Car Detailing - What products are your go to?

[the_scotsman]

Ok, so something no one likes. Glass. What's the secret? It's my pet hate.

I use AutoGlym glass polish, which works well. But it tends to leave a bit of power residue, so windscreen and interior door window cleaning can be annoying having to clean up the dusy mess.

Is there a good product that people use? And any specific type of towel?

[prydey]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

i30 went in for a service today. Partner specifically asks them not to wash it (even though it was filthy). They washed it.

I've had the same experience. When I bought my fg xr6 it was only just traded so had yet to be detailed by the dealership. I told them not to touch it, I'd buy it as is.

Went back the next day to find it washed and the interior covered in armorall or something equally as terrible and greasy.

They still treat you like they've done you a massive favour. Morons.

[fiestaz]

Originally Posted by prydey

I've had the same experience. When I bought my fg xr6 it was only just traded so had yet to be detailed by the dealership. I told them not to touch it, I'd buy it as is.

Went back the next day to find it washed and the interior covered in armorall or something equally as terrible and greasy.

They still treat you like they've done you a massive favour. Morons.

I hate dealerships. I really do. The I’ve done you a favour attitude s***s me, even though we pay them.

Can’t wait for their survey.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

Ok, so something no one likes. Glass. What's the secret? It's my pet hate.

I use AutoGlym glass polish, which works well. But it tends to leave a bit of power residue, so windscreen and interior door window cleaning can be annoying having to clean up the dusy mess.

Is there a good product that people use? And any specific type of towel?

Have a read of this post I did nearly two years ago -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...2&postcount=78

In terms of products, you will want a alcohol based glass cleaner, no Windex as the ammonia in it will damage your interior plastics and window tint. Stoners Invisible Glass is one of the best, as is Gyeon Q2M Glass and Autoglym Fast Glass.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=3
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...kwSearch=vinyl
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/383984.html

Trust me, you will also want the Stoners Clean and Reach Tool, especially for the rear window of the Mustang.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=4

And waffle weave towels are best for glass -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...3ef90f85&_ss=r

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fiestaz

I hate dealerships. I really do. The I’ve done you a favour attitude s***s me, even though we pay them.

Can’t wait for their survey.

I wouldn't, didn't, wait for the survey! The service manager copped a spray about a car leaving their workshop in worse condition than it arrived. They write "DONT WASH" on the job card now!

If that fails.....................

[the_scotsman]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Have a read of this post I did nearly two years ago -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showpo...2&postcount=78

In terms of products, you will want a alcohol based glass cleaner, no Windex as the ammonia in it will damage your interior plastics and window tint. Stoners Invisible Glass is one of the best, as is Gyeon Q2M Glass and Autoglym Fast Glass.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=3
https://www.repco.com.au/en/car-care...kwSearch=vinyl
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...ml/383984.html

Trust me, you will also want the Stoners Clean and Reach Tool, especially for the rear window of the Mustang.

https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...003855#start=4

And waffle weave towels are best for glass -

https://detailingshed.com.au/product...3ef90f85&_ss=r

Thanks as always, great post!

That long reach tool looks so handy, I'll definitely grab one of those. The back window in the Falcon is bad enough...the Mustang is a joke.

I also have the AutoGlym fast glass. But when I use it, I can never get all streaks gone, and it ****es me off. I have OCD with streaks, be it on the car, or the windows. But the windows really **** me.

I guess I need to grab some waffle weave towels. I've just been using regular microfibre towels.

Thanks!

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I'm not sure how these compare to Costco in terms of price, but I was using Edgeless 245 Towels for coatings -

These are the same towel but work out at $1.33 Each-
https://carcareco.com.au/product/the...towel-24-pack/

I went with these ones mate, thanks heaps for the link.

I also bought a Gauntlet drying towel while I was there

[fordomatic]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I wouldn't, didn't, wait for the survey! The service manager copped a spray about a car leaving their workshop in worse condition than it arrived. They write "DONT WASH" on the job card now!

If that fails.....................

image

image

Year ago the dealership washed my VY Clubsport, introduced scratched. It went to the detailer of my choice to be fixed, cost them $1200. Was like they washed it with a green scourer

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

Thanks as always, great post!

That long reach tool looks so handy, I'll definitely grab one of those. The back window in the Falcon is bad enough...the Mustang is a joke.

I also have the AutoGlym fast glass. But when I use it, I can never get all streaks gone, and it ****es me off. I have OCD with streaks, be it on the car, or the windows. But the windows really **** me.

I guess I need to grab some waffle weave towels. I've just been using regular microfibre towels.

Thanks!

In that case, get some Stoners Invisible Glass, it's probably the easiest glass cleaner I have worked with. Don't let the basic packaging or low price fool you, this is the real deal.

The trick is using two towels. In one hand a towel for the initial wipe, in the second hand have a dry towel to remove any residue. And I will also reiterate that the glass MUST be cool to touch or it will otherwise be streaky/hazy. Using the "box" method is also helpful.

This video is pretty good at explaining the box process. She uses one towel and flipping to a clean section, I prefer the two towel method. For exterior glass, I spray directly on the glass, for interior glass, I spray into the towel to avoid overspray on the plastics. I also prefer the Dry-Me-A-River towel on glass as it less likely to lint than the FTW.

(You want the medium one for glass)
https://detailingshed.com.au/product...d12be27b&_ss=r

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Year ago the dealership washed my VY Clubsport, introduced scratched. It went to the detailer of my choice to be fixed, cost them $1200. Was like they washed it with a green scourer

In 99.9% of cases, a car returned "clean" is going to be appreciated by the customer. I just wish service staff would be trained to ask the customer when dropping off a "special" car like a Mustang or Clubsport if they would want a complimentary wash or not.

When I had more time, I was taking my XR6 to a dealer 45min away in a smaller rural town, the service advisor was brilliant, an old school guy with great customer service skills. He knew and respected what I expected, and I respected him for his care. He once told me that "we didn't wash the car as it would have been dirtier afterwards. I just wish I had the time to keep going back there as I knew I could trust them to look after my cars.

My local Ford dealer is the a revolving door of service advisors, no sooner have I "trained" someone in the rules of DFB, they leave and I have to start all over. I'm certain they have each car I put through there as DO NOT WASH, even still I panic if I forget to ask about it.

The last car through there was the Mustang, and yes, another set of service advisors since I was there last November, and I of course forgot to ask for NO WASH PLEASE. When I returned to pick it up, I walked past the wash bay and started to panic as a guy started to foam an Escape down. I seem to remember being told they were not washing Ford's, so the FIRST thing I asked when I walked in was, "they didn't wash it did they"...........and no they hadn't. Although, I did notice the guy was using a MTM PF22.2 foam cannon, someone at least knew what they were doing. Keep in mind, I had just spent the better part of 10 hours polishing the bloody thing, so excuse my panic.

Originally Posted by fordomatic

I went with these ones mate, thanks heaps for the link.

I also bought a Gauntlet drying towel while I was there

I know you need to pay for shipping, but $1.35 a towel is hard to beat.

Those Gauntlet's are brilliant, you can thank me later.

[ford12]

Not sure if.these products have been mentioned before.

Has anyone tried or seen the products at snowfoam.com.au ?

[Citroënbender]

Bought myself some Mr Black.

Got to say, it reminds me greatly of an oil dye for leather. Despite a thorough prep, mixed results on badly weathered polypropylene with 30% talc filler. More than good enough but I was honestly hoping for a little better. Would suggest people with saddlery or cabinetry hobbies/businesses look on their shelf for a deep black dye they already have, and experiment with dilutions of that.

At $52 it’s cheaper per ml than tefillin dye.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Detailing You Tube channels for me are a valuable source of information, inspiration, opinions, and of course entertainment.

Here are a few I am following for various reasons, which I will outline as I go.

Detail Geek –
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDetailGeek

This channel has been very helpful in teaching me how to deal with excessively dirty cars. My own fleet is spotless, in effect I am cleaning a clean car, dealing with a customer’s car is a different proposition. Things like using a pressure washer to deal with dirty door jambs and vacuum technique are what I have picked up here, valuable in saving time and effort.

Researching a post regarding Detail Geek products, I can across a something that made me roar with laughter.

It seems Mr. Geek has a hardcore group of followers more interested in his bulging trousers rather than his ability to clean filthy cars.

I'll leave the Googling to readers, suffice to say he makes a lot of people hot under the collar.

[DJM83]

So after having my ute machine corrected last week.
Im looking at buying some stuffs to keep it looking and and easier to maintain. The coating that is on it is a Gtechniq sealant, that im told should last 6mths.
Im not fully into it all but i like taking my time to to make it look good.
The guy that did it put me onto the waxit website and suggested some NV products.
Im thinking about buying this kit as a starter. I already have some other stuffs for tyres and what not, but i may change that also. Its mainly maintaining the coating on it between maintenance details.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...it-boost-500ml

Or any other suggestions most welcome.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

So after having my ute machine corrected last week.
Im looking at buying some stuffs to keep it looking and and easier to maintain. The coating that is on it is a Gtechniq sealant, that im told should last 6mths.
Im not fully into it all but i like taking my time to to make it look good.
The guy that did it put me onto the waxit website and suggested some NV products.
Im thinking about buying this kit as a starter. I already have some other stuffs for tyres and what not, but i may change that also. Its mainly maintaining the coating on it between maintenance details.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...it-boost-500ml

Or any other suggestions most welcome.

I am assuming the Gtechniq sealant that was applied is C2v3 Liquid Crystal.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...uid-crystal-v3

The Waxit kit is a good deal with quality products. You would use NV Boost as a drying aid to maintain the C2v3. The NV Nova Jet could be used to replace the C2v3 once it has finished.

An alternative to NV Boost would be P&S Bead Maker, I find it to have more gloss than Boost, smells great and pretty easy to use.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r

Or even Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, that stuff really surprised me.

https://www.sparesbox.com.au/part/me...-768ml-g200526

[prydey]

Haven't used boost or jet yet but NV snow is what I use and it's the best I've ever used. Works great in a foam gun as well as in a bucket.

Can't go wrong with NV products.

Carpro products are also ranked very high on this forum.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

I am assuming the Gtechniq sealant that was applied is C2v3 Liquid Crystal.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/colle...uid-crystal-v3

The Waxit kit is a good deal with quality products. You would use NV Boost as a drying aid to maintain the C2v3. The NV Nova Jet could be used to replace the C2v3 once it has finished.

An alternative to NV Boost would be P&S Bead Maker, I find it to have more gloss than Boost, smells great and pretty easy to use.

https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r
https://www.detailstore.com.au/produ...e4ea8637&_ss=r

Or even Meguiars Hybrid Ceramic Detailer, that stuff really surprised me.

https://www.sparesbox.com.au/part/me...-768ml-g200526

Brilliant.
Exactly the answers i was after.
Indeed it was C2v3 Liquid Crystal that was applied. (i was told it lasts 6mths now) and will be reapplied then.
Car will go back for maintenance washes every 6mths id say (rarely gets driven)
I reckon i might pull the trigger on that kit and some good bug tar remover also.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Brilliant.
Exactly the answers i was after.
Indeed it was C2v3 Liquid Crystal that was applied. (i was told it lasts 6mths now) and will be reapplied then.
Car will go back for maintenance washes every 6mths id say (rarely gets driven)
I reckon i might pull the trigger on that kit and some good bug tar remover also.

If your are ordering from Waxit, then CarPro TarX and Bug-Out are what you want. TarX is also a brilliant adhesive remover.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-x-50-600-5ltr
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...carpro-bug-out

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

If your are ordering from Waxit, then CarPro TarX and Bug-Out are what you want. TarX is also a brilliant adhesive remover.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-x-50-600-5ltr
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...carpro-bug-out

I got impatient and ordered that kit, not expecting an answer re bugs.
Im probably going to get Bug-Out
Next question.
Wheels and tyres.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...wheel-care-kit

Buying as a kit makes it easier for me cause im lazy
Couple this with the missus having a new N Line tuscan with a front that is very busy and if i can make it easier to clean, id like that

[prydey]

Carpro perl is an awesome tyre dressing. Haven't used the NV product but Perl comes highly recommended by our resident expert, DFB.

If your tyres need cleaning then P&S brake buster is what you need.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by prydey

Carpro perl is an awesome tyre dressing. Haven't used the NV product but Perl comes highly recommended by our resident expert, DFB.

If your tyres need cleaning then P&S brake buster is what you need.

Dont need cleaning now but they will at some point though.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

I got impatient and ordered that kit, not expecting an answer re bugs.
Im probably going to get Bug-Out
Next question.
Wheels and tyres.
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...wheel-care-kit

Buying as a kit makes it easier for me cause im lazy

Each product there get's my approval!

NV Purge is one of the best wheel cleaners on the market.



NV Onyx is my favorite tyre dressing.



What wheels do you have? Brembo's?

You may also want to add a bristled brush depending on what wheels and braking setup you have.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ll-wheel-brush





And a boars hair detailing brush for lug nuts is good to have also.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ailing-brushes
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...terior-brushes

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Each product there get's my approval!

NV Purge is one of the best wheel cleaners on the market.

image

NV Onyx is my favorite tyre dressing.

image

What wheels do you have? Brembo's?

You may also want to add a bristled brush depending on what wheels and braking setup you have.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ll-wheel-brush

image

image

And a boars hair detailing brush for lug nuts is good to have also.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...ailing-brushes
https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...terior-brushes

image

image

I only have the factory turbo brakes/19 inch lux pack wheels. so very very easy to clean. Only issue and its not a big one is lug nut recess, but i can get in there with a microfibre so whilst a brush will be a good idea i think i can get away with it. Particularly if the wheel cleaner does whats it meant to do.

Thanks for the detailed replies, very much appreciated.

[ford12]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

It will be a case of the two chemistries not being compatible with each other, causing the Hydr02 to not bond properly.

That said, I have witnessed the streaking from Hydr02 on un-waxed/un-protected cars before. In some cases that was due to working in the direct sun or even be an old dilution. I remember someone telling me in my thread about Hydr02 being more susceptible to streaking if the product had been mixed up for a while.

In such cases, only mix up smaller amounts and ensure you don't delay the rinse off after application. Work one panel or section at a time, using 3 or 4 sprays and rinse immediately before starting on the next section. It's also important to keep rinsing surrounding areas after each section and do a thorough final rinse from top to bottom to be sure all residue has been removed.

Also, mix up your dilutions with distilled or demineralised and make sure not to exceed 1:6 ratio or perhaps try a lighter ratio at 1:10.

Just to follow up on this.
Tried some new hydro2 and all perfect.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by ford12

Just to follow up on this.
Tried some new hydro2 and all perfect.

Thank you for the feedback, very interesting.

[DFB FGXR6]

Finally got my hands on some Koch Chemie Motorplast, curtesy of Detailing Shed.

[FTE217]

And I finally saw my Detailing Shed delivery happily……


Great looking little kit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bfets]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Finally got my hands on some Koch Chemie Motorplast, curtesy of Detailing Shed.



image



image

Really looking forward to hearing your opinion on Motorplast. I'm very happy with Meguiars Hyper Dressing, but keen to know if this is as good.

[Citroënbender]

As not really a mad-keen detailer but a “thorough cleaner of stuff when required” here’s the results of three applications using Bowden’s Own Mr Black.

First, the rear - which I didn’t treat - showing original dark charcoal colour:

The the faded, and treated, exterior face.

I worked the first coat in hard, it left a patchy result. The second application I “floated” onto the surface, leaving a modest excess. This was also when I brush-applied it to various holes and recesses in the pair of panels. After two days’ drying, I applied a third coat with moderately firm pressure to strip/even the second, and lightly buffed off once treated. Allowing a further day to dry, this is where it stands now. It will do. Polypropylene is a difficult beast to recolour at any time.

[jgmdat]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Finally got my hands on some Koch Chemie Motorplast, curtesy of Detailing Shed.

image

image

I have tried the Motorplast and I believe its almost identical to Hyper Dressing. Value for money goes to Hyper dressing as you get 946ml for the same price as 500ml of Motorplast. On another note I have some Carpro Reset to try on the weekend.