Cleaning a Ford F-250 Super Duty...

[Methodical4u]

It's my Father in law's truck and it's loaded inside.. but the seats are weird, they aren't normal leather... they are like some sort of suede feeling type stuff? I'm not to sure, what should be used on this that I can get from a local Western Auto?

[Methodical4u]

ok the leather is called Chaparral leather... cleaning it any different from other leathers?

[FJF]

Originally Posted by Methodical4u

ok the leather is called Chaparral leather... cleaning it any different from other leathers?

Unfortunately, I have no idea, but I thought I'd add to the thread in hopes of one of the sponsors coming by and lending some advice.

[Methodical4u]

Originally Posted by FJF

Unfortunately, I have no idea, but I thought I'd add to the thread in hopes of one of the sponsors coming by and lending some advice.

Tried finding a little info on it... and there isn't much... it's like saddle leather or something.. that's how it smells anyway.. which would make sense since it's the "king ranch" model lol. I'm just not going to mess with it unless I find out something solid...

by the way FJF... this truck has some fairly thick tar on it.. do I have to use bug and tar remover or will the KAIO get rid of most of it?

[FJF]

Originally Posted by Methodical4u

by the way FJF... this truck has some fairly thick tar on it.. do I have to use bug and tar remover or will the KAIO get rid of most of it?

I'd use a tar remover like Stoner's Tarminator, Goo Gone Automotive, 3M Adhesive Remover. Surf City's Grime Destroyer can work well, too, depending. It sounds like the truck could also use a good degreasing on its lower panels, as well. To tell the truth, I've only dealt with minor tar spots, so someone else may have a better idea.

[yahu]

Originally Posted by Methodical4u

Tried finding a little info on it... and there isn't much... it's like saddle leather or something.. that's how it smells anyway.. which would make sense since it's the "king ranch" model lol. I'm just not going to mess with it unless I find out something solid...

by the way FJF... this truck has some fairly thick tar on it.. do I have to use bug and tar remover or will the KAIO get rid of most of it?

I figured this was the King Ranch version. Question - why don't you call a Ford dealership and ask them? Or go to a Ford forum. I wouldn't think you would get the most help from the Evo forum, but best of luck.

[Methodical4u]

Originally Posted by yahu

I figured this was the King Ranch version. Question - why don't you call a Ford dealership and ask them? Or go to a Ford forum. I wouldn't think you would get the most help from the Evo forum, but best of luck.

Like I said... I did a search and only came up with limited information and what I did find is not in my immediate area and I have to have this thing finished sometime tomorrow.

It's an Evo forum true, but there are a lot of knowledgeable detailers here as well as vendors who have seen just about everything.

[Methodical4u]

Originally Posted by FJF

I'd use a tar remover like Stoner's Tarminator, Goo Gone Automotive, 3M Adhesive Remover. Surf City's Grime Destroyer can work well, too, depending. It sounds like the truck could also use a good degreasing on its lower panels, as well. To tell the truth, I've only dealt with minor tar spots, so someone else may have a better idea.

yeah, I actually did that to help me get some of the tar off when washing it.. I used some Mean green Max or super max... it says automotive degreaser and cleaner.. I diluted it pretty good though. I'm using a CCS white pad which is REALLY getting a lot of dirt out of the paint with that KAIO which I am really impressed with, and I think i'll top it with the DG since her Dad needs it to last a while.... plus if I have to clean it again, it will make things easier. Does the AIO need any cure time? Maybe I should put the DG on tomorrow? That should give it a good 6 months of protection right?

[FJF]

Originally Posted by Methodical4u

Does the AIO need any cure time? Maybe I should put the DG on tomorrow? That should give it a good 6 months of protection right?

KAIO does need some time to crosslink. You may be able to get 6 month out of DG105, but 4 months is a safer bet without using DG's bonding agent. Its lifespan can be extended with a booster product like DG's Aquawax. You should try the stuff. It's a reference-grade product that can be had for a song.

[Methodical4u]

maybe i'd be better off with a coat of glanzwax then?

[yahu]

Originally Posted by Methodical4u

Like I said... I did a search and only came up with limited information and what I did find is not in my immediate area and I have to have this thing finished sometime tomorrow.

It's an Evo forum true, but there are a lot of knowledgeable detailers here as well as vendors who have seen just about everything.

Ah, I didn't realize you had tried those routes when you stated you did a search - I guess I thought you meant searched on evom.net.

I'd still try the Ford dealer route, but not sure if there are any local. If nothing else, they should know how to clean it (of course I could see them trying to sell some special kit). Good luck in getting it done!

[FJF]

Originally Posted by Methodical4u

maybe i'd be better off with a coat of glanzwax then?

Looks like I'm batting a 1000, as I don't know the answer to this, either. I will next season, after using the sample you sent me. Thanks a lot, BTW.

The only thing I can say is that, IME, 6 months durability is difficult to achieve on a daily driven vehicle. There are 4 layers of DG601/105 on my Mazda. The car is not garaged. It's been 5 months and I'm seeing clear signs of diminishing protection on its roof. The sides still look pretty fresh. As a comparative exercise, I applied KAIO/ 3 x KSG on its hood, while protecting the rest of the paintwork with DG. The Klasse twins are behaving very similarly to the DG pairing - visibly diminished, but still protecting after 5 months. Nothing, and I mean nothing, I've used on this car lasted anywhere near as long and that includes almost every high-durability product under the sun (so to speak).

[Methodical4u]

Originally Posted by FJF

Looks like I'm batting a 1000, as I don't know the answer to this, either. I will next season, after using the sample you sent me. Thanks a lot, BTW.

The only thing I can say is that, IME, 6 months durability is difficult to achieve on a daily driven vehicle. There are 4 layers of DG601/105 on my Mazda. The car is not garaged. It's been 5 months and I'm seeing clear signs of diminishing protection on its roof. The sides still look pretty fresh. As a comparative exercise, I applied KAIO/ 3 x KSG on its hood, while protecting the rest of the paintwork with DG. The Klasse twins are behaving very similarly to the DG pairing - visibly diminished, but still protecting after 5 months. Nothing, and I mean nothing, I've used on this car lasted anywhere near as long and that includes almost every high-durability product under the sun (so to speak).

I don't even know how many layers I now have on my X of DG... it's either the 6th or 7th with a layer of Glanz on the roof. The roof however doesn't seem to bead as well, but against 6 layers or so it would be tough to beat. I put the first 3-4 layers on within a month and now after each wash, put a DG layer on... it's plenty on there to get it through the winter with no problems, especially considering I don't drive it in salty conditions and with no winter tires on it, I don't go many places if there's any snow on the road.

[Methodical4u]

I did a bit more research and found out that using a little no more tears baby shampoo in a bucket and then gentley wiped down is how to clean it, then I conditioned it with Lexol. They turned out pretty good. The inside in general looks fantastic IMO.. I really tried to take my time on it, which I did since it took me about 6-7 hours.

[yahu]

^did you get pics? It'd be nice to see how it turned out.