chrome cleaner/protector, interior cleaner/protectant, rubber seals/plastic
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 603
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From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
chrome cleaner/protector, interior cleaner/protectant, rubber seals/plastic
ok, so i sat down the other night and read the detailing guide. i then added to my shopping cart as i read and the product list i got was well over $600. if i did everything in that documentation, i'd be doing some tasks multiple times and its unclear which products to use/when. a few clarifying questions if you guys don't mind. also, what frequency do you guys apply these?
1) what chrome cleaner/protectant do you guys use? i want to keep my exhaust pipes nice and clean and w/o pitting as much as possible. also put some sort of protectant over them.
2) what interior cleaner do you guys use? 1Z or 303 or something else? this is for the dash/etc. i'm going for leatherique for the seats. what also protects against UV and heat? most of the time my car will be kept in a garage and away from the elements, but i want to do my best to keep her in top condition. i prefer the matte finish that she arrived in. not glossy. also want something i don't need to apply very frequently. (i.e. every weekend).
3) what glass cleaner do you use?
4) what cleaner/protectant do you use for outside black seals/plastic so that they do not dull/mar with time/exposure to the elements?
5) what cleaner/protectant do you use to keep the rubber seals clean/protected?
6) what frequency do you guys wax the car? do you wax it every 6 months and then detail wax it to keep appearance? or on a different frequency. i'm planning on using zaino, and then using carnauba wax over it to give it a nice shine.
any and all advice is welcome. just curious what other's experiences have been and any words of wisdom. keeping the car clean is a priority for me, but i want to get a good schedule setup for it so it isn't a weekend project. also setup a maintenance schedule so that the car is kept in good shape between cleanings (i.e. paraffin dust wand by OXO). my car is regular black, so i want to keep her as clean and protected and scratch free as possible.
thanks in advance,
Gareth
1) what chrome cleaner/protectant do you guys use? i want to keep my exhaust pipes nice and clean and w/o pitting as much as possible. also put some sort of protectant over them.
2) what interior cleaner do you guys use? 1Z or 303 or something else? this is for the dash/etc. i'm going for leatherique for the seats. what also protects against UV and heat? most of the time my car will be kept in a garage and away from the elements, but i want to do my best to keep her in top condition. i prefer the matte finish that she arrived in. not glossy. also want something i don't need to apply very frequently. (i.e. every weekend).
3) what glass cleaner do you use?
4) what cleaner/protectant do you use for outside black seals/plastic so that they do not dull/mar with time/exposure to the elements?
5) what cleaner/protectant do you use to keep the rubber seals clean/protected?
6) what frequency do you guys wax the car? do you wax it every 6 months and then detail wax it to keep appearance? or on a different frequency. i'm planning on using zaino, and then using carnauba wax over it to give it a nice shine.
any and all advice is welcome. just curious what other's experiences have been and any words of wisdom. keeping the car clean is a priority for me, but i want to get a good schedule setup for it so it isn't a weekend project. also setup a maintenance schedule so that the car is kept in good shape between cleanings (i.e. paraffin dust wand by OXO). my car is regular black, so i want to keep her as clean and protected and scratch free as possible.
thanks in advance,
Gareth
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Massachusetts
Originally Posted by gmdebruyn
ok, so i sat down the other night and read the detailing guide. i then added to my shopping cart as i read and the product list i got was well over $600. if i did everything in that documentation, i'd be doing some tasks multiple times and its unclear which products to use/when. a few clarifying questions if you guys don't mind. also, what frequency do you guys apply these?
1) what chrome cleaner/protectant do you guys use? i want to keep my exhaust pipes nice and clean and w/o pitting as much as possible. also put some sort of protectant over them.
For chrome tips I would just apply a Sealant like Klasse All In One
2) what interior cleaner do you guys use? 1Z or 303 or something else? this is for the dash/etc. i'm going for leatherique for the seats. what also protects against UV and heat? most of the time my car will be kept in a garage and away from the elements, but i want to do my best to keep her in top condition. i prefer the matte finish that she arrived in. not glossy. also want something i don't need to apply very frequently. (i.e. every weekend).
I use either the 1Z Vinyl/Rubber care OR the New Sonus Total eclipse.
I protect once every 6 weeks.
You can remove the dust anytime you see building up with a MF towel and a "spritz of the 1Z ****pit Premium.(The ****pit Premium will help with a Matte finish) For the seath 1Z Leather care is outstanding!!!!
3) what glass cleaner do you use?
1Z Glass Cleaner and the Sonus Ultimate Detailing towel, one to wash and a second one to finish drying with.The second towel really helps remove any streaking that may appear.
4) what cleaner/protectant do you use for outside black seals/plastic so that they do not dull/mar with time/exposure to the elements?
Again, 1Z Vinyl/rubber care or Sonus Total Eclipse
Neither of these will run if the car happens to get rained on.
5) what cleaner/protectant do you use to keep the rubber seals clean/protected?
I use the 1Z Gummipflege It has a sponge applicator tip that makes applying it to the rubber weatherstripping easy!!
6) what frequency do you guys wax the car? do you wax it every 6 months and then detail wax it to keep appearance? or on a different frequency. i'm planning on using zaino, and then using carnauba wax over it to give it a nice shine.
I haven't used Zaino so I cant comment on that.
I use Klasse twins or Autoglym twins so I have about 6 months of protection.
I also use quick detail spray and that seems to help keep the Klasse or Autoglym very smooth and slick.
I do apply P21S every month or so.
any and all advice is welcome. just curious what other's experiences have been and any words of wisdom. keeping the car clean is a priority for me, but i want to get a good schedule setup for it so it isn't a weekend project. also setup a maintenance schedule so that the car is kept in good shape between cleanings (i.e. paraffin dust wand by OXO). my car is regular black, so i want to keep her as clean and protected and scratch free as possible.
thanks in advance,
Gareth
1) what chrome cleaner/protectant do you guys use? i want to keep my exhaust pipes nice and clean and w/o pitting as much as possible. also put some sort of protectant over them.
For chrome tips I would just apply a Sealant like Klasse All In One
2) what interior cleaner do you guys use? 1Z or 303 or something else? this is for the dash/etc. i'm going for leatherique for the seats. what also protects against UV and heat? most of the time my car will be kept in a garage and away from the elements, but i want to do my best to keep her in top condition. i prefer the matte finish that she arrived in. not glossy. also want something i don't need to apply very frequently. (i.e. every weekend).
I use either the 1Z Vinyl/Rubber care OR the New Sonus Total eclipse.
I protect once every 6 weeks.
You can remove the dust anytime you see building up with a MF towel and a "spritz of the 1Z ****pit Premium.(The ****pit Premium will help with a Matte finish) For the seath 1Z Leather care is outstanding!!!!
3) what glass cleaner do you use?
1Z Glass Cleaner and the Sonus Ultimate Detailing towel, one to wash and a second one to finish drying with.The second towel really helps remove any streaking that may appear.
4) what cleaner/protectant do you use for outside black seals/plastic so that they do not dull/mar with time/exposure to the elements?
Again, 1Z Vinyl/rubber care or Sonus Total Eclipse
Neither of these will run if the car happens to get rained on.
5) what cleaner/protectant do you use to keep the rubber seals clean/protected?
I use the 1Z Gummipflege It has a sponge applicator tip that makes applying it to the rubber weatherstripping easy!!
6) what frequency do you guys wax the car? do you wax it every 6 months and then detail wax it to keep appearance? or on a different frequency. i'm planning on using zaino, and then using carnauba wax over it to give it a nice shine.
I haven't used Zaino so I cant comment on that.
I use Klasse twins or Autoglym twins so I have about 6 months of protection.
I also use quick detail spray and that seems to help keep the Klasse or Autoglym very smooth and slick.
I do apply P21S every month or so.
any and all advice is welcome. just curious what other's experiences have been and any words of wisdom. keeping the car clean is a priority for me, but i want to get a good schedule setup for it so it isn't a weekend project. also setup a maintenance schedule so that the car is kept in good shape between cleanings (i.e. paraffin dust wand by OXO). my car is regular black, so i want to keep her as clean and protected and scratch free as possible.
thanks in advance,
Gareth
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
do any of these products have a downside? for example using Armorall tends to cause the dash/etc. to get worse faster if you don't use more Armorall.
do 303 or 1Z have any of these types of problems? while one of my goals is keeping the car looking nice, my prime goal is preservation. i'd like to keep this car in the best condition for a long long time w/o having to do weekly cleans.
do 303 or 1Z have any of these types of problems? while one of my goals is keeping the car looking nice, my prime goal is preservation. i'd like to keep this car in the best condition for a long long time w/o having to do weekly cleans.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
jon,
thanks for the detailed post.
gareth
www.autopia-carcare.com is the place where i've seen some of these products sold...
thanks for the detailed post.
gareth
www.autopia-carcare.com is the place where i've seen some of these products sold...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
Jon,
the dealer is offering their paint protectant free of charge. due to a mixup they had on delivery. it's "resistall" and is amde by cal-tex protective coatings. www.ctpc.com. are these coatings worth it, is it bad to get such a coating, or should i just stick to waxing /washing it and turn down the offer?
thx,
Gareth
the dealer is offering their paint protectant free of charge. due to a mixup they had on delivery. it's "resistall" and is amde by cal-tex protective coatings. www.ctpc.com. are these coatings worth it, is it bad to get such a coating, or should i just stick to waxing /washing it and turn down the offer?
thx,
Gareth
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 85
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From: Massachusetts
"If I where in your place" i would ask for "something else.Free 30,000 mile service,Free oil changes. But I would pass on the paint protection.
Just get some Klasse or Autoglym and do it right.
Klasse and Autoglym Sealants
How much is the paint protection worth from the dealer?
Just get some Klasse or Autoglym and do it right.
Klasse and Autoglym Sealants
How much is the paint protection worth from the dealer?
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
thanks jon. i'd like to do this right up front (do the right sealer) and then maintain on the proper frequency. since i do not know of a good detailer out here (have tried a few with my other car), i'm ending up having to learn myself.
so what would you recommend as the first treatment of the car? what sealant does zaino offer vs. the klasse AIO? would you do it by hand, or use the porter cable?
i'm seriously asking for second grade advice here. i will not be offended by the level of detail you might offer. the autopia guide is great, but has too many choices and a ton of redundant products. i'd love to figure out the best set of products for my car and the regimen and schedule by which to apply them.
i've already ordered the Zaino bundle and the Klasse AIO (for the chrome tips as you suggested). Also ordered the Z1 bundle.
what initial prep should i do to the car? what products / tools am i missing?
what is your maintenance set of tasks (assume frequency depends on level of use/exposure).
and when do you reapply or re do sealant for the car during the year?
thanks,
Gareth
so what would you recommend as the first treatment of the car? what sealant does zaino offer vs. the klasse AIO? would you do it by hand, or use the porter cable?
i'm seriously asking for second grade advice here. i will not be offended by the level of detail you might offer. the autopia guide is great, but has too many choices and a ton of redundant products. i'd love to figure out the best set of products for my car and the regimen and schedule by which to apply them.
i've already ordered the Zaino bundle and the Klasse AIO (for the chrome tips as you suggested). Also ordered the Z1 bundle.
what initial prep should i do to the car? what products / tools am i missing?
what is your maintenance set of tasks (assume frequency depends on level of use/exposure).
and when do you reapply or re do sealant for the car during the year?
thanks,
Gareth
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Originally Posted by gmdebruyn
thanks jon. i'd like to do this right up front (do the right sealer) and then maintain on the proper frequency. since i do not know of a good detailer out here (have tried a few with my other car), i'm ending up having to learn myself.
so what would you recommend as the first treatment of the car? what sealant does zaino offer vs. the klasse AIO? would you do it by hand, or use the porter cable?
i'm seriously asking for second grade advice here. i will not be offended by the level of detail you might offer. the autopia guide is great, but has too many choices and a ton of redundant products. i'd love to figure out the best set of products for my car and the regimen and schedule by which to apply them.
i've already ordered the Zaino bundle and the Klasse AIO (for the chrome tips as you suggested). Also ordered the Z1 bundle.
what initial prep should i do to the car? what products / tools am i missing?
what is your maintenance set of tasks (assume frequency depends on level of use/exposure).
and when do you reapply or re do sealant for the car during the year?
thanks,
Gareth
so what would you recommend as the first treatment of the car? what sealant does zaino offer vs. the klasse AIO? would you do it by hand, or use the porter cable?
i'm seriously asking for second grade advice here. i will not be offended by the level of detail you might offer. the autopia guide is great, but has too many choices and a ton of redundant products. i'd love to figure out the best set of products for my car and the regimen and schedule by which to apply them.
i've already ordered the Zaino bundle and the Klasse AIO (for the chrome tips as you suggested). Also ordered the Z1 bundle.
what initial prep should i do to the car? what products / tools am i missing?
what is your maintenance set of tasks (assume frequency depends on level of use/exposure).
and when do you reapply or re do sealant for the car during the year?
thanks,
Gareth
I'm glad to decided against the dealer "stuff"!!
As for products, I really cant recommend much as you went with the zaino.
I dont use Zaino myself, so it's hard for me to recommend any products......
BUT for polish before Zaino, I would try the Sonus SFX-2 and SFX-3 with the PC.
The SFX-2 is a great swirl mark remover and should NOT interfere with the Zaino stuff.
The SFX-3 polish is a finishing polish that will make the paint ready for sealing with the Zaino.
PM me and I can walk you through the polishing process!!
Autopia has a great COMPLETE kit. It comes with the PC, 4 pads, a great backing plate(for quick Velcro pad changing) and two micro fiber bonnets.
PC with Sonus Pad Kit
Sonus SFX Polishes
Performance wash kit
