For the Detailing Experts

[golfdude]

This is the kit that I started detailing with...I still have the pads and they still work well. A very durable system indeed. I like the system because it is very user-friendly, with tons of instructions to help you learn the basics of proper detailing. David Bynon is a great person to deal with:

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-daspol-kit.html

To save money though, go out and get any PC 7424. Then get a pad kit with a light cut, polishing, and finishing pad. Here are a few links to some of the most popular suppliers of high quality detailing products:

www.autogeek.net
www.autopia-carcare.com
www.properautocare.com
www.superiorcarcare.net
www.pakshak.com
www.griotsgarage.com
www.zainostore.com

[FP]

Originally Posted by blacklimitedcoupe

Foam polishing pads usually cost about $8.00 a piece for decent grade ones... That price doesn't seem too bad, but you can probably save some money by purchasing it on ebay as FPM stated and then buying the pads separately. Once you purchase the polisher, be sure to use quality polishing products too... they will make all the difference. I can give you some suggestions on products I use or check with golfdude. Good luck!

Well guys, just got one for Christmas. Now if you can suggest some quality polishing products, it's appreciated.

[golfdude]

Hmmm...I currently use Optimum polishes, but I don't think they are the best for a beginner because there working time is a little too long to determine when to remove the residue. I would recommend the Poorboy's line of polish, found at:

www.poorboysworld.com

I recommend you purchase the SSR1, SSR2, and SSR3 polishes. While you are there, the Poorboy's Bug Squash and the Poorboy's Waterless Wash are good. The waterless wash is really a great product to remove water spots in my opinion. It also works great as a clay lubricant and a window cleaner.

[blacklimitedcoupe]

Originally Posted by FPMartinez

Well guys, just got one for Christmas. Now if you can suggest some quality polishing products, it's appreciated.

I've been using 3M polishing products for quite a while. If you just want to remove swirl marks and some minor imperfections, you can use 3M Finesse-it, and then follow up with 3M Swirl mark remover for dark colors. On my car, I used a 2,500 compound followed by the swirl mark remover and it worked well. I've been wanting to try the Menzerna Final Polish II, but I haven't yet. It's the polish that Mercedes Benz uses in Germany. www.topoftheline.com sells it... http://www.topoftheline.com/menfinpolll.html If I were you, I would start by trying either a swirl mark remover or final polish and see if you like the results. If you aren't happy with it, you can move to a light cut polish.

[golfdude]

Yes! Menzerna makes the good stuff too! But it is pricey.

[Aero Blue]

Originally Posted by golfdude

Yes! Menzerna makes the good stuff too! But it is pricey.

Do it once, do it right. You can also check out Griots as they have FOUR different polishes for different levels of needs. I will eventually get one and see if its really worth it for me. I actually only see myself using it to apply polish and thats it, not to remove the polish and not apply/remove my Klasse twins, thats for sure!

[golfdude]

With a microfiber pad mitt, you can use the PC to remove polish residue...it saves alot of time and effort I think!

[blacklimitedcoupe]

I've removed polish and wax before by taking a microfiber towel and lying it down on the car and then putting the random orbital on top of it...works well.

[FP]

OK, I suppose that you detailing pros buy your microfiber towels in volume. Where can I get a good deal on microfiber towels? And, is there a particular one you recommend, or composition (80/20, 75/25, 70/30)?

[blacklimitedcoupe]

Originally Posted by FPMartinez

OK, I suppose that you detailing pros buy your microfiber towels in volume. Where can I get a good deal on microfiber towels? And, is there a particular one you recommend, or composition (80/20, 75/25, 70/30)?

I've looked into buying MF towels in bulk, but with shipping charges, I can't find a much better deal than I can locally. Lately, I've been purchasing my microfiber towels at Target. The brand is called Vroom and they are bright orange. They are an 80/20 (80% polyester, 20% polyamide). I like them because they are very large towels and very durable. After using one, I toss it in the washing machine and they come out like brand new again. For 8 extra-large towels, they cost $7.99

[andrew]

all microfiber towels are not created equal... you get what you pay for. the density of the fibers make a big difference in its performance.

this is why i select zymols microfiber towels.

here are some higher quality count towels:
http://www.microfibershop.com/category_s/1.htm

here are some bulk cheepies:
http://www.microfiber.org/?gclid=CK6...FS7OJAodmVSW5Q

here is a large automotive assortment:
http://www.microfiber-products-onlin...tive-care.html

http://www.autogeek.net/mictow.html?...FS7OJAodmVSW5Q

[FP]

Thanks Andrew, I've been looking at the microfibershop, and was leaning in that direction, but thought I would ask you guys first. I'm glad to see I was on the right track. I assume you prefer a 70/30 composition?

I can send you a couple, but please wash that car of yours.

[FP]

Is there a product, and if there is to polish the tail light lenses to their original mint look, which one do you recommend?

[golfdude]

Klasse All In One...happy holidays!

[Aero Blue]

Originally Posted by FP

Is there a product, and if there is to polish the tail light lenses to their original mint look, which one do you recommend?

Because Klasse AIO is a cleaner/polish, I agree with golfdude, give it a try and while your at it, hit the rest of the car with it too.

[kjmurphy]

Klasse AIO is awesome. My cars get stripped, clay bar, Klasse AIO and Klasse Sealant Protectant every 6 months. Every other month they get a good coat of Mothers Carnauba wax for a deeper shine. I also use Meguiar's Quick Detailer after every wash. Vinyl gets a coat of 303 Aerospace Protectant.
All the cars are still in showroom condition.

Kevin
2005 SRT-6 Graphite Metallic (my car)
2006 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Linen Gold Metallic (wife's car)
2005 Mini Cooper S Red with White roof and bonnet stripes (daughter's car)

[golfdude]

KJmurphy, I might be trying out something like this when my current waxes run-out. It seems to be better at bonding to AIO (Blackfire Wet Diamond Ivory Carnauba paste wax):

http://properautocare.com/newleofshovf.html

[Aero Blue]

WOW!, that wax is more than my Pinnacle Souveran and it looks like the sealant is about $40.00. I've never heard of them, I'd check with autopia and see what they say in there.

[FP]

OK guys, when using the PC polisher/buffer and applying the polish, do you run the polisher over the surface until the shine comes through, or just to spread the polish, and than remover the haze by hand with a MF towel/buffing pad?

[golfdude]

WHOAAA!!! I never even noticed the price. I last heard of this product before the new year, and they said they were releasing the product out soon, but I didn't think it would cost that much. Eh, I don't think I would recommend that Blackfire wax with a price like that. I bet they are trying real hard to recover research and development costs. Nevertheless, before I posted the product, I checked autopia and they say both products are good, not amazing, but fine for the autopian. Of course that price for me does not justify purchasing the wax. The Wet Diamond sealant stuff seems to be a relabeled Menzerna product, which would be nice because I am beginning to fall in love with the Menzerna line.

FP...When do you remove polish residue? Polish with the pc at a speed of 5-6. It usually takes me about 8 or so passes to work the polish out. Indications that you have completely broken down a polish is if it starts to dust or it becomes very clear on the surface.