Just returned to Autopia...a lot has changed!

B

Boongie

New member
Hi to all:

I haven't been to the Autopia web site for some time. I had been driving a company vehicle until recently and could not get that excited about detailing a Dodge Grand Caravan that I did not own. I just recently changed jobs and needed to purchase a car. I ended up buying a 2005 Toyota Camry in a medium gray color with leather seats. Years ago I used to use Zaino car wash and P21s. Before I start the detail process on my new car, with all the new products out there, I was hoping to get some recommendations, considering the color of the paint. Also, I live in Illinois so the weather runs the gamut from hot (like today) to bitterly cold. Any suggestions for the following:



Exterior:

1. car wash (I am almost out of Zaino car wash)

2. clay bar

3. paint sealant...I was hoping for something more durable than wax. When I used to go on Autopia it seemed like it was always Zaino vs. Klasse. Now I am reading about Poorbooy and Wolfgang products.

4. alloy wheel cleaner (I have been using EO A2Z)

5. tire dressing (I know that this is very subjetive...I had been using EO product)



Interior:

1. leather cleaner and dressing (this is the first car that I have owned with leather seats)

2. vinyl protectant (I had been using 303)

3. carpet cleaner and protectant

4. window cleaner (I had been using EO product)



I also have three paint chips in the hood of my car (it was a dealer demo). I have read a lot about the Langka product, both pro and con. Short of using an artist's paint brush to apply touch up paint, is there anything else I could try? I do not want the dealer to re-paint the entire hood.



Are there any other product types to consider? I already have a good supply of microfiber towels from Pakshak.



Thanks all
 
Definitely check out Poor Boy's products, Pinnacle, 1Z, Menzerna, WolfGang, etc...



Alot of these used to be availiable in the Autopia store, but were recently phased out for some reason that I haven't figured out :nixweiss



:welcome back.
 
Welcome Back!



Here are some suggestions to get started:



Car wash: Zaino's is a great wash however it can be a bit strong and may remove your LSP (last step Product) with only a couple washes. Use a weak concentration if Zaino is not your LSP.



Meguiars Gold class shampoo is very popular and so is Meguiars NXT wash. Both can be found locally



Clay bar: Any brand name clay will do the job. One that comes to mind that can be found locally is Mothers clay bar. It is fairly mild to.



Sealant: Zaino is still a good choice, Poorboys EX-P, or EX-P+, Menzerna's FMJ, Wolgang to name a few.



Wheel cleaner: A2Z is still a great choice. I have also heard great things about Poorboys wheel wash too.



Tire dressing: Alot of choices but Poorboys Bold N Bright is still a popular choice and is my recommendation along w/ Zaino's Z16.



Leather: Lexol cleaner and conditioner or a Woolite and water mix. Approx. 6:1 one part water to six part woolite.



Vinyl protectant: 303 is still a good choice



window cleaner: Stoners Invisible glass, or EO 20/20 glass cleaner.



Hope this helps and I'm sure others will have much more to add.
 
Thanks for the feedback. In regards to Meguiars Gold Class car wash, I took a look at the directions over the weekend while I was in Target. It was interesting to read the warning about the product being an eye and SKIN (caps mine) irritant. If Meguiars is so mild, then why the warning? How can you hand wash a car without get your hands in the wash?
 
Here's my product list. It works for me, but you might find some stuff out there that you prefer.



Exterior:



1. car wash: Meg's NXT. I like Meg's Hyper too, but for someone who doesn't do a large volume of washing, NXT is preferable.



2. clay bar: for the most part, clay is clay. There are only 2 main manufacturers, so pick one or the other :). I use Chemical Guys clay (www.chemicalguys.com), only cause its 50 bucks for 3 big bars and a half gallon of lube.



3. paint sealant: I prefer a Carnuba on dark colors (use Collinite if you are worried about durability, it lasts longer than many sealants). If you feel the need to use a sealant, Poorboy's EX with Carnuba is the best of both worlds.



4. alloy wheel cleaner: Poorboy's is a bit strong for weekly use. I use it on paid details, cause most people never wash their rims. On mine, I use soap + water cause my wheels are sealed, but a good mild cleaner would be 4* gel or P21S.



5. tire dressing: I like Mother's reflections, and Poorboy's Bold n Brite.



Interior:

1. leather cleaner and dressing : Woolite 6:1 (6 water 1 woolite), dressed with 4* dressing. Its a great protectant, and most importantly, it smells nicely of leather (unlike lexol).



2. vinyl protectant: IMHO, Poorboy's Natural Look is the only way to go. I've used Meg's interior QD, 303, etc, and I always find myself going back to NL.



3. carpet cleaner and protectant: I clean mine with Zep commercial shampoo, and don't bother to protect. If you have kids, you might want to use 303 protectant, or Scotchguard (can be found VERY cheaply, look in Autopia's good deals forum).



4. window cleaner: EO 20:20 is very good, NXT glass cleaner is lil bit better, Sprayway and Stoner's IG are decent too.
 
Hey Intermezzo!!

Great to be back...thanks for remembering me! I now have three girls (have to start saving for weddings). A few years ago you sent me some cotton towels that I still use...thanks again. Any suggestions as to my initial questions about products to use? I am somewhat fascinated by what I have been reading about Poorboy products. And also Zaino's leather products.
 
Boongie said:
Hey Intermezzo!!

Great to be back...thanks for remembering me! I now have three girls (have to start saving for weddings). A few years ago you sent me some cotton towels that I still use...thanks again. Any suggestions as to my initial questions about products to use? I am somewhat fascinated by what I have been reading about Poorboy products. And also Zaino's leather products.
Click to expand...



Clearkotes Vanilla Moose Hand Glaze is an excelent product and one that many people here use. It just brings out that extra ounce of shine and depth before the LSP. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top