Shopping List....
 

It's finally looking a bit like spring, which makes me think it's time to going shopping for some car detailing products. As I have previously mentioned, the black paint on my car is in need of a bit of attention, so everyone, what do I need to make sure to buy? I've heard of the three step system and claybar which I'm planning on purchasing, but is there anything else, or any parts of the system which would be best substituted by something else? Any products which would help with the swirly marks in my front fenders? What do I need to put on the inside of the doors to prevent the (very) minor rust from intruding on the ouside? And then when I do get all of this stuff, what order do I use it in and is there anything I need to know?

Thanks so much, Jeanie :)

*sorry admins, I hope you don't mind, I know this will mostly likely bring up repeat information from past threads, please don't be annoyed with me :? *

I can't answer all your questions, but my best tools are a soft brush on a long handle for washing.....cuts wash time immensely, and a california water blade for drying.

For swirl marks, use Liquid Glass. It simulates a factory clearcoat. Used car dealers use it to sell cars, and it works. I use it a couple to 3 times a year.

For some of the finer detailing work and to get off harsh grime is Bug and Tar Remover. That California blade is nice, but I'm a chamois man, I get personal with the car. :wink:

Get a nice chrome cleaner to make the shoes sparkle 8)

I love the 3 step system and claybar, I finnish with gold glass for that deep look.
I use turtle wax chrome polish then zoop seal my rims lasts a long time and keeps them shinny.

Yeah, I'm going to be digging out the can of Bug and Tar Remover because it's been suggested that I try that to remove the white PVC mark on my drivers side rear door (car meets PVC fence, not a good situation).

The chromies are all shined up already, I did that before they got put away for the (long) winter season. :D

i'm a fan of the phase system............the claybar is good the first time u use it.....otherwise the 3 phase works just as good.


as for ur white pvc mark........meguiars makes a body scrub....or even just the step 1 cleaner could work. if those don't work.......a liquid rubbing compound and some muscle should do the trick..........always remember to wax after using rubbing compound!

quick side question here:
If you apply Liquid Glass, how long does it last on the finish?

And to add a side question to the side question: Should I use that instead of something or after I do everything? or if I'm going to use the 3-step, do I not use it at all?

liquid glass works for me

Me too. What step is Liquid Wax?? My car began it's life as a rental, so it's got some swirls to deal with....

I don't believe in buying the actual "three phase" systems, because not everyone makes the best stuff.

To do a complete overhaul outside I do this or some combonation. Use a packaged group, or seperates if you want.

Use bug and tar before, to get it off.
1. Wash with dish soap. This strips your wax, and leaves the car naked. Do a good job.
(if you don't want to strip the old wax off, and are doing just a wash/wax you're better off doing just normal car wash.)
2. Claybar (1 or 2x a year) This pulls off all the contaminents that have deposited on themselves that normal washing can't do. Makes it feel smoother then glass.
3. Repairing/Cleaning, use all of the necessary products depending on what you're trying to clean up. A nice Rubbing compound will get clear coat damage out nice, be careful with how much you use it. A cleaner wax polishes as you put it on, and helps with stuff like light swirls and very light clear coat damage. Afterwards a specific polish may be used to finish the work done with the previous ones.
4. Wax, if using a machine, use a random orbiter. Make sure you get it out of all the crevaces. Waxing inside the doors will keep it clean in there. Make sure you pop the hood while doing this, run the wax under the lip on each side, Trunk as well. That way your wax doesn't end right before the lines.
5. Rubber/Trim stuff. Make sure not to get this on the paint. I usually move the spray bottle along the trim, wiping with a rag afterwards. Do the Tire compound just a little onto the tread, but not the whole tread! No traction at all. If using a gel, make sure you have an applicator.

I use these at the moment.
Wash - Meguiars Deep Crystal $5 for a big jug. ( i think) or their "best suds one". Dad buys it, it's cheap, works great.
2. Claybar - Meguiars $10 Makes the car feel like Oiled Glass. Use whatever is cheapest in your area.
3. Cleaner waxes, polishes. Whatever you prefer. We're about due for new stuff, everything's OLD that we have. A plastic polish is nice for cleaning up tail lights (92-95 SE) headlights, or corners, a metal polish if you have chrome trim or wheels, or alloys with gunk on them.
4.Wax Meguiars Gold Class, Most reflective/shiniest, ever. I've been using the same wax coat since late sept or october, and It's still perfect. When it rains my car gets clean. Liquid Glass is a very had wax that has rave reviews, used by many dealers. It goes on, and after setting in the sun, it sort of smooths out after a few outs. It similuates a factory clear coat. Other good ones include Zymol, and Mothers.
5 Tire stuff, Gels will last longer then most liquids. They are a little messier, and cost more, but last longer. I use Eagle One Wet & Black (i think...) Lasts about 2 weeks in the summer good, and is still fine after that, No brown tires either.

using a "cleaner", "body scrub", "rubbing compound" on a typical basis, there is no need for use of a clay bar.

Well I use cleaners and such when necessary, claybar once after winter from now on. Claybar is nice to get personal with your car... You get to see it all upclose, and find what else you broke since last time... :wink:

Thanks Jason for the massive above info, that's what I needed. :lol:

:twisted: i just get some sweet looking ladies in tiny bikini`s to wash and wax ........my car sheeeeeez guys relax :roll:

turtle ur really silly with that one :ballkick:

That's my preferred method too.
First of all I don't do any work. 8)
And second of all I get to ogle hotties! :lol: