***official auto detailing thread***

[Niko49ers]

i sense some attitude in this post and I don't apprciate it sir.

Detailing has NOTHING to do with modding.

[Niko49ers]

http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/250...ore-polishing/

Great post about strip washing!

Edit: Just got Adam's All Purpose Cleaner for my strip wash. Gonna mix 4oz or so of that in with my Megiuar's GOLD car wash soap.

Edit2: Also just ordered a grit-guard. brb Grit Guard costs $9.99.... brb $10 for shipping lol

[BrianK.]

http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/250...ore-polishing/

Great post about strip washing!

Edit: Just got Adam's All Purpose Cleaner for my strip wash. Gonna mix 4oz or so of that in with my Megiuar's GOLD car wash soap.

Edit2: Also just ordered a grit-guard. brb Grit Guard costs $9.99.... brb $10 for shipping lol

Yeah it's a good write up like most of his stuff, however I don't always agree with the Adam's team.

APC, IPA or Dawn will not get rid of a good sealant--so I disagree there. It may break it down, but cleaning the paint is the best way to make sure.

Last time I saw; they don't even have a hot water extractor or a steamer at their warehouse. IMO they're robbing themselves.

Beware of that forum; very very very biased. They look down on every product.

Edit: I should have added that their videos are very informative and they do a great job showing how to use their products. But some of the posts I see on their forums make me scratch my head.

Also, their glass cleaner and car shampoo is second to none IMO. I will not use anything else anymore. (Unless something else peaks my interest)

[scrace]

Had time to rinseless wash my car a couple nights ago with ONR.

[BrianK.]

^^Looks good

What kind of protection do you have on it?

[scrace]

^^Looks good

What kind of protection do you have on it?

Klasse Sealant Glaze. I applied 3 coats 9 months ago and it's still holding up.

[Niko49ers]

Some concerns about strip washing...

1. Why not use just APC + water mixture? Why are you supposed to mix APC + water +car wash soap (in my case, megiuars gold class)

2. The APC I got has a nozzle on it for spraying as if its supposed to be sprayed on the car and not mixed in with water+car wash soap. Could I just take the damn nozzle off & mix in 4oz of the APC with my water+car wash soap anyways and it would work just fine?

My APC is Adam's All Purpose Cleaner... 16oz bottle that appears as if it is for spraying & not "mixing."

[BrianK.]

Klasse Sealant Glaze. I applied 3 coats 9 months ago and it's still holding up.

Very cool, will go onto my list of products to use one day.

Some concerns about strip washing...

1. Why not use just APC + water mixture? Why are you supposed to mix APC + water +car wash soap (in my case, megiuars gold class)

2. The APC I got has a nozzle on it for spraying as if its supposed to be sprayed on the car and not mixed in with water+car wash soap. Could I just take the damn nozzle off & mix in 4oz of the APC with my water+car wash soap anyways and it would work just fine?

My APC is Adam's All Purpose Cleaner... 16oz bottle that appears as if it is for spraying & not "mixing."

Well, APCs can be sprayed onto tires, wheels, engines, interiors, door sills/jambs, etc. (when using it for these, dilute it with distilled water 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 or at least 1:1)

As for a strip wash, you can still pour it in.

You need to have car wash soap for extra lubrication and for the suds that it creates. Suds help lift the dirt/grit away and provide lubrication, plus whatever materials soaps are made of help with lubricity as well.

Adams APC is very good; I have probably 200oz of it right now, but definitely dilute it so you're not wasting it.

[scrace]

Some concerns about strip washing...

1. Why not use just APC + water mixture? Why are you supposed to mix APC + water +car wash soap (in my case, megiuars gold class)

2. The APC I got has a nozzle on it for spraying as if its supposed to be sprayed on the car and not mixed in with water+car wash soap. Could I just take the damn nozzle off & mix in 4oz of the APC with my water+car wash soap anyways and it would work just fine?

My APC is Adam's All Purpose Cleaner... 16oz bottle that appears as if it is for spraying & not "mixing."

Dawn soap will strip waxes and sealants. Foam the car down, let it dwell for 5-10 minutes, rinse, foam the car down again then wash.

Your next step is going to be decontamination (clay bar or similar product), All in one (cleaner wax type product), or compound/polishing. AIO will remove any old product and so will polishing.

If you really want to use a APC or degreaser just spray it on the car after the second foam down. You don't have to mix it with your soap.

[BigB02z28]

i sense some attitude in this post and I don't apprciate it sir.

Guess sensing skills are about as good as your detailing.

If you're asking questions, you obviously haven't even attempted to read the thread. Brian has done an exceptional job explaining how to get started, what to buy, where to begin, how to diagnose issues, etc. There are a few other people in this thread that have given great information and whom do this for a living.

Therefor, I don't appreciate it when people who want **** spoonfed to them in their own personal reply, when they won't even attempt to learn on their own first.

If you can't figure out what to do after reading at least Brian's posts alone in this thread, you need to just pay someone to do it for you.

[gixxer0.6g]

Gave this kit a try on my truck. What a mess it makes. Everything it touches turns black.

[Niko49ers]

Well, APCs can be sprayed onto tires, wheels, engines, interiors, door sills/jambs, etc. (when using it for these, dilute it with distilled water 4:1, 3:1, 2:1 or at least 1:1)

As for a strip wash, you can still pour it in.

You need to have car wash soap for extra lubrication and for the suds that it creates. Suds help lift the dirt/grit away and provide lubrication, plus whatever materials soaps are made of help with lubricity as well.

Adams APC is very good; I have probably 200oz of it right now, but definitely dilute it so you're not wasting it.

What are those ratios of? 4 oz of distilled water : 1oz APC ? Etc ..

And for tires/wheels , is there any sort of specific wax for them? My 240's are aluminum alloy. I've simply been using Megiuars aluminum wheel cleaner (blue bottle) and their spray-on tire foam that makes the tires look black & wet.

Gonna have before/after pics when I'm done!

[BrianK.]

Gave this kit a try on my truck. What a mess it makes. Everything it touches turns black.

I'm not a fan of Turtle Wax, but have never used those products. Since you don't like it, what are you going to try next?

What are those ratios of? 4 oz of distilled water : 1oz APC ? Etc ..

And for tires/wheels , is there any sort of specific wax for them? My 240's are aluminum alloy. I've simply been using Megiuars aluminum wheel cleaner (blue bottle) and their spray-on tire foam that makes the tires look black & wet.

Gonna have before/after pics when I'm done!

Yeah for whatever reason the distilled water is the first number. (I think it usually is the active ingredient first, but in detailing it seems to be water first....don't know)

If you look at Scrace's post; you can take that advice as well. IMO neither way is always successful, but are both helpful either way.

Are your wheels clear coated aluminum alloy? Most wheels are clear coated, but of course yours might not be.

Wheels waxes are said to tolerate higher temperatures and won't degrade as fast, but sealants do the same thing. Some people coat their wheels permanently, but most apply a sealant of their choice. So it's up to you what sealant or wax you like.

[Niko49ers]

Essentially what is the difference between Megiuars "professional" products and their "normal" products?

I see Barry say their most advanced products are their "ultimate" stuff such as ultimate compound, ultimate quick detailer, etc and yet they have "professional" products as well, which, wouldn't THOSE be better than the "ultimate" labeled products they have, which they claim are their best?


Confuses me lol

[BrianK.]

Essentially what is the difference between Megiuars "professional" products and their "normal" products?

I see Barry say their most advanced products are their "ultimate" stuff such as ultimate compound, ultimate quick detailer, etc and yet they have "professional" products as well, which, wouldn't THOSE be better than the "ultimate" labeled products they have, which they claim are their best?


Confuses me lol

I really don't know, however I have read that certain products are 'tweaked' from line to line. Also, some are only available online and not in the store and some are labeled differently online, but are the same as in the store.

So, I'm really not sure. I don't use many of their products, but some of them are awesome or at least get good reviews; especially for the price.

[scrace]

Essentially what is the difference between Megiuars "professional" products and their "normal" products?

I see Barry say their most advanced products are their "ultimate" stuff such as ultimate compound, ultimate quick detailer, etc and yet they have "professional" products as well, which, wouldn't THOSE be better than the "ultimate" labeled products they have, which they claim are their best?


Confuses me lol

Professional line usually comes in bulk. A gallon or larger.

[WSG1]

Gave this kit a try on my truck. What a mess it makes. Everything it touches turns black.

Throw it in the trash as soon as possible. That crap is a waste of money and does nothing but make mess/stain clothes, Its like playing around with a leaking ink pen. The product itself is nothing but filler and will wash off in a matter of days.

[Niko49ers]

Grit guard arrived today. Adam's APC should come tomorrow since I ordered them on the same day about 10 minutes apart...

Gonna buy Megiuar's Convertible Top cleaner since my 240 is a 'vert. Gonan get a new wash mit. One wash mit for the strip wash and another wash mit for the actual wash.

Gonna get some new MF towells as well. I saw it was recommended to use the same MF towels for the same thing. Ie if I use one MF blue colored MF towels for drying/washing glass, use them ONLY on the glass for washing/drying. Same for MF towels used for rims, or used for drying the car, interior, etc. etc.

[BrianK.]

Yeah, best practice is to keep certain towels task specific.

Different 'types' of towels are needed as well. (preferably)
-waffle weave/drying, glass towels, utility, terry, high GSM towels, etc

[Niko49ers]

How I currently use my towels:

Waffle Weave
-drying the car from the strip wash
-drying the car from the normal wash

Standard MF towel
-Wiping off extra 'wax'
-Wiping off clay lubricant
-Glass
-Rims
--Generally 'everything else'


Not sure about the others you mentioned.



Just spent $110
-DA System
-Megiuars polish pad + polish (DA buffer)
-Megiuars wax pad + megiuars wax (DA buffer)
-set of 15 MF towels
-Tire foam cleaner
-Automotive carpet stain remover
-M3 automotive masking tape

And I still need to go back tomorrow and get
-Convertible top cleaner
-Megiuar's Compound pad + compound
-New wash mit (one for strip wash, one for normal wash)

[BigB02z28]

Year End Buffer Sale! All items are already marked down, except for Rupes, please use code RUPES10 to receive 10% off ALL Rupes products. More info here: http://www.autogeek.net/newsletter-special.html

[Niko49ers]

Fuarrk it's snowing

Gonna pull the car in the barn/shed to wash

[BrianK.]

How I currently use my towels:

Waffle Weave
-drying the car from the strip wash
-drying the car from the normal wash

Standard MF towel
-Wiping off extra 'wax'
-Wiping off clay lubricant
-Glass
-Rims
--Generally 'everything else'


Not sure about the others you mentioned.



Just spent $110
-DA System
-Megiuars polish pad + polish (DA buffer)
-Megiuars wax pad + megiuars wax (DA buffer)
-set of 15 MF towels
-Tire foam cleaner
-Automotive carpet stain remover
-M3 automotive masking tape

And I still need to go back tomorrow and get
-Convertible top cleaner
-Megiuar's Compound pad + compound
-New wash mit (one for strip wash, one for normal wash)

Looks good: Not sure what kind of towels you have, but they play an important role on your paint.

GSM (grams per square meter) rating is the most important and high fiber count (fibers per square inch) is another important factor. The higher the GSM and fiber count, the safer it is on paint...Pile length plays different roles as well.

For glass: I use Uber glass towels for the first wiping and then finish off with Viking glass towels I found at Meijer as a buff towels. Absolutely shocked at how the Viking towels perform at $2.99 for 2.

Taking care of your microfiber towels is crucial; ex: how to wash them.

I haven't used any towels Autogeek offers ever, but I have every Adam's towel, most Uber towels and have a select few towels from microfibertech.

Let us know how your work goes.


@BigB's post: Oh how I would love to drop some money on a few Rupes polishers.

[scrace]

Had three trucks to detail this past 2 weeks. They were in rough shape. Just did a one step and used Menzurna FG400.

[scrace]

All the images wouldn't fit in one post.

[Niko49ers]

All done! I feel like I could have used the DA system better but I feel like I did alright for my first time.

Strip wash consisted of:
-1/2oz Megiuars GOLD Car Wash
-2oz Adam's APC
-2 gallons water

I clayed the entire car, vertical planes included.

Got rid of ALL the swirls and there were a TON!

Here's 21 year old paint on a 1993 Nissan 240SX Convertible, detailed by a first-timer:

$200 in Detailing Products


All done!


Like a mirror!


Blurry pic but heres an angled rear shot with the top down


I like this picture...


The flip up lights though...


There are chips in the paint that I don't think the DA system can remove. (Easily seen in the close-up pictures of the front of the car)

[BigB02z28]

All done! I feel like I could have used the DA system better but I feel like I did alright for my first time.

Strip wash consisted of:
-1/2oz Megiuars GOLD Car Wash
-2oz Adam's APC
-2 gallons water

I clayed the entire car, vertical planes included.

Got rid of ALL the swirls and there were a TON!

Here's 21 year old paint on a 1993 Nissan 240SX Convertible, detailed by a first-timer:

$200 in Detailing Products
[img]http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii572/NeekHoeMoleenah/Products_zps9377b12c.jpg[img]

All done!
[img]http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii572/NeekHoeMoleenah/AllDone_zps86433aa4.jpg[img]

Like a mirror!
[img]http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii572/NeekHoeMoleenah/SideMirror_zps426f2b9b.jpg[img]

Blurry pic but heres an angled rear shot with the top down
[img]http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii572/NeekHoeMoleenah/Backshot_zpsb1d5193d.jpg[img]

I like this picture...
[img]http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii572/NeekHoeMoleenah/EmblemLight_zps01a9b9a3.jpg[img]

The flip up lights though...
[img]http://i1260.photobucket.com/albums/ii572/NeekHoeMoleenah/Lights_zps0ac37f4a.jpg[img]

There are chips in the paint that I don't think the DA system can remove. (Easily seen in the close-up pictures of the front of the car)

If thats bug damage on the front, check out Dr. Colorchip.

[scrace]

All done! I feel like I could have used the DA system better but I feel like I did alright for my first time.

Strip wash consisted of:
-1/2oz Megiuars GOLD Car Wash
-2oz Adam's APC
-2 gallons water

I clayed the entire car, vertical planes included.

Got rid of ALL the swirls and there were a TON!

Here's 21 year old paint on a 1993 Nissan 240SX Convertible, detailed by a first-timer:

$200 in Detailing Products


All done!


Like a mirror!


Blurry pic but heres an angled rear shot with the top down


I like this picture...


The flip up lights though...


There are chips in the paint that I don't think the DA system can remove. (Easily seen in the close-up pictures of the front of the car)

Great job, paint looks new. The more you practice the better you'll get.

You will need to fill in the chips with touch up paint, wet sand, compound and polish to blend everything.

[ssbowtie1]

My Meguiar's G110v2 DA polisher died so I've been looking for a replacement. Surprisingly, there are some great review's for the Harbor Freight DA polisher. And with the current 25% coupon, it comes out to $45 plus tax!

Anyone looking for a polisher should check this thing out. There is a huge thread on autogeek.net about it and some possible mods to make it more quiet and with a longer cord. Its supposed to have more power than the PC or the Megs polisher.

Pick this thing up with the Meg's dual action microfiber kit (which comes with a 5" backing plate) and some 5.5" lake country pads, and you've got a serious polishing setup for a great price!

[scrace]

My Meguiar's G110v2 DA polisher died so I've been looking for a replacement. Surprisingly, there are some great review's for the Harbor Freight DA polisher. And with the current 25% coupon, it comes out to $45 plus tax!

Anyone looking for a polisher should check this thing out. There is a huge thread on autogeek.net about it and some possible mods to make it more quiet and with a longer cord. Its supposed to have more power than the PC or the Megs polisher.

Pick this thing up with the Meg's dual action microfiber kit (which comes with a 5" backing plate) and some 5.5" lake country pads, and you've got a serious polishing setup for a great price!

You'll need a different backing plate for that machine. It's a great machine if you only use it a couple times a year, if more get a griots DA.