Recent content by charlieo

Hi all, For the 1st time in my life I`m faced with caring for leather seats: in this case they`re in my dad`s 2017 CRV. I`d like to use products that I have available, so hopefully something that I have works. The seats are in very good shape but I figured they could use some care. My plan...

Hi all, I have a PC 7424XP from 2009. The velcro separated from the foam of the backing plate so I need a new backing plate. The box refers to a 6" counterbalance, but after I remove the backing plate from what I believe is the counterbalance, it reads `use 5" pad only`. My backing plate...

Hi all, It`s been a while since I`ve been on here, while I like taking care of my car, I`ve always tried to do it as simply as possible. Currently, I wash with the 2-bucket method, I have Sonus Swirlbuster on hand if I think the car needs it, but typically I`ve been using KAIO followed by...

https://youtu.be/6PNG-xtLK74 Hi, I`m picking up a Jet Black 230i BMW on Monday so looking into ways to keep the car looking good. There seems to be some validity to using either Grit Guard or the Cyclone but this YouTube video might show us the best of both worlds. Wish I spoke German, or...

The horizontal surfaces of my 2000 black Civic have what I believe is baked-on tree sap/pollen/spring stuff coating them. I washed my car, tried AIO and even used Scratch-X, but it's not coming off so easily. I'd rather remove this with chemical rather than abrasive action: will Dawn do it? I...

I would like to list my paint-care process for you guys and ask a few questions. I need to point out that I'm not a fanatic, but I do like to take care of my car, which is a 2000 Black Civic (a daily driver which is always outside in the elements). I'm not interested in adding steps to the...

I own a 2000 Civic SI. One of the distinguishing features of the SI is the honeycomb front grille (plastic). The grille is comprised of a pattern of maybe 150-200 1/2 inch (or smaller) openings. Anyone out there have a suggestion as to how to clean and protect this area? Getting behind it...

I've been using Simple Green in various dilutions throughout my car (2000 Civic SI) (not on the dash, though, here I've used a little bit of unscented Dove soap (neutral ph, I've read), swished in some water, and then promptly rinsed/wiped with clean water, following with 303). I was looking at...

First off, I want to thank all of you Autopians for the great info you've provided in the past. While there is a great subjective element to detailing, you always strive for back up your claims in a scientifically valid way, and I appreciate that. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not...

I now use 3M Perfect-It Swirl Mark Remover for my car. I was wondering how this compares to the S-100 Shine Enhancing Paint Cleanser as a prep for S-100 wax. I'm guessing that using a clay bar (would I follow clay with wax or with one of the above, then wax?) would give the best results, but...

I just got 2 cans of S-100 wax, and I'm probably going to order some EF Clear Pearl, but I have some questions: 1) If you put Clear Pearl on a waxless car, will the car bead? Does the Clear Pearl contain a wax or some other form of protection? 2) Since Clear Pearl cleans, won't it be removing...

I was wondering if anyone has heard of this stuff, a friend recently told me about it, I'm trying to track down some info on it. The product is supposedly called Formula 33, he's not sure if it's a wax, it appears to be a final detailing stage. Word is, this product is used by 'all'...

Well, 3 out of 3 HD dealers in my area have the S100 paste wax in stock (Long Island, NY). I wanted to be sure, this is identical to P21S wax? Has anyone used S100 detail and wax aerosol? I was wondering how it compares to Griot's Speed Shine, which my friend raves about, and which is about...

I recently sprayed a 50/50 mixture of Simple Green/ water on my alloy rims and tires, scrubbed the tires, and sponged the rims. I then waxed the rims, and used 303 on the tires. I don't want to buy too many detailing products, I'm happy with using wax on my rims, and I like the 303 (the Simple...

First off, I want to get a wax that's easier to get off than the Collinite 476S I've been using. I was going to get some 845 Insulator wax, but was wondering if the S100 was a better wax. I'm learning from you guys, right now I only use 3M Perfect It Swirl Mark Remover as prep for waxing (any...