Questions for Car Connoisseurs

[Smudgey]

Hi everyone,

I have some questions for those of you who have been driving and loving cars for many more years than I in regards to the Forte sedan.

Number one, what is best product or method for cleaning the piano-black plastic in the dashboard surrounding the air conditioning and radio controls in the EX sedan without navigation? I, in my idiocy, tried to use some general ArmorAll interior cleaner and it left an enormous streak on it - looks wonderful.

Number two, how does one install an OEM or aftermarket spoiler? Can you even do it yourself? I know it involves drilling and that somewhat disturbs me because it is permanent and irreparable; once you make those holes in the trunk, you have to live with them.

Number three, can you wash a car too often? Until December when I was too busy with school, I've been washing my Forte just about every week because the Snow White Pearl attracts dirt so quickly - - I want the paint to look good for as long as possible, but one of my relatives warned me (half jokingly) that I would wear off the paint. Is that true with today's paint, something to have real concern for?

Number four, which exterior modifications have negative effects on resale value? Unfortunately due to KIA's no-longer-deserved reputation our Fortes already have near worst-in-class projected resale values, and since I plan to hold on to my Forte through college and then sell it afterwards I want to hang on to every dollar of resale value that I can.

Thanks for your time and effort in answering these questions,

Smudgey

[ItsaRuck!]

(12-20-2011 06:10 PM)Smudgey Wrote:  Hi everyone,

I have some questions for those of you who have been driving and loving cars for many more years than I in regards to the Forte sedan.

Number one, what is best product or method for cleaning the piano-black plastic in the dashboard surrounding the air conditioning and radio controls in the EX sedan without navigation? I, in my idiocy, tried to use some general ArmorAll interior cleaner and it left an enormous streak on it - looks wonderful.

Number two, how does one install an OEM or aftermarket spoiler? Can you even do it yourself? I know it involves drilling and that somewhat disturbs me because it is permanent and irreparable; once you make those holes in the trunk, you have to live with them.

Number three, can you wash a car too often? Until December when I was too busy with school, I've been washing my Forte just about every week because the Snow White Pearl attracts dirt so quickly - - I want the paint to look good for as long as possible, but one of my relatives warned me (half jokingly) that I would wear off the paint. Is that true with today's paint, something to have real concern for?

Number four, which exterior modifications have negative effects on resale value? Unfortunately due to KIA's no-longer-deserved reputation our Fortes already have near worst-in-class projected resale values, and since I plan to hold on to my Forte through college and then sell it afterwards I want to hang on to every dollar of resale value that I can.

Thanks for your time and effort in answering these questions,

Smudgey

1. The best thing to clean the dash is a clean rag and tap water. Sadly, most all the products made for dashes also degrade the plastic. Not sure what you mean by "streak". Did it remove the black coloring?

2. Most of the [normal] spoilers for the Forte come with 3M adhesive that does not require hole drilling.

3. Yes you can wash a car too much. But applying wax often will allow it to be worn away before the paint. Sounds like with your wash habit you should be putting a good wax on 4 times per year.

4. Stupid paint jobs, too dark a tint, wild spoilers and ground effects, oversized wheels and rubber band tires, and fake stick on intakes.

[Ratdaddy]

Just make it look nice not rice...

[Smudgey]

(12-20-2011 08:34 PM)ItsaRuck! Wrote:  1. The best thing to clean the dash is a clean rag and tap water. Sadly, most all the products made for dashes also degrade the plastic. Not sure what you mean by "streak". Did it remove the black coloring?

2. Most of the [normal] spoilers for the Forte come with 3M adhesive that does not require hole drilling.

3. Yes you can wash a car too much. But applying wax often will allow it to be worn away before the paint. Sounds like with your wash habit you should be putting a good wax on 4 times per year.

4. Stupid paint jobs, too dark a tint, wild spoilers and ground effects, oversized wheels and rubber band tires, and fake stick on intakes.

1. Okay, thank-you I wasn't sure what would be safe for that kind of material. The finish hasn't been taken off, but there is sort of residue from the wipes that I used, the best picture I could get was this before I went out earlier today:

2. I see, does the OEM one attach with adhesives?

3. I used NuFinish polish a month or two a go that was supposed to protect the paint like a wax for a year or 52 washes but I trust you more than the label of that product, so I'll pick up some wax ASAP. The glistening of the SWP in bright sunlight when it's nice and clean is alluring.

4. Stupid paint jobs, dark tint, wild spoilers & ground effects, oversized wheels/rubber band tires & fake stick on intakes. No plans for any of those (not a fan of any of them either!), once my VisualGarage sharkfin arrives I'm going to buy some 15" alloys before the standard steel wheels start to show ugly rust and call it at that as far as my "mods" go. If I recall the OEM spoiler is nearly $300 unpainted from official dealers, and theres tons of knock-offs on the ol' Ebay.

As if mentioned in other posts, my family bought the car just after it had come off a 6-month lease and the previous owner definitely didn't take the best care of it even though they only drove 6,925 miles before it ended up at Napleton Nissan. Just trying to keep him as pristine as possible.

[ItsaRuck!]

1. I'd give it a wipe with some alcohol. If that fails, give try Goop adhesive remover.

2. Most all, even the OE use adhesive. Here's a good source for various styles: http://www.carid.com/2010-kia-forte-spoiler/

[Smudgey]

Thanks for all your tips and advice, ItsaRuck!.

Just finished waxing him, going to vacuum the interior and then pull him back in the garage to polish, since it specifically states not to use in direct sunlight, and that is nearly impossible in Florida.


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EDIT: Whew, just finished washing, waxing, polishing, wiping, and vacuuming. Took all day but the effort was well worth it and I will certainly enjoy the incredible glistening and glowing for the next 24 hours until I have to like drive to Wal-Mart or something and all of a sudden he is filthy again.