Can you help me build a real world detail kit?
09-18-2011, 12:20 AM
#1
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Can you help me build a real world detail kit?
I have a steel grey C63 with black leather. I spend a lot of time in my car, and drive my kids every day. Accidents happen. I enjoy detailing my car. So I guess I would like a little kit in my car for mobile clean ups, and also a home package that lets me do a quality job myself.
By real world, I mean brands that aren't hard to get and don't cost a ton. I have 2 kids, a wife in university, a mortgage and live in an area where gas is $6 a gallon. I just cant bring myself to spend $20 on a 4 oz bottle of tire shine.
Having said that I do also understand that quality products go further, and last longer.
Can you help me with some suggestions, so that I can put this together?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
By real world, I mean brands that aren't hard to get and don't cost a ton. I have 2 kids, a wife in university, a mortgage and live in an area where gas is $6 a gallon. I just cant bring myself to spend $20 on a 4 oz bottle of tire shine.
Having said that I do also understand that quality products go further, and last longer.
Can you help me with some suggestions, so that I can put this together?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
09-18-2011, 12:49 AM
#2
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CLK & GL
Best car care kit for the money
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/p21s-car-care-kit.html
if you want to go crazy you can always do the Swissvax kit
O and also buy a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser... they fix most interior stains
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/p21s-car-care-kit.html
if you want to go crazy you can always do the Swissvax kit
O and also buy a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser... they fix most interior stains
09-18-2011, 07:31 AM
#3
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'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
Nascent polisher users
1. Porter-Cable PC7424XP
2. 5" DA Flexible Backing Plate
3. Meguire’s Microfiber Cutting Discs
4. Lake County (LC) Green Polishing Pads
5. LC Black Polishing Pads
6. Meguire’s D300 Compound
7. Menzerna S100 Fast Gloss
8. PO203 Power Finish
9. PO106FA Super Finish or PO 85 RD
1. An assortment of micro fibre towels (including waffle weave drying towels)
2. Two car washing buckets with GritGuard™ inserts
3. Two Lamb’s Wool Wash Mitts (one for upper body panels and one for lower panels)
4. P21S Car Care Kit – contains Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo, Gloss-Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser, Carnauba Car Wax and a non-acid, water-based detergent Wheel Cleaner that safely cleans all painted, clear-coated, polished or anodized wheels.
Detailing 101: Washing a Paint Surface - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...t-surface.html
Detailing 101; Introduction to Detailing - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1451986
TOGWT® Detailing Articles (Index & Hyperlinks) - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...l?daysprune=45
1. Porter-Cable PC7424XP
2. 5" DA Flexible Backing Plate
3. Meguire’s Microfiber Cutting Discs
4. Lake County (LC) Green Polishing Pads
5. LC Black Polishing Pads
6. Meguire’s D300 Compound
7. Menzerna S100 Fast Gloss
8. PO203 Power Finish
9. PO106FA Super Finish or PO 85 RD
1. An assortment of micro fibre towels (including waffle weave drying towels)
2. Two car washing buckets with GritGuard™ inserts
3. Two Lamb’s Wool Wash Mitts (one for upper body panels and one for lower panels)
4. P21S Car Care Kit – contains Bodywork Conditioning Shampoo, Gloss-Enhancing Paintwork Cleanser, Carnauba Car Wax and a non-acid, water-based detergent Wheel Cleaner that safely cleans all painted, clear-coated, polished or anodized wheels.
Detailing 101: Washing a Paint Surface - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...t-surface.html
Detailing 101; Introduction to Detailing - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1451986
TOGWT® Detailing Articles (Index & Hyperlinks) - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...l?daysprune=45
Last edited by TOGWT; 09-18-2011 at 07:50 AM.
09-19-2011, 10:37 AM
#6
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Thanks guys. I knew this was the riot place to ask! I must admit I hadn't really considered doing the polishing myself - in no small part because everyday I see a Z06 with absolutely brutal swirl marks. The guy who owns it seems totally oblivious. That car is like a hot chick with a cold sore.
09-19-2011, 09:52 PM
#7
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2005 CLK500 cab, 2004 S600 designo mocha
Your needs sound very similar to mine, and most other DIY detailers. You want something relatively cheap and easy to get a hold of (in a store, no online ordering, wait a week...).
For me, Meguiar's fits the bill perfectly. Advance Auto Parts has 40% off coupons basically all the time. I really like the Ultimate and Gold Class lines from Meguiar's. That means Ultimate Synthetic Wax, Ultimate car wash, Gold class tire shine, quick detailer, smooth surface clay kit (before waxing). Each of these products is like $5-$6 after discount, very affordable, and great results.
Even for polishing I use a Porter Cable with Meguiar's pads, M105 and M205. Again, easy to get a hold of, decently priced.
On the interior I go really expensive with Leatherique on the seats. Some people prefer the $8 bottles of Lexol in stores, but interior leather is something I'm really particular about. Only the best.
As others have mentioned, buy a couple of wash buckets, mits, microfiber (any brand) cloths, and chamois. GL
For me, Meguiar's fits the bill perfectly. Advance Auto Parts has 40% off coupons basically all the time. I really like the Ultimate and Gold Class lines from Meguiar's. That means Ultimate Synthetic Wax, Ultimate car wash, Gold class tire shine, quick detailer, smooth surface clay kit (before waxing). Each of these products is like $5-$6 after discount, very affordable, and great results.
Even for polishing I use a Porter Cable with Meguiar's pads, M105 and M205. Again, easy to get a hold of, decently priced.
On the interior I go really expensive with Leatherique on the seats. Some people prefer the $8 bottles of Lexol in stores, but interior leather is something I'm really particular about. Only the best.
As others have mentioned, buy a couple of wash buckets, mits, microfiber (any brand) cloths, and chamois. GL
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09-21-2011, 04:59 PM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Your needs sound very similar to mine, and most other DIY detailers. You want something relatively cheap and easy to get a hold of (in a store, no online ordering, wait a week...).
For me, Meguiar's fits the bill perfectly. Advance Auto Parts has 40% off coupons basically all the time. I really like the Ultimate and Gold Class lines from Meguiar's. That means Ultimate Synthetic Wax, Ultimate car wash, Gold class tire shine, quick detailer, smooth surface clay kit (before waxing). Each of these products is like $5-$6 after discount, very affordable, and great results.
Even for polishing I use a Porter Cable with Meguiar's pads, M105 and M205. Again, easy to get a hold of, decently priced.
On the interior I go really expensive with Leatherique on the seats. Some people prefer the $8 bottles of Lexol in stores, but interior leather is something I'm really particular about. Only the best.
As others have mentioned, buy a couple of wash buckets, mits, microfiber (any brand) cloths, and chamois. GL
For me, Meguiar's fits the bill perfectly. Advance Auto Parts has 40% off coupons basically all the time. I really like the Ultimate and Gold Class lines from Meguiar's. That means Ultimate Synthetic Wax, Ultimate car wash, Gold class tire shine, quick detailer, smooth surface clay kit (before waxing). Each of these products is like $5-$6 after discount, very affordable, and great results.
Even for polishing I use a Porter Cable with Meguiar's pads, M105 and M205. Again, easy to get a hold of, decently priced.
On the interior I go really expensive with Leatherique on the seats. Some people prefer the $8 bottles of Lexol in stores, but interior leather is something I'm really particular about. Only the best.
As others have mentioned, buy a couple of wash buckets, mits, microfiber (any brand) cloths, and chamois. GL
And what about websites....both educational and retail?
Thanks again!
09-21-2011, 05:02 PM
#9
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Thread Starter
And what product for the dash and interior trim?
09-21-2011, 05:57 PM
#11
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Car
If you just want stuff you can get at your local auto parts store, it's possible to get good stuff, but it's much better to go online as you can easily get better quality products as others have recommended.
This website is great to help you get started: http://www.detailedimage.com/
I plan to upgrade for the holidays, but for now I have this from AutoZone (most of their good products tend to be Meguiars and it seems to be a good price, too - around $150 I believe for all of this)
Wheels
One 5 Gal. Bucket
Eagle A2Z Wheel Cleaner (can also clean tires and is really effective on brake dust compared to other parts store options)
AutoZone brushes (horse hair brushes are better than this, but these brushes are fine)
Meguiars Hot Shine Tire Spray applied with an applicator pad
Exterior:
Two 5 Gal. Bucket (wash and rinse bucket)
Meguiars Gold Class Car Soap
Two microfiber sponges - one for upper half and one for lower half (I use regular, but knobby is fine, too)
Drying:
Meguiars Quik Detailer
Meguiars Quik Wax
Eagle Wax as You Dry (Haven't tried this yet)
Wax:
Meguiars NXT 2.0 and Meguiars 26 Yellow Carnauba (plan to combine both soon) applied with a cheap 10" Vector random orbital waxer (needs microfiber bonnets but does a good job)
Interior:
Meguiars Quik Interior Detailer
Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant applied with applicator pad
Meguiars Rich Leather Cleaner
Be sure to get a lot of microfiber towels for drying, quick waxes, quick detailers, and general purpose (glass, interior, door jambs, etc)
My wish list:
- Waffle Weave Drying Towels
- Blackfire Wet Diamond Paint Sealant
- Chemical Guys EZ Cream Glaze
This website is great to help you get started: http://www.detailedimage.com/
I plan to upgrade for the holidays, but for now I have this from AutoZone (most of their good products tend to be Meguiars and it seems to be a good price, too - around $150 I believe for all of this)
Wheels
One 5 Gal. Bucket
Eagle A2Z Wheel Cleaner (can also clean tires and is really effective on brake dust compared to other parts store options)
AutoZone brushes (horse hair brushes are better than this, but these brushes are fine)
Meguiars Hot Shine Tire Spray applied with an applicator pad
Exterior:
Two 5 Gal. Bucket (wash and rinse bucket)
Meguiars Gold Class Car Soap
Two microfiber sponges - one for upper half and one for lower half (I use regular, but knobby is fine, too)
Drying:
Meguiars Quik Detailer
Meguiars Quik Wax
Eagle Wax as You Dry (Haven't tried this yet)
Wax:
Meguiars NXT 2.0 and Meguiars 26 Yellow Carnauba (plan to combine both soon) applied with a cheap 10" Vector random orbital waxer (needs microfiber bonnets but does a good job)
Interior:
Meguiars Quik Interior Detailer
Meguiars Natural Shine Protectant applied with applicator pad
Meguiars Rich Leather Cleaner
Be sure to get a lot of microfiber towels for drying, quick waxes, quick detailers, and general purpose (glass, interior, door jambs, etc)
My wish list:
- Waffle Weave Drying Towels
- Blackfire Wet Diamond Paint Sealant
- Chemical Guys EZ Cream Glaze
Last edited by CarboyS; 09-22-2011 at 01:25 AM.
09-22-2011, 01:06 AM
#12
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C63 AMG, P30
Alright,
I can help out. I detail/wash my car at least once a week. No exception.
I have over a hundred products, yet I stick to only about 20 because I like to experiment a lot. It has cost me too much money.
Anyways, here are a few products that can multi task very well.
Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze $20
This is a very strong sealant that can last months with just one coat. I still apply four or five coats as it only gets stronger and shinier.
I use this on paint, as well as my wheels and it is my favorite wax/sealant product.
If you use it on wheels though, you cannot use any wheel cleaner as it will strip klasse off. Just use regular car wash such as Griots Garage Car Wash.
Griots Garage Car Wash $7.
This is the best shampoo I have used so far and it works well with Klasse.
Pinnacle Leather Cleaner and Conditioner around $15 but it is buy one get one free on autogeek.net right now.
I just received it in the mail and it is my favorite. I have used Leatherique and Meg's Gold class and this is much better. It has all the UV protection you could want and is and one step easy to use product.
Microfibers! Plenty of Cobra of Meg's supreme shine Microfiber.
To dry the car, I use a leaf blower to prevent any marring of the paint. Anything that gets the job done without touching the paint is a winner in my book.
Plenty of Lowe's grout sponges. Yes, Grout Sponges. They are two dollars and amazing. Get as many as you can. You will thank me!
For paint correction, I use a Griots Garage D/A with both 6.5 inch and 4 inch backing plates. I use Meg's Softbuff 2.0 Pads. 5" Lake Country CCS pads, and 4" inch Lake Country CCS Pads.
Meg's Ultimate Compound (OTC)
Meg's Ultimate Polish (OTC) With different pads to finish really well.
I can help out. I detail/wash my car at least once a week. No exception.
I have over a hundred products, yet I stick to only about 20 because I like to experiment a lot. It has cost me too much money.
Anyways, here are a few products that can multi task very well.
Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze $20
This is a very strong sealant that can last months with just one coat. I still apply four or five coats as it only gets stronger and shinier.
I use this on paint, as well as my wheels and it is my favorite wax/sealant product.
If you use it on wheels though, you cannot use any wheel cleaner as it will strip klasse off. Just use regular car wash such as Griots Garage Car Wash.
Griots Garage Car Wash $7.
This is the best shampoo I have used so far and it works well with Klasse.
Pinnacle Leather Cleaner and Conditioner around $15 but it is buy one get one free on autogeek.net right now.
I just received it in the mail and it is my favorite. I have used Leatherique and Meg's Gold class and this is much better. It has all the UV protection you could want and is and one step easy to use product.
Microfibers! Plenty of Cobra of Meg's supreme shine Microfiber.
To dry the car, I use a leaf blower to prevent any marring of the paint. Anything that gets the job done without touching the paint is a winner in my book.
Plenty of Lowe's grout sponges. Yes, Grout Sponges. They are two dollars and amazing. Get as many as you can. You will thank me!
For paint correction, I use a Griots Garage D/A with both 6.5 inch and 4 inch backing plates. I use Meg's Softbuff 2.0 Pads. 5" Lake Country CCS pads, and 4" inch Lake Country CCS Pads.
Meg's Ultimate Compound (OTC)
Meg's Ultimate Polish (OTC) With different pads to finish really well.
Last edited by AMG3.2; 09-22-2011 at 01:10 AM.
10-02-2011, 08:26 AM
#14
just did this in another forum:
Wheels and tires: Sonax Full Effect
http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-wheel-cleaner.html
with Daytona Speedmaster brush
http://www.autogeek.net/daytona-special.html
and lug brush
http://www.autogeek.net/lug-nut-brush-kit.html
Meguiars APC for cleaning tires
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-all...plus-d103.html
FK Top Kote for larger diameter tires
http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-...rotectant.html
Optimum Tire Gel for low profile tires
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti...-gel-32oz.html
Wash: Adams Wash pad
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-83-ad...-wash-pad.aspx
or
Lake Country Wash Sponge
http://www.autogeek.net/car-wash-sponge.html
Meguiars Shampoo Plus
http://www.autogeek.net/mg11101.html
Foam Gun
http://www.autogeek.net/dp-quart-foam-gun.html
with DP Xtreme Foam
http://www.autogeek.net/foam-gun-soap.html
If removing wax and getting ready for polish:
Iron X
http://www.autogeek.net/carpro-iron-x-cleaner.html
and
Citrus Wash
http://www.detailedimage.com/Chemical-Guys-M31/Citrus-Wash-Gloss-P178/16-oz-S1/
Drying:
Waffle weave
http://www.autogeek.net/x2000.html
or
http://www.autogeek.net/waffle-weave-towels.html
or
http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Micr...00/36-x-24-S1/
Polishing:
Meguiars 105
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mir...-compound.html
Meguiars 205
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html
For quick polishing:
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-hyper-polish-spray.html
with Lake Country pads 5.5"
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-ultra-polish-kit.html
get a couple 4" pads too
http://www.autogeek.net/4inch-spot-buffs.html
Microfiber your choice, but the Sams has the ProChoice which are great.
Wax/Sealant:
Collinite 845 KILLER on white cars
http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-in...r-wax-845.html
Collinite 476S
http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-su...--wax-476.html
Rejex
http://www.autogeek.net/rejex-16oz.html
Meguiars 16 pretty hard to find
Autoglym HD if you want some let me know, i will sell it cheap, great for darks
Topper/Spray Detailers:
Meguiars Show Time
http://www.autogeek.net/meg34finin.html
Optimum Car Wax
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-spray-wax.html
Thats exterior.
Wheels and tires: Sonax Full Effect
http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-wheel-cleaner.html
with Daytona Speedmaster brush
http://www.autogeek.net/daytona-special.html
and lug brush
http://www.autogeek.net/lug-nut-brush-kit.html
Meguiars APC for cleaning tires
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-all...plus-d103.html
FK Top Kote for larger diameter tires
http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-...rotectant.html
Optimum Tire Gel for low profile tires
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti...-gel-32oz.html
Wash: Adams Wash pad
http://www.adamspolishes.com/p-83-ad...-wash-pad.aspx
or
Lake Country Wash Sponge
http://www.autogeek.net/car-wash-sponge.html
Meguiars Shampoo Plus
http://www.autogeek.net/mg11101.html
Foam Gun
http://www.autogeek.net/dp-quart-foam-gun.html
with DP Xtreme Foam
http://www.autogeek.net/foam-gun-soap.html
If removing wax and getting ready for polish:
Iron X
http://www.autogeek.net/carpro-iron-x-cleaner.html
and
Citrus Wash
http://www.detailedimage.com/Chemical-Guys-M31/Citrus-Wash-Gloss-P178/16-oz-S1/
Drying:
Waffle weave
http://www.autogeek.net/x2000.html
or
http://www.autogeek.net/waffle-weave-towels.html
or
http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Micr...00/36-x-24-S1/
Polishing:
Meguiars 105
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-mir...-compound.html
Meguiars 205
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-finishing-polish.html
For quick polishing:
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-hyper-polish-spray.html
with Lake Country pads 5.5"
http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-ultra-polish-kit.html
get a couple 4" pads too
http://www.autogeek.net/4inch-spot-buffs.html
Microfiber your choice, but the Sams has the ProChoice which are great.
Wax/Sealant:
Collinite 845 KILLER on white cars
http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-in...r-wax-845.html
Collinite 476S
http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-su...--wax-476.html
Rejex
http://www.autogeek.net/rejex-16oz.html
Meguiars 16 pretty hard to find
Autoglym HD if you want some let me know, i will sell it cheap, great for darks
Topper/Spray Detailers:
Meguiars Show Time
http://www.autogeek.net/meg34finin.html
Optimum Car Wax
http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-spray-wax.html
Thats exterior.
10-02-2011, 09:05 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Wow. b16gsr! Thank you for all the time you put in on that.
Look out Mastercard!
Look out Mastercard!
10-02-2011, 09:10 AM
#16
10-02-2011, 09:12 AM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
I just realized I omitted thanking carboys and AMG3.2, my apologies.
Thank you all for the time and effort you have put in on this. I have already picked up a few of the products, and things are looking good. I tracked my car for the first time this week, so I think I owe her some loving care in the next couple of days.
Now I just need to find a way to keep it all sort and organized. And contained for that matter. I have a single car garage that thinks its a garage, and a woodworking studio and
a bbq shop!
Thank you all for the time and effort you have put in on this. I have already picked up a few of the products, and things are looking good. I tracked my car for the first time this week, so I think I owe her some loving care in the next couple of days.
Now I just need to find a way to keep it all sort and organized. And contained for that matter. I have a single car garage that thinks its a garage, and a woodworking studio and
a bbq shop!
10-12-2011, 04:53 PM
#19
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Silver CLS550, Blk M45, Lexus GX470 & an endless fleet of Avis Premium Rental Cars
I agree. The porter cable is a waste of time on this new ceramiclear coat. Flex 3401 all they way. The Porter Cable will NOT be effective. Trust me...I've tried it. If your benz is 2003 or older then the porter cable is fine, but 2004 and up...Flex 3401
10-13-2011, 04:46 AM
#20
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'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
10-13-2011, 02:54 PM
#21
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2005 CLK500 cab, 2004 S600 designo mocha
