JDK

I agree with RX400h, that's way expensive! If you buy a good leather cleaner/conditioner like Zaino, Lexol, Mequires's, etc you shouldn't have any problem keeping the leather clean (my LS is 3 yrs old and I've never had a problem). I had a quote for the clear bra for almost the whole front of my car including pieces on my front fenders and rearview mirrors for $800. The reason I didn't was I have a black LS and I've read several postings that stated while it will protect the paint, I stone will have the ability to "pull" the clear away from the paint leaving a small "spot" that looks "white" and can be seen but not much can be done to fix. You can't really see the bubble on lighter color cars so I would really consider getting one installed. I keep up with mine with a toothpick and touchup paint. I'd also recommend spending some time at http://autopia.org/ and any detailing upkeep can be answered there. The discussion threads are the same as here with a lot of professional detailers available to help you out.

It most likely was the oil change but you must reset the light after each time. 1-turn ignition over to accessory "on" 2-go to your trip odometer and push past Trip 1 and Trip 2 until you get to the "blank" 3-turn "key" off 4-now turn ignition back "on" with one hand and hold the trip reset button in with the other hand for 5 seconds This should clear the warning light.

You are going to get a lot of opinions on the best and there is certainly quite a few really good products out there. I've learned the following from LOC members: wax usually provides a deeper shine but does not last as long (some recommend waxing every month or so) and a polish will last from 6-9 months but some feel it gives a more plastic look. I'm in Lima and just detailed my car on Saturday and decided to combine both Zaino (for longetivity) and P21S carnuba wax for a deep shine. I think it turned out really nice.

Try a search on this product, it may be what you are looking for: Pet Net Barrier or Dog Backseat Barrier Several companies make barriers ranging from fabric to metal bars for SUV's

I use the Zaino products and have been very happy with them, and they smell great Z-9 Leather Soft Spray Cleaner Z-9 Leather Soft Spray Cleaner You may want to try some Goof Off for the scuff marks. Simple Green or an Orange cleaner would probably work also.

I have 54K on my '04 and I asked my mechanic the same question because the Valvoline website recommended straight synthetic. He was afraid that we may find leaks so we went with the MaxLife Synthetic Blend (even though it's a 75K oil). Bob's been in the business for over 35 years and I trust him, plus he could have made more $$ on the full synthetic. http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/pr...l.asp?product=7

I'd take it to a stereo installation shop and ask them. You may get away cutting the wires flush with the car yourself, inside and out, or you may want to offer them the unit for free in exchange for the removing it. I had XM put into my car and it only cost $20 so simply cutting (and pulling?) out wires should not cost any more than that.

I had my tranny flushed recently and my mechanic was really surprised at how dark the fluid was even with 54K but it did not smell the least bit burnt. Replaced it with Toyota fluid which is quite a bit thinner than your typical fluid. The mechanic did not feel the need to change the filter or even drop the pan so we didn't. He suggested I flush the tranny every 30K from now on as he does with all of his personal cars and I'll check the color in another 2,000 miles just to see if it's dark already.

I've only detailed my car in the order recommended by Zaino so I can't answer your question. Judging by all of the feedback on this site and Autopia.com, my guess is most users do the same. The first time I used the products was on my son's bright red pickup and after 2 applications of the Z-2 he wanted to stop but I convinced him to do the last 3 steps and the results were simply amazing. As good as it looked after 2 coats, the paint looked completely wet after the third. After that experience, we both decided not to take shortcuts in the future. If I were you, I'd split your hood into 2 sections and do it your way on 1 side and Sal's on the other. You'll be able to see the difference, if any, in the shine and how long it holds up and then decide. Let me know how if works out! JDK, Your LS looks great! I also appreciate your suggestion of a split hood. Thanks FYI- I live in Lima

I've only detailed my car in the order recommended by Zaino so I can't answer your question. Judging by all of the feedback on this site and Autopia.com, my guess is most users do the same. The first time I used the products was on my son's bright red pickup and after 2 applications of the Z-2 he wanted to stop but I convinced him to do the last 3 steps and the results were simply amazing. As good as it looked after 2 coats, the paint looked completely wet after the third. After that experience, we both decided not to take shortcuts in the future. If I were you, I'd split your hood into 2 sections and do it your way on 1 side and Sal's on the other. You'll be able to see the difference, if any, in the shine and how long it holds up and then decide. Let me know how if works out!

Pulled the car out this nice sunny morning and could not tell any difference between last years pictures and yesterdays work so I didn't bother to post new ones. :D

Well I couldn't wait any longer and worked on the car today using different idea's I've read. -Hand wash -Clay Magic -Zaino - Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remove -Zaino - Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes -Zaino - Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray -Zaino - Z-2 Repeat -Zaino - Z-6 Repeat -P21S Carnuba Wax -Zaino - Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal -Zaino - Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss I ended up using microfiber applicators because it put a thinner coat of both the polish and the wax I also used microfiber towels to wipe. I tried the 100% cotton towels but the micro actually did a better job for me. It's very clear that as nice as the car came out, a buffer would have made it look even better. Very faint scratches and spider webs were still barely visible but would have completely disappeared with the PC7424 buffer. Unfortunately it was dark when I finished and the lighting in my garage is pretty poor so no pictures tonight. (plus my arms are so sore I may not be able to hold up a camera, I can hardly hold up my beer! ) I definately have a greater appreciation for those of you that do this for a living!

I purchased a pack of Clay Magic, a bottle of Rain-X Bug & Tar remover and some detail brushes. I already have quite a bit of Zaino Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover, ZFX Flash Cure Accelerator Additive,Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes,Z-6 Ultra Clean Gloss Enhancer Spray,Z-8 Grand Finale Spray Seal and P21S. (See, no abreviations!! ) How would you suggest I go about getting the best results with the products I already have at hand? (Once these are used up I may try different items but for now I want to just see how they will do) Thanks! JD - Here is some pixs of the "liquids" I have: On the left of Nattys (now given away) is there CG5050. You do not see the 3 gallon of CG leather stuff though. It's clear we have an addiction problem here!! I can't see any of the top products NOT shown! I ordered a gal of ONR today from Glimmer Glass Detailing, it was $34.99 http://www.glimmerglassdetailing.com/opnoriga.html I haven't decided on the buffer, bad time of the year for me with the dreaded Tax Man. I'm thinking about waiting until July and get the new one coming out from David at Autopia. http://autopia.org/forum/autopia-car-care/...rter+cable+7424 While my car is not quite up to the level of several of you out there, it is the best looking car in my office complex and looks like my picture 90% of the time.

I agree. When I was in my early 20's I worked at a custom body shop where we painted Corvettes and custom bikes "old style" that had to be wet sanded and polished, but that's been 30 yrs ago. With the PC, several sites also sell a 6" backplate and different pads and bonnets. Won't the OEM on the Porter work OK?

I have the ONR on order to be delivered next week. I figure I can always use the Freedom on my wife's pearl white '95 Avalon. What are your thoughts on a buffer or polisher? Is it necessary to use one and if so what is your preference? I realize the Porter Cable 7424 ($109) may or may not get out swirl marks and the polisher ($200+) will. I noticed that mburnickas uses the Makita 9227C. I'm simply trying to get a great shine but have no intention of entering it in any shows!