Car Care and Detailing Thread

[lewdog]

Others mentioned I should start this thread in my other thread. And while I won't have the new car for a while, I'd like to hear some thoughts and recommendations so I can have most of it on hand before the car shows up. My other thread had a lot of great posts in it and you guys have been a big help.

While black cars looks great clean, keeping it relatively clean in Phoenix might be the death of me. But I'll sure as shit give it my best shot.

I actually like cleaning and waxing our current cars but it's not like I am being meticulous about it. I've never had a car with rims either and I know those can get dirty quick. I've never owned a dark colored car and I've never had a car with leather. I plan to take really good care of this car and would like some tips on doing so. But I'm just a ****ing n00b.

I'll throw some links out from Amazon as I mention things.


Some of the things already on my list are:
1. Not sure if everyone recommends wool wash mitt over micorfiber here but many people I know do?
http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Genuin...wool+wash+mitt

2. Grit guard and two wash buckets. One for rinse and one for soap/water.

http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Genuin...wool+wash+mitt

3. Waffle Weave Drying towel. There are tons of towels out there but this seems to be able to take up a lot of water.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q8DMA0/...I21164SXVV1AWB

4. Car Wash

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009IQXFO/...b_recs_2_title


Some mention that after washing you should use a paint cleanser before waxing. But wondering if washing then clay baring is sufficient prior to wax?

I've seen this P21S Paintwork Cleanser mentioned on a few reads. Looks like good use for water spots and swirls prior to waxing if needed. Not sure if you would do entire car first or just use it for bad spots before waxing?

http://www.amazon.com/P21S-12350B-Pa...twork+Cleanser


Also, a company called Zaino has great reviews and recommendations. They have a package that looks like it includes all products I'd need together including wash, polish, wax, leather and tire care.

http://www.zainostore.com/mm5/mercha...y_Code=prokits



I do not have a polisher and would need to get one of those as well but not sure where to start on that front.



Can't wait to see what you guys have tried and recommend.

[ModSocks]

Originally Posted by Dr. Gigglepants

So should I read this thread or can someone tell me what products to use?
Posted via Mobile Device

McGuire's or Mothers.

Personally, i like McGuire's products, with the exception of Mother's "Back to Black" product, which is amazing for all the rubber trim, or black plastics that get faded by the sun.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Dr. Gigglepants

So should I read this thread or can someone tell me what products to use?
Posted via Mobile Device

I like Chemical Guys. Their stuff is all reasonably priced (they have different tiers of stuff as well).

[Dr. Gigglepants]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

McGuire's or Mothers.

Personally, i like McGuire's products, with the exception of Mother's "Back to Black" product, which is amazing for all the rubber trim, or black plastics that get faded by the sun.

The wax I use is Meguiars NXT 2.0, have always been satisfied with it. Is there a chemical guys product or any other product to go on after the wax?
Posted via Mobile Device

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Dr. Gigglepants

The wax I use is Meguiars NXT 2.0, have always been satisfied with it. Is there a chemical guys product or any other product to go on after the wax?
Posted via Mobile Device

Proper detailing steps are

1. Wash
2. Clay bar (wash again if you'd like after clay)
3. Polish
4. Paint Sealant
5. Wax

Wax should be the last thing you put on your vehicle.

[eDave]

Originally Posted by KC native

Proper detailing steps are

1. Wash
2. Clay bar (wash again if you'd like after clay)
3. Polish
4. Paint Sealant
5. Wax

Wax should be the last thing you put on your vehicle.

Preferred wax? Apologies if answered earlier.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by eDave

Preferred wax? Apologies if answered earlier.

I've been using this (they make other color specific waxes too). I love their Jet Seal Paint Sealant too. That shit is awesome. The water still beads up on my windows (it goes on everything on the car).

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Pete_s_5..._p/wac_300.htm

[eDave]

Originally Posted by KC native

I've been using this (they make other color specific waxes too). I love their Jet Seal Paint Sealant too. That shit is awesome. The water still beads up on my windows (it goes on everything on the car).

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Pete_s_5..._p/wac_300.htm

Thanks dude. I looked at the other stuff. I just don't care about my cars to spend that much. I turn over every 4 years or less. I'd spend the green on something I planned to keep though.

Thanks again.

[ModSocks]

Originally Posted by KC native

I've been using this (they make other color specific waxes too). I love their Jet Seal Paint Sealant too. That shit is awesome. The water still beads up on my windows (it goes on everything on the car).

http://www.chemicalguys.com/Pete_s_5..._p/wac_300.htm

...bet i could get those guys to give me free stuff so i can try it out....Mothers use to sponsor us for awhile when we did the show circuit.

[KC native]

Originally Posted by Detoxing

...bet i could get those guys to give me free stuff so i can try it out....Mothers use to sponsor us for awhile when we did the show circuit.

Hit them up. They're based in Cali. I bet they would as well.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by KC native

Proper detailing steps are

1. Wash
2. Clay bar (wash again if you'd like after clay)
3. Polish
4. Paint Sealant
5. Wax

Wax should be the last thing you put on your vehicle.

You should try Garry Dean's method. Many on the detailing boards swear by it. He's updated it for 2015.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Dr. Gigglepants

So should I read this thread or can someone tell me what products to use?
Posted via Mobile Device

Garry Dean's detail juice. You can use it on glass, leather, exterior and interior surfaces. It's his own unique solution.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

You should try Garry Dean's method. Many on the detailing boards swear by it. He's updated it for 2015.

Are you using this method when washing your car? I still prefer two buckets with grit guards and good rinse before even touching the paint. I blow most of the water off my car as well for even less touching. His method works but it's still not the safest for paint.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by lewdog

Are you using this method when washing your car? I still prefer two buckets with grit guards and good rinse before even touching the paint. I blow most of the water off my car as well for even less touching. His method works but it's still not the safest for paint.

Many people on the detailing boards think its the safest way to wash your car.

I'm going to be paying a mobile detailer that Garry Dean recommended. She's been sick. I'm using his products to detail the car but running my car through an automatic touchless wash until she is healthy again. His products worked fantastic. Took some tar right off, cleaned glass and shined the dash. Wonderful all in one stuff.

[lewdog]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Many people on the detailing boards think its the safest way to wash your car.

I'm going to be paying a mobile detailer that Garry Dean recommended. She's been sick. I'm using his products to detail the car but running my car through an automatic touchless wash until she is healthy again. His products worked fantastic. Took some tar right off, cleaned glass and shined the dash. Wonderful all in one stuff.

It's the safest way if you aren't going to do a full wash. But rinsing a car off first to remove most of the grime first before even touching the paint IS the safest way compared to a method that touches the paint with more dirt on it. No way around that. Not saying it's a bad way but I am much more comfortable working with what I consider the cleanest surface first before touching the paint. I have gone to blowing off the car with a leaf blower too to remove almost all the water so I only have to spot dry the paint. Not only is it safer but it's actually faster for me to do it this way.

Not saying not to use his stuff but plenty of stuff works just fine. I use a turtle wax product that takes off any tar or road grime just as quick. I do like the idea of the all-in-one stuff he has though and might give that a shot sometime.

I love Chemical Guys leather conditioner if you don't have something like that yet. Soaks in, keeps the seats plush, smells good and isn't greasy.

But the big question is...............You can't wash your own car?!

[ModSocks]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

You should try Garry Dean's method. Many on the detailing boards swear by it. He's updated it for 2015.

That's nice and all, but how many people have an air compressor at home?