The Official Car Care Thread

[nemesis]

Thanks guys!
But I'm looking for the super resin polish Karim posted at the beginning of this page
http://www.amazon.com/Autoglym-SRP500US ... sin+polish

Is it $600.00 for that? That's way above my budget plus I usually wax with a orbital so I need liquid wax.

No, you said HDwax at first that's why I said 600. The new formula SRP is much cheaper but carplus has run out until probably mid-next week. I bought the last bottle.


As for tar, there are a few tar specific products around. I use the AG Intensive Tar Remover.

[DVSTT]

Thanks guys!
But I'm looking for the super resin polish Karim posted at the beginning of this page
http://www.amazon.com/Autoglym-SRP500US ... sin+polish

Is it $600.00 for that? That's way above my budget plus I usually wax with a orbital so I need liquid wax.

No, you said HDwax at first that's why I said 600. The new formula SRP is much cheaper but carplus has run out until probably mid-next week. I bought the last bottle.


As for tar, there are a few tar specific products around. I use the AG Intensive Tar Remover.

Hmmm, I would check Bhola see if he has or might just order some through amazon if it's a hell of alot cheaper

[DVSTT]

[Karim Khan]

Very nice DVTT

[nemesis]

So, tried out auto finesse tripple and soul. The tripple was a little more difficult to use than my standard SRP, but it did look and feel more like it has wax components in it than the SRP. And it really isn't much more difficult. Couldn't test filling properties because I tried it on non-scratched surface, but I did put watermarks on the paint before and it cleaned them completely. The tripple left a less slick finish than SRP would. Closer to UDS. Not quite the feel of a wax.
The soul is extremely easy to use. Nice look, smell, ease of use. Supposedly the only department this wax falters in is durability. The look is quite similar to some others I've used recently in that it has that sort of oiled-paint look. Beading is quite good. It is recommended for 2-3 mths. I'm expecting 2mths since they claim 6mths for the higher end waxes and I don't believe it's worth running the wax to the end before re-doing.
I don't usually post pics, but here are a few anyway. Paint has orange peel so reflection not perfect, but still quite good to me! The better pics were too big.

Products :


Finished images:




Beading(misted with spray bottle):

[slickrick777]

what is the best product to clean leatherette?..like the leatherette found in them fully loaded navara's?

[Allergic2BunnyEars]

How are dents in car doors repaired? Can they be pulled out (suction?) Or only filler will work? Someone like dey open a car door on mine and there is a very small dent.

I think this is what you guys call the 5 foot rule or something?

[nemesis]

How are dents in car doors repaired? Can they be pulled out (suction?) Or only filler will work? Someone like dey open a car door on mine and there is a very small dent.

I think this is what you guys call the 5 foot rule or something?

Filler isn't generally used. They push back out the dent. However, it depends on how sharp of a dent it is. Meaning if it is deep and small it is risky to fix as it may result in the paint surface cracking. If it's a shallow dent however it can be fixed.

[DVSTT]

nemesis, how long does the Autoglym Super Resin Polish last on average?

[slickrick777]

what is a good product to clean leatherette?

[DSM_05]

nemesis, how long does the Autoglym Super Resin Polish last on average?

Longevity depends on:

1) How the surface is prepped prior to application

2) How much "weather" the car sees

3) How the car is washed (if you use AGlym car wash, it'll extend the life. If you use Dishwashing liquid, it'll be gone after one wash).

4) If any quick detailer or maintenance product is used in between washes.


Buuuuttt....I'm not nemesis, so I shouldn't be answering this.






Carry on.

How are dents in car doors repaired? Can they be pulled out (suction?) Or only filler will work? Someone like dey open a car door on mine and there is a very small dent.

I think this is what you guys call the 5 foot rule or something?

Most door dings can't be repaired perfectly....since most are a sharpish indentation. "Sinks" in the metal can be popped out but those are more gradual.

You CAN try cooling the area with dry ice (in a bag of course, resting on the area), and heating back up with a hair dryer.

It MAY work, or it might not.


CHances are it won't.


Sorry kid.

[nemesis]

nemesis, how long does the Autoglym Super Resin Polish last on average?

Longevity depends on:

1) How the surface is prepped prior to application

2) How much "weather" the car sees

3) How the car is washed (if you use AGlym car wash, it'll extend the life. If you use Dishwashing liquid, it'll be gone after one wash).

4) If any quick detailer or maintenance product is used in between washes.


Buuuuttt....I'm not nemesis, so I shouldn't be answering this.

Right. And that goes for basically everything. Not only SRP. If you're intending to wash properly and do things well, add something to the top of the SRP to make it hold out a little longer. If time is the issue, I suggest Aqua Wax.

[DVSTT]

nemesis, how long does the Autoglym Super Resin Polish last on average?

Longevity depends on:

1) How the surface is prepped prior to application

2) How much "weather" the car sees

3) How the car is washed (if you use AGlym car wash, it'll extend the life. If you use Dishwashing liquid, it'll be gone after one wash).

4) If any quick detailer or maintenance product is used in between washes.


Buuuuttt....I'm not nemesis, so I shouldn't be answering this.

Right. And that goes for basically everything. Not only SRP. If you're intending to wash properly and do things well, add something to the top of the SRP to make it hold out a little longer. If time is the issue, I suggest Aqua Wax.

I was just planning on using the SRP with normal ICE or Meguiar's car shampoo, would that extend life of the polish or would it reduce it?

[DVSTT]

VS

[DSM_05]

GOld Class Shampoo is far superior to ICE shampoo in my experience.

I'd go as far as to say that Gold Class is one of the best "average consumer" line washes on the market today.....and in my experience, suds up alot better than AG car wash also.

No nemesis, I'm not talking about niche products, just OTS stuff.

Personally, if I'm using a range of products on a car, then I recommend sticking with one brand i.e.

if you know you're using AG SRP, then use AG Car Wash

if you know you're using Mothers Synth Carnauba, then use Mothers Car wash, etc.

[equipped2ripp]

The AG Shampoo isn't bad, it leaves a nice glossy look on black vehicles. But the Meguiar's Gold Class is the better bang for the buck. I've used most of the Meguiar's car washes - Gold Class, Soft Wash Gel, Deep Crystal and NXT. The NXT and Gold Class are the best, I never used the Ultimate Wash and Wax though. I still have the new ICE Car Wash to use, as well as a Zymol Auto Wash.

what is a good product to clean leatherette?

Mother's Leather Cleaner and Mother's Leather Conditioner would be the easiest and cheapest thing to get to clean vinyl seats. But if you want to spend more, you can try the Meguiar's Gold Class. I use the Aloe cleaner and conditioners in the Gold Class, don't know if those are available locally. You might get the Rich cleaner and conditioners though, they should work better than the regular Mother's.

[DVSTT]

The AG Shampoo isn't bad, it leaves a nice glossy look on black vehicles. But the Meguiar's Gold Class is the better bang for the buck. I've used most of the Meguiar's car washes - Gold Class, Soft Wash Gel, Deep Crystal and NXT. The NXT and Gold Class are the best, I never used the Ultimate Wash and Wax though. I still have the new ICE Car Wash to use, as well as a Zymol Auto Wash.

Let me know how the ice compares to the gold class, considering buying a bottle when my ice wash finishes

what is a good product to clean leatherette?

Mother's Leather Cleaner and Mother's Leather Conditioner would be the easiest and cheapest thing to get to clean vinyl seats. But if you want to spend more, you can try the Meguiar's Gold Class. I use the Aloe cleaner and conditioners in the Gold Class, don't know if those are available locally. You might get the Rich cleaner and conditioners though, they should work better than the regular Mother's.

Use Meguiar's leather cleaner & conditioner, the mother's application process is a pain and I found that the Meguiar's works alot better than the mother's, it's also ALOT easier to apply and the nozzle has a wide spay and a setting for more precise spary.

[zcarz]

Hey guys, where's the best car wash around curepe? Looking to shampoo interior, wash and polish. Thanks

[nemesis]

GOld Class Shampoo is far superior to ICE shampoo in my experience.

I'd go as far as to say that Gold Class is one of the best "average consumer" line washes on the market today.....and in my experience, suds up alot better than AG car wash also.

No nemesis, I'm not talking about niche products, just OTS stuff.

Personally, if I'm using a range of products on a car (mine or "customer"), then I recommend sticking with one brand i.e.

if you know you're using AG SRP, then use AG Car Wash

if you know you're using Mothers Synth Carnauba, then use Mothers Car wash, etc.

Never used the Ice shampoo. After trying one of their other products it was the end of the line for me with them.
The gold class is ok. The AG does suds less, but is much more lubricating. You can actually feel the difference. Unless of course you mix the gold class extremely concentrated, in which case it'd end up costing more per wash than the AG anyway. The reason the AG is less sudsy I believe is because it is one of the few, if not only car wash around that has rust inhibitors in it. I'm not sure if that is totally useful granted that it has to be used with water, but hey, it's there.
That being said, I have both. I use the gold class for first wash down before any work is done on a vehicle brought to me or for maintenance if it's just dust removal sometimes. Personally though, it's used very little. The AG cleans better, lubricates better, just doesn't suds up very much. At least as far as I've seen.

[Stephon.]

Since school reopened I've been way too busy to even look at my car. Juggling too much things at once I still got all my meguiars products though but I doubt I would get to use anytime soon.

[DVSTT]

GOld Class Shampoo is far superior to ICE shampoo in my experience.

I'd go as far as to say that Gold Class is one of the best "average consumer" line washes on the market today.....and in my experience, suds up alot better than AG car wash also.

No nemesis, I'm not talking about niche products, just OTS stuff.

Personally, if I'm using a range of products on a car (mine or "customer"), then I recommend sticking with one brand i.e.

if you know you're using AG SRP, then use AG Car Wash

if you know you're using Mothers Synth Carnauba, then use Mothers Car wash, etc.

Never used the Ice shampoo. After trying one of their other products it was the end of the line for me with them.
The gold class is ok. The AG does suds less, but is much more lubricating. You can actually feel the difference. Unless of course you mix the gold class extremely concentrated, in which case it'd end up costing more per wash than the AG anyway. The reason the AG is less sudsy I believe is because it is one of the few, if not only car wash around that has rust inhibitors in it. I'm not sure if that is totally useful granted that it has to be used with water, but hey, it's there.
That being said, I have both. I use the gold class for first wash down before any work is done on a vehicle brought to me or for maintenance if it's just dust removal sometimes. Personally though, it's used very little. The AG cleans better, lubricates better, just doesn't suds up very much. At least as far as I've seen.

I wouldn't argue with AG being the top of the line but it's twice the price of the meguiar's and only 500ml. Is it really worth it is my concern. I will definitely buy the SRP next time someone travels though.



Wish the wax was cheaper though

[DSM_05]

^^Well you don't HAVE to buy the wax. To me, it sounds like you're hooked on the brand name, instead of what the product should actually be doing FOR you.

You can use AG Extra Gloss Protection instead. It's a synthetic sealant, which functions as an LSP just like HDwax.

In my experience, it works just as well, and most people will be hard pressed to notice a difference in shine. It's quite durable, and is easy to apply.

Plus, it costs alot less, so in a "cost-effectiveness" department, to me, it's better suited to the casual detailer who may not have that much time to detail, and certainly isn't working with a professional grade machine.

At the end of the day, use a good product that suits your pocket, not what people tell you to use (which is what seems to be happening in this thread).

Most people posting here are NOT detailers, and therefore, will probably get the same satisfaction from most OTS products w/o noticing any differences.

DVSTT, consider ANY the following combiniations:

1) SRP for swirl concealing - used alone.

2) SRP for swirl concealing - follow with AG EGP.

3) SRP(as before) - follow with MOthers Pure Carnauba Wax (step 3)

4) SRP (as before) - follow with Meguiars Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax.


EGP, Mothers Pure Carnauba (NOT the Carnauba Cleaner Wax), Megs DC Carnauba will ALL work well with SRP (speaking from personal use and experience).

None of these waxes have any cleaners, which means, they leave the filling properties of SRP intact. If you use a wax with cleaners (like Megs Gold Class Carnauba+ Wax or Megs NXT 2.0), then it strips away some of the glazing oils in SRP, rendering the SRP application somewhat pointless.

I wouldn't argue with AG being the top of the line

Yes it's good. But is it "top of the line"? Hardly.

For a detailer working by hand (as most here are), then it's one of the best offerings out there. And, as I said, working by hand does NOT truly correct swirls, just merely hides them.

For a detailer working by machine, AG doesn't really offer a polish that does true correction with zero filling, hence most detailers tend to reach from products from Menzerna, Optimum, Griots or Meguiars for true surface correction.

[GLENN'S]

Free Shining Monkey stickers at Glenn's Super Shop Ltd. Come and collect yours today!



http://www.facebook.com/GlennsSuperShop

[slickrick777]

thanks for the feedback!

[DVSTT]

^^Well you don't HAVE to buy the wax. To me, it sounds like you're hooked on the brand name, instead of what the product should actually be doing FOR you.

You can use AG Extra Gloss Protection instead. It's a synthetic sealant, which functions as an LSP just like HDwax.

In my experience, it works just as well, and most people will be hard pressed to notice a difference in shine. It's quite durable, and is easy to apply.

Plus, it costs alot less, so in a "cost-effectiveness" department, to me, it's better suited to the casual detailer who may not have that much time to detail, and certainly isn't working with a professional grade machine.

At the end of the day, use a good product that suits your pocket, not what people tell you to use (which is what seems to be happening in this thread).

Most people posting here are NOT detailers, and therefore, will probably get the same satisfaction from most OTS products w/o noticing any differences.

DVSTT, consider ANY the following combiniations:

1) SRP for swirl concealing - used alone.

2) SRP for swirl concealing - follow with AG EGP.

3) SRP(as before) - follow with MOthers Pure Carnauba Wax (step 3)

4) SRP (as before) - follow with Meguiars Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax.


EGP, Mothers Pure Carnauba (NOT the Carnauba Cleaner Wax), Megs DC Carnauba will ALL work well with SRP (speaking from personal use and experience).

None of these waxes have any cleaners, which means, they leave the filling properties of SRP intact. If you use a wax with cleaners (like Megs Gold Class Carnauba+ Wax or Megs NXT 2.0), then it strips away some of the glazing oils in SRP, rendering the SRP application somewhat pointless.

I wouldn't argue with AG being the top of the line

Yes it's good. But is it "top of the line"? Hardly.

For a detailer working by hand (as most here are), then it's one of the best offerings out there. And, as I said, working by hand does NOT truly correct swirls, just merely hides them.

For a detailer working by machine, AG doesn't really offer a polish that does true correction with zero filling, hence most detailers tend to reach from products from Menzerna, Optimum, Griots or Meguiars for true surface correction.

Hmmm, ok. Thanks alot for all the advice. Will try the SRP and Mother's combinations next time I am cleaning the car! I usually use an orbital to buff and wax, would that strip the SRP?

[DSM_05]

^^What type of "orbital" do you use?

Most "generic" orbitals come with pads that may or may not damage your paint. And most generic ones don't have proper speed adjustment

Most "detailer" orbitals (like the Megs G110V2, Griots 6", PC7424XP) use application specific pads which will work well with the desried product.

If you're using a "generic" unit, I can't vouch for the kind of results you'll get - so that's my disclaimer.


Using the "orbital" with SRP will remove old SRP that would be there before (since SRP has mild abrasives).

Using the orbital with the Mothers Pure Carnauba Wax (NOT the Carnauba Cleaner Wax) will not remove SRP, since the Wax has no abrasives.

[Karim Khan]

DSM_05 as i may not agree with some of the things you say about detailing , I must agree with you on the fact that most people posting here are not detailers or do not have the experience detailing and some are what we call “internet detailer” these are people who sit behind the computer and read all about detailing from the internet and think they are now a professional and come here and post about the use of products etc etc etc and mis-lead the readers.

Guys be very careful what you read on the internet.

I also agree with your suggestion for customers to buy what you can afford.


I try not to post much here as i would like to give others the opportunity to talk about detailing. I would only step in if there is something that is posted that is misleading or give the reader the wrong impression.

I would like to clear the air on some things.

1.Hand Polishing can do paint correction. It’s all about what product you use and how you use it. Hand polishing may not give you the results as machine polishing but sometimes there are places where the machine can’t go and you will have to resort to using your hand.

2.AutoGlym does offer products that do serious paint correction like the AutoGLym Paint Renovator and the Body Shop line of products. Ask any painter about the AutoGlym 2b and 3b products.

3. The AutoGlym Extra Gloss Protection is a very very good product, but use with caution it is easy to apply but can be difficult to remove at times. The Extra Gloss Protection is not cheap when compared with other products.

4.The Super Resin Polish does not only conceal it also cleans and protects your paint. It’s a once stop shop.

5.I would not recommend mixing brands. Use like with like to get the optimum results. The Manufacturers made the products to work with each other.

6.All compounds, polishes, glazes and waxes do have fillers in them. How much fillers it depends.

^^Well you don't HAVE to buy the wax. To me, it sounds like you're hooked on the brand name, instead of what the product should actually be doing FOR you.

You can use AG Extra Gloss Protection instead. It's a synthetic sealant, which functions as an LSP just like HDwax.

In my experience, it works just as well, and most people will be hard pressed to notice a difference in shine. It's quite durable, and is easy to apply.

Plus, it costs alot less, so in a "cost-effectiveness" department, to me, it's better suited to the casual detailer who may not have that much time to detail, and certainly isn't working with a professional grade machine.

At the end of the day, use a good product that suits your pocket, not what people tell you to use (which is what seems to be happening in this thread).

Most people posting here are NOT detailers, and therefore, will probably get the same satisfaction from most OTS products w/o noticing any differences.

DVSTT, consider ANY the following combiniations:

1) SRP for swirl concealing - used alone.

2) SRP for swirl concealing - follow with AG EGP.

3) SRP(as before) - follow with MOthers Pure Carnauba Wax (step 3)

4) SRP (as before) - follow with Meguiars Deep Crystal Carnauba Wax.


EGP, Mothers Pure Carnauba (NOT the Carnauba Cleaner Wax), Megs DC Carnauba will ALL work well with SRP (speaking from personal use and experience).

None of these waxes have any cleaners, which means, they leave the filling properties of SRP intact. If you use a wax with cleaners (like Megs Gold Class Carnauba+ Wax or Megs NXT 2.0), then it strips away some of the glazing oils in SRP, rendering the SRP application somewhat pointless.

I wouldn't argue with AG being the top of the line

Yes it's good. But is it "top of the line"? Hardly.

For a detailer working by hand (as most here are), then it's one of the best offerings out there. And, as I said, working by hand does NOT truly correct swirls, just merely hides them.

For a detailer working by machine, AG doesn't really offer a polish that does true correction with zero filling, hence most detailers tend to reach from products from Menzerna, Optimum, Griots or Meguiars for true surface correction.

[DSM_05]

6.All compounds, polishes, glazes and waxes do have fillers in them. How much fillers it depends.

I beg to disagree.

I've used Megs Ult Compound, M205, Mothers Pre Wax, Griots P3 etc etc so far via machine, and after a wipedown (p21S), didn't look like there was any filling effect....at least, from what I could make out with my Brinkmann.

Megs and Griots, for example maintains the same on respective forums.

5.I would not recommend mixing brands. Use like with like to get the optimum results. The Manufacturers made the products to work with each other.

I believe you may have missed where I posted this comment:

Personally, if I'm using a range of products on a car, then I recommend sticking with one brand i.e.

if you know you're using AG SRP, then use AG Car Wash

if you know you're using Mothers Synth Carnauba, then use Mothers Car wash, etc.

DSM_05 as i may not agree with some of the things you say about detailing , I must agree with you on the fact that most people posting here are not detailers or do not have the experience detailing and some are what we call “internet detailer” these are people who sit behind the computer and read all about detailing from the internet and think they are now a professional and come here and post about the use of products etc etc etc and mis-lead the readers.

This is quite true!

The problem I've found with threads like this on some forums, is that it becomes too commercialized, with educated detailers not posting relevant or helpful or even specifc info, because they're afraid that an educated consumer will no longer require their services, hence it's.....


......bad for business.

Hence un-initiated casual detailers may find themselves being led astray by those who do this for money.

It's also why I believe my advice has alot of credibility! I certainly don't need to do this since, I stand nothing to really gain from helping anyone. I don't have a detailing business, nor do I need to advertise.....and few people even know who I am. I help others mainly because this is how I learnt myself in the past, and to me, that's my reward

Me - admittedly I am not the most experienced, nor do I do details for customers with full pictorials. I do detailing primarly for pleasure and my "OCD" - not money. To that end, I recommend based on what limited products I have used personally (by machine or hand) on my own cars and a few others. I do not make recommendations based on:

1) Products I may have bias to because I may work for their distributor.

2) Business or profits, since I have none.

3) Whim and fancy. I would never advise anyone based on something I haven't done myself, or used on my own car.


I believe in teaching people to help themselves (detailing is not rocket science, anyone can learn IMHO) e.g. I would prefer to show someone, or learn with them, how to clean their dashboard/remove sticky tape marks, rather than offer them a quotation to do it

[DVSTT]

Mitsubishi Triton: Washed And Polished by DHARIN, on Flickr


Mitsubishi Triton: Washed And Polished by DHARIN, on Flickr


Mitsubishi Triton: Washed And Polished by DHARIN, on Flickr

Done with Turtlewax Ice System

[DSM_05]

^^Fantastic shots there bub - ride looks clean with nice reflections. Bet you'll like AG and other brands even more.