer]

Scratching is the only real worry - use soft things, don't use random rags (borderless cotton or microfiber towels won't scratch, cut up t-shirts with logos on them will), don't overuse the same one, and don't wear jeans or anything with a button on it. It's good to break out sweats (without a grommet) and a cotton t-shirt to detail a car in. And wash the towels yourself afterwards - it's the only way to make sure that no fabric softener gets involved in their cleaning.

I printed out Zaino's instructions and taped them to the side of the garage so I could glance at them. It's pretty easy stuff. Wish we had it 20 years ago.

[Nichen]

This guy is actually using a fully functioning Solar-Tesla I don't know what it cost but you gotta admit it looks pretty damn nice

[dsm363]

This guy is actually using a fully functioning Solar-Tesla I don't know what it cost but you gotta admit it looks pretty damn nice

That looks cool but is probably just paint to look like solar panels and advertise for a solar company (I see the smiley face now...does look cool though)

[TEG]

http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/deta...rt-detail.html

Products used on the exterior:
2 Bucket's, Grit Guard, and Caddies
Adam's prototype foam gun...soon to be released!
Adam's Car Shampoo
Adams wheel and fender brushes
Power Stick
Adam's Green Wheel Cleaner
Adam's All Purpose Cleaner
Adam's In and Out Spray
Adam's Detail Spray
Adam's Clay bar
Adam's Undercarriage Spray
Adam's Waterless Wash
Adam's Glass Cleaner
Ton's of Adam's Double Soft, Waterless Wash, and Glass Towel's

Paint Correction:
Porter Cable 7424XP
Porter Cable cordless drill
Adam's 7.5in foam pads
Adam's 4in spot foam pads
Adam's Swirl and Haze
Adam's Fine Machine Polish
Finished with Adam's Americana Premium Paste Wax

Interior:
Adam's Leather Cleaner
Adam's Leather Conditioner
Adam's Foam Applicators
Adam's Interior Brush
Metro Vac with various attachments