Purchasing REAL detailing products - goodbye OTC

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ArmyAl3x

New member
So I have decided that I am tired of washing and damaging my vehicle(s) with the crap at Autozone, etc. So I am going to purchase all my NEEDED items upfront since I have a little extra cash flow these days. I have two vehicles, 2013 Kia Soul in White (wife's) and my 1998 Dodge Dakota in Red. The Soul is in great condition (few months old) while the Dakota is in dire need of correction (clearcoat peeling everywhere and slight-deep scratches) Can you critique what I have listed?



Grit Guard: The Grit Guard Insert - 2 Pack

Car Wash Soap: Griots Garage Car Wash 16 oz

Wash Mitt: Merino Wool Wash Mitt

Drying: The Guzzler Waffle Weave by Cobra 16 x 24

Clay: HD Advanced Decontamination Clay Bar



DA Polisher: HF 6" Variable Speed Dual Action Polisher

BS Backing Plate: Buff and Shine 5" Flexible DA

Cutting: HD-Cut

Polish: HD-Polish

Sealant: HD Poxy



LSP: FinishKare's FK1000P

QD: FinishKare's 425 31 oz



Interior: 1Z Einszett Cockpit Premium Interior Plastic Cleaner 16.9 oz

Carpet: Folex



Thoughts? any item or category duplicated?
 
The HF polisher mentioned is fine and will do the job for you, however, by the time you buy a new backing plate, pads etc you'll have spent at least a $100 so why not consider the HD Polisher Kit from our sponsor here 3D International, LLC :: Buffing Pads and DA Polisher :: HD Polisher Kit It comes with a quality 5" backing plate, 3 pads, carrying case, 2 MF towels and a bottle of HD Speed that works great as a finishing step after HD Cut and Polish. Add a few additional pads and your on your way-HD pads seem to be the same as B&S.



Take a look at the CarPro Merino Wool Mitt--works great and reasonably priced--(see above in the Carpro sponsored area)



HD Poxy is a hybrid Sealant/wax LSP--how will it play with the FK1000K in your plan??
 
pwaug said:
The HF polisher mentioned is fine and will do the job for you, however, by the time you buy a new backing plate, pads etc you'll have spent at least a $100 [/url] It comes with a quality 5" backing plate, 3 pads, carrying case, 2 MF towels and a bottle of HD Speed that works great as a finishing step after HD Cut and Polish. Add a few additional pads and your on your way-HD pads seem to be the same as B&S.



HD Poxy is a hybrid Sealant/wax LSP--how will it play with the FK1000K in your plan??
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HF total price is $47 before tax (with coupon) backing plate is $15 then price of pads will equal up to $100 quite fast. Damn! Pads are like $12-18 a piece right?



Would you recommend HD Poxy over FK1000k then?



John Styrnol said:
I believe the Dakota is going to need a re-paint.
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More than likely, there is still some paint that can be corrected. I guess it will be a polished turd for the time being?
 
Pads cost $6-8 each depending on where you buy them--5 packs of B&S can be had for about $30 including shipping. My estimates were based on Polisher $47, BP $15, 3 Pads $18, 2 MF $6, Case $10 (at least), 16 oz HD Speed $15 = $111



Never used FK1000 but seems to be a long lasting sealant--I get 3-4 months out of Poxy on a garage kept DD--I don't know how the two play together.
 
I have been reading about the HD products and they sound very nice, I would just stick with them and also get there QD. I would get a bigger WW at least 24x36.
 
I wouldn't mix Poxy and FK1000P. Poxy is a bit oily, there are likely to be bonding problems, especially if you get a hard batch of FK, which seems to be more common than not.
 
ArmyAl3x said:
any item or category duplicated?
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....you have Poxy and FK1000P on your list which are both LSPs. I would choose one or the other as suggested. I really like FK1000P for a number of reasons but Poxy may be the way to go if you're interested in trying out the HD line.



….and the following is just my two cents but I wouldn't write off OTC products all together. There are still plenty (IMO/IME) that hold up well to online/boutique brands. As an example, I still prefer Duragloss CWC as one of my “go to” soaps and I still love their Aquawax. Meguiars Quik Interior Detailer is nearly on par (again IMO/IME) with 1Z Cockpit Premium yet more economical especially if you buy it by the gallon (which is available under their Detailer label). Shopping online certainly opens the door to a larger variety of great products you won't find locally but there are a few gems you can still find sold at B&M stores as well.
 
Yep, I agree with Kean, lots of VERY good OTC stuff out there if you do your research.
 
Kean said:
....you have Poxy and FK1000P on your list which are both LSPs. I would choose one or the other as suggested. I really like FK1000P for a number of reasons but Poxy may be the way to go if you're interested in trying out the HD line..
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While I will *not* knock Poxy, I'd sure hate to be without FK1000P. I never have gotten around to trying my bottle of Poxy but I'm using the FK on three of my vehicles and will probably start using it on a few others.



The Poxy might have it beat for looks, but most of the time I'm all about protection and durability and for me that means FK1000P.
 
Great information from everyone. I've done a little research probably not enough that includes articles, videos, and demonstrations. I guess the "research" is not enough yet (FK1000p & Poxy listed).



Regardless, the information that has been presented here is invaluable. I might switch over to FK1000P since it has been tried and true. Not really sure yet. The remaining items are practically in the cart!



I'm not knocking the OTC, but a newcomer would more than likely purchase the shiniest label or the "New and Improved Formula!". Does Autozone/Pepboys carry the Megs Quik Interior Detailer by the gallon? I'm going to swing by their during lunch and get the soap and hopefully the interior detailer.



Can anyone recommend a great introductory video on DA polishing and correction? I've watched quite a few just checking to see if I have overlooked a gem (Gary Dean, Ammo guy, Scott Hair, and EsotericAutoDetail)
 
Where are you located? Maybe someone local can help you in person for a more hands on experience.



Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
 
ArmyAl3x said:
Does Autozone/Pepboys carry the Megs Quik Interior Detailer by the gallon? I'm going to swing by their during lunch and get the soap and hopefully the interior detailer.
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Al, welcome aboard!



I'm going to suggest you identify and establish a relationship with your local body shop supply store. Many of them carry the Meguiar's (pro) products and I always ask for a discount off list price. They have no problem accomodating. The larger businesses often have the items I seek in inventory. Worst case they order and get the stuff next day and I pick it up from them. E-z, p-z !
 
ArmyAl3x said:
Does Autozone/Pepboys carry the Megs Quik Interior Detailer by the gallon? I'm going to swing by their during lunch and get the soap and hopefully the interior detailer.
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Not likely. The gallon size of QID is sold under Meguiars "Deatailer" line (by the same name):



autogeek_2258_144263612




I source mine either through an online vendor like Autogeek or through a local detailing supply store that I have near my place of work. ....they are also an online vendor (Detailing.com) but have fully stocked walk-in store as well:



showroom1.jpg




Kinda nice for those times when I need something quick.
 
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