Looking to detail some average cars with OTS supplies - recommendations please

T

tCspool

New member
So I just placed a large order at various shops for all my supplies including the UDM. I carefully thought out and sough lots of advice on the forums, and am happy with the final decisions.



However, I don't want to just set my sight on my toy - I would like to do other cars including my winter 'beater'. I don't want to order stuff online though - I'd rather go into Pepboys or Autozone and pick up some decent OTS products.



Therefore - I'd appreciate feedback and opinions regarding the following categories (remember - OTS only please!)



  • Scratch remover
  • Pads for the UDM
  • Polish
  • Wax
  • Wheel Cleaner



I'm looking to do my family cars as well - so I don't want junk either.



Suggest away...
 
imageautodetail is right. Sometimes buying online can actually be cheaper, and you can get better results. However, this is not to say that all OTC products don't have their place in autopian detailing. On the contrary, there are many OTC products that work well.



Scratch remover: ScratchX is probably your best bet by hand, Mother's PowerPolish by machine.



Pads for UDM: Unavailable, you gotta buy online



Polish: Same as scratch remover



Waxes (that I would recommend within OTC choices): Meguiars #26, Meguiars NXT, Duragloss 105 (Carquest's often stock it), Duragloss Aquawax, Collinite. If you can get Collinite or Duragloss locally, DEFINITELY go for it.



Wheel Cleaner: Eagle One Tire/Wheel Cleaner. Pretty strong stuff.



Again, I'd probably consider making a large order from a place like Autogeek, considering that you are still missing pads and polishes. Autogeek tends to stock more products than the other online sites, so you'll probably be able to get all of what you need there.
 
One thing you could look into is a local distributer i.e there is a Mirrorglaze store in Louisville, along with to Detail product stores, there for you could get professional products without the wait of online ordering, but everything including Mirroglaze at pepboy like stores is either overpriced or inferior to what you could be get elsewhere
 
Even at some of the PBE (Paint, Body, & Equipment) stores, they still might have to special order some items. If you order smartly (i.e. from one place to save on shipping), not only will you probably get better products but you won't spend much more money than buying OTC.



You're most likely going to have to order your pads online anyway, so you might as well make the most of that online order.
 
Point well taken - I guess I was looking for the convenience route since I already placed all my orders for my car...figured I'd be able to run to the local store and pick up some decent stuff off the shelf for the other cars.
 
mikebai1990 said:
imageautodetail is right. Sometimes buying online can actually be cheaper, and you can get better results. However, this is not to say that all OTC products don't have their place in autopian detailing. On the contrary, there are many OTC products that work well.



Scratch remover: ScratchX is probably your best bet by hand, Mother's PowerPolish by machine.



Pads for UDM: Unavailable, you gotta buy online



Polish: Same as scratch remover



Waxes (that I would recommend within OTC choices): Meguiars #26, Meguiars NXT, Duragloss 105 (Carquest's often stock it), Duragloss Aquawax, Collinite. If you can get Collinite or Duragloss locally, DEFINITELY go for it.



Wheel Cleaner: Eagle One Tire/Wheel Cleaner. Pretty strong stuff.



Again, I'd probably consider making a large order from a place like Autogeek, considering that you are still missing pads and polishes. Autogeek tends to stock more products than the other online sites, so you'll probably be able to get all of what you need there.
Click to expand...



Thanks - at least I have some OTS ideas in times of dire need!
 
Ah, I didn't realize you already placed your orders. That makes sense now. What products do you have for your own car right now? Why not try using the same products on the other cars? That way you can familiarize yourself with the product better, plus you'll have more reasons to buy more products down the road, instead of having a bunch of product sit on your shelf collecting dust.



EDIT: Forgot to ask, mind telling is where you're located? Someone locally might be able to point you to a local source for some products.
 
I believe you can also find 3m polishes/compounds at local Napa's, CarQuests, and mostly like at a PPG store. CarQuests, and Napas, carry various Meguiar Polishes also.
 
BlackElantraGT said:
Ah, I didn't realize you already placed your orders. That makes sense now. What products do you have for your own car right now? Why not try using the same products on the other cars? That way you can familiarize yourself with the product better, plus you'll have more reasons to buy more products down the road, instead of having a bunch of product sit on your shelf collecting dust.



EDIT: Forgot to ask, mind telling is where you're located? Someone locally might be able to point you to a local source for some products.
Click to expand...



Yep - this was an after-thought as I didn't want to waste my new products on the other cars (especially my winter $700 car). I picked up 1Z PP, a magic clay bar, Natty's Blue, Collinite #845 and a bunch of misc stuff including the UDM.



I'm in Chicago so we have the major retailers of course!
 
stiffdogg06 said:
I believe you can also find 3m polishes/compounds at local Napa's, CarQuests, and mostly like at a PPG store. CarQuests, and Napas, carry various Meguiar Polishes also.
Click to expand...



I'll look into this (not sure if there is a PPG in my area though).



Thx!
 
TCspool, if you are in the chicagoland area, local carquest stores have (or can order) the duragloss stuff. Lee's auto parts stores can order Meguiars mirror glaze (tan bottle) line, I had them order me some # 21 sealant last year, got it next day. And lastly, Car Boutique in Schaumburg has several boutique lines: P21S wax, wheel cleaner, total auto wash, Zymol estate glazes and accessories to name a few.



Hope this helps,



Pete
 
How about your interior? Vinyl and Plastic Touch ups and Carpet dyes. Can get these from Custom Finishes, Inc.
 
HAN said:
TCspool, if you are in the chicagoland area, local carquest stores have (or can order) the duragloss stuff. Lee's auto parts stores can order Meguiars mirror glaze (tan bottle) line, I had them order me some # 21 sealant last year, got it next day. And lastly, Car Boutique in Schaumburg has several boutique lines: P21S wax, wheel cleaner, total auto wash, Zymol estate glazes and accessories to name a few.



Hope this helps,



Pete
Click to expand...



Excellent - thx for the local flavor..although I'm not a fan of Car Boutique (re: prices:o )
 
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