Anyone know of 'AutoBrite' products?

LeMarque

LeMarque

New member
Was about to call it a night (getting my shop set-up is taking way more time and energy then I anticipated) but thought I'd ask.

I met a fellow who used to work for the most popular detail shop in town. He mentioned that the only products the owner used were from a company in Albuquerque, NM called AutoBrite. Said they purchased small drums of most everything they sell.

Also said some of the drums were labeled 'Acid'. Too tired now to remember it all, but even tho I'm just getting started, I feel encouraged by how this shop seems little better then a drive thru and that my work ethic is far superior and that as I gain certain skills so will the results be for my customers.
 
Was it AutoBrite or Car Brite? Car Brite stuff can be purchased in bulk like that, but their stuff is awesome.

Edit - Just noticed Charlie's link. Their prices are competitive with Auto Magic and Car Brite, but I bet the dilution ratios are much lower. I've never heard of them..
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
Auto Brite Inc.

Looks like pretty much generic bulk products to me.

What sort of operation are you trying to set up? Who are your customers going to be, etc.?
Click to expand...

I'm taking my wifes XC90 into my buddies shop Monday; after which he's going to run it over to this detail shop so I can have a better idea of what kind of work he does. I've seen his work before from afar and frankly, it looked OK for an 'express detail. He really doesn't do paint correction.

The fellow that told me of his procedures is working part time with me helping to get things painted, etc. His remarks didn't sound like sour grapes. This other shop is definitely not a car guy and is only interested in production. I'm actually going to try and verify the products he uses.

I've done a few details before (admitted previously to being an arm chair detailer) and the training I took centered mostly around the rotary and the 3401 and different chemicals. I know the real world's going to be much different.

It's the guys (and gals) on this forum that inspire me to develop my skills to the highest they can be. I'm not going to get in over my head with a 250GTB or the like; but I know I can get there eventually.

I've made an investment in the tools and products ( ETG-2, steamer, machines, etc.) and I love paint correction/restoration.

Santa Fe, NM has the demographics - been following the 'What's the Ceiling' thread; and I'm going to charge more then the competition 'cause I've invested in the best materials from mitts and towels to product and I'm going to take my time and do the best job I'm currently capable of; again using this forum as my inspiration and education (Autopia should offer Continuing Education Credits ;).

Of all things, I didn't take many pictures of my training. But I've attached two of a black jeep that was my project car. It was scratched and etched from bird droppings beyond belief).
 

Attachments

  • IMAG0414.jpg
    IMAG0414.jpg
    627.2 KB · Views: 15
  • IMAG0441.jpg
    IMAG0441.jpg
    641.6 KB · Views: 16
mrclean81 said:
Was it AutoBrite or Car Brite? Car Brite stuff can be purchased in bulk like that, but their stuff is awesome.

Edit - Just noticed Charlie's link. Their prices are competitive with Auto Magic and Car Brite, but I bet the dilution ratios are much lower. I've never heard of them..
Click to expand...

I'm really not sure who they are. Going to drive down to Albuquerque and find out. I'll post back,
 
I dont know if its the same Autobrite, but Autobrite was the first car polish company that put silicone in there polish in 1947. They put in 2% silicone. To me history of waxing and polishing is very interesting.
 
LeMarque said:
It's the guys (and gals) on this forum that inspire me to develop my skills to the highest they can be. I'm not going to get in over my head with a 250GTB or the like; but I know I can get there eventually.

I've made an investment in the tools and products ( ETG-2, steamer, machines, etc.) and I love paint correction/restoration.

Santa Fe, NM has the demographics - been following the 'What's the Ceiling' thread; and I'm going to charge more then the competition 'cause I've invested in the best materials from mitts and towels to product and I'm going to take my time and do the best job I'm currently capable of; again using this forum as my inspiration and education (Autopia should offer Continuing Education Credits ;).
Click to expand...

That being the case, I'd stay away from that sort of bulk distributor and stick to products with more "known" names for the most part. Meguiar's, Optimum, 3D, etc.

Larry A said:
I dont know if its the same Autobrite, but Autobrite was the first car polish company that put silicone in there polish in 1947. They put in 2% silicone. To me history of waxing and polishing is very interesting.
Click to expand...

When I ran a search for the name AutoBrite, I came up with 3-4 different companies operating under that name. So there's no telling if these guys are the "original" or not. If their stuff does contain silicone, though, I wouldn't touch it with a 10' pole for a higher end operation.
 
C. Charles Hahn said:
That being the case, I'd stay away from that sort of bulk distributor...



... If their stuff does contain silicone, though, I wouldn't touch it with a 10' pole for a higher end operation.
Click to expand...

My point exactly. This I know. I was saying that if this is the 'go to guy' in town for detailing, I'm very encouraged.
 
There's an Autobrite in the UK, makes some pretty well-regarded products (reading the reviews on Detailing World). The link that Charlie provided, though, is obviously for a different company - they look like one of those bulk chemical companies.
 
There is a local autobrite distributor here in south MS. He's been in business for 15yrs and sells to many of the local dealerships/ carwashes. The acid your speaking of is probably the wheel cleaner called "Spoke" or "alumi-brite"- which is the best wheel cleaner ive used. It is pretty harsh and will definately mess up some wheels if u let it sit on too long. But it is definately my go-to wheel cleaner for extremely dirty wheels.
Truthfully, I can see where you would want to stick with the products you know that work, because I'm the same way. However, I know just about all of their products since its what I began detailing with. I made the switch to Malco a few months back, but quickly switched back to "autobrite" because it is more cost efficient; not to mention he's more knowledgable than the Malco distributor.
I'm not sure if youre planning on doing volume, but if you are I would definately recommend it because their prices are fair and the products are great.
 
My local acura dealer in toronto canada uses all autobrite products, not sure where there getting it shipped from, but i have a sales reps number from down here so they must sell to quite a few dealerships.
 
I have never used any Autobrite stuff, but I have used Car Brite stuff. They were okay, but nothing that really stood out.
 
Sorry for the delay in responding.

It's taking me weeks more to get my shop set-up then I ever imagined.

I'm going to drive down to Abq. on Friday and see what Autobrite is all about.

I'll post back if I find anything useful.
 
LeMarque said:
Sorry for the delay in responding.

It's taking me weeks more to get my shop set-up then I ever imagined.

I'm going to drive down to Abq. on Friday and see what Autobrite is all about.

I'll post back if I find anything useful.
Click to expand...
Please do! Thanks!

Ive noticed some product lines arent as a whole that great but usually have at least one or 2 out standing products .And the opposite is often true too.
 
detailchick said:
Please do! Thanks!

Ive noticed some product lines arent as a whole that great but usually have at least one or 2 out standing products .And the opposite is often true too.
Click to expand...
I'm suprised that of all the forums I've lurked I've not seen mention of Autobrite; if in fact they do have 'outstanding products'.
 
LeMarque said:
I'm suprised that of all the forums I've lurked I've not seen mention of Autobrite; if in fact they do have 'outstanding products'.
Click to expand...

My guess, based on the appearance of their site, is that they're likely regional and don't typically cater to the likes of detailers who you'd find hanging out on forums.

That doesn't necessarily say anything about their products, but it would certainly explain why you haven't heard mention about them before...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top