Originally Posted by NJxxxFIRE
Can someone please just advise a good setup/routine for detailing my baby? I don't want to spend 5 hours or $500 on cleaning so please recommend a practical/economical method. I have heard names like CrystalGuard and Zaino but I don't know where to start. Thanks for any help...
If you aren't looking to spend 5 hours or more, zaino isn't for you.
WAX:
You could always just get Megurs Gold Class liquid wax, which comes with an applicator pad. You can find this at any Autozone or similar auto parts store. Typical cost is around $20 or less.
Wash:
Do a full wash, complete dry. Apply the wax in a thin coat. Make sure you do this in the shade. Use 100% cotton towels to remove the wax. If you don't own any 100% cotton towels, get some from the auto parts store. Make sure you wash / dry them before using them. If there are any particles in the rags when you are removing the wax, you could scratch the clear coat.
Windows:
Get a good auto glass cleaner for the windows, use inside and out. Remove with paper towels. Do this in a shaded area, as in sunlight will leave streaks.
Wheels:
Just use a good wheel cleaner. I like eagle one. Spray it on, and let it sit for a minute. Take a separate wash bucket and wheel brush and soap up the wheel. Removing all brake dust. RINSE off the brush before putting it back into the bucket. If you do not, the soap will dissolve very fast and you will be left with nothing but dirty water for the other 3 wheels.
Use the same procedure for the wheels above for the exhaust.
Drying the car:
I use a water blade. It is basically like a large wiper. I start from the top and work my way down. I then use synthetic shammy's to remove water from the car.
Interior:
Shop vac the carpets, remove the drivers and passengers and do those out of the car, then do the carpet below it. Wipe down the interior. I use a leather cleaner spray onto a clean towel and run across dash, trim, seats, etc. This removes any dust. I then use a leather conditioner on the seats about 3x a year.