??? about full detail

[WyldV6]

New to the site, been lurking here for a while. Decided to sign up finally, now I have questions. Have a 05 Mustang and 04 Malibu going to give a full detailing. I like doing things myself, gives a sense of accomplishment. And saves me money while learning right and wrong.

I can't find APC in any of my local stores, can I use a general cleaner like Simple Green until I order APC. This is for the engine bay on both vehicles.

Malibu is deep blue has swirl marks that I want to get rid of, what's the best way to accomplish this? Scratch X followed by ColoRX, then NXT. I've gotten the car care prescription, but wanted ideas from others before trying.

Also this is going to be done by hand,(my poor arms) I don't have a polisher yet maybe Christmas. Thanks in advance

[Ranger72]

Simple green, or mean green, or orange blast etc etc etc... Will be just fine for the engine bays...
Since you doing it by hand, scratch X will be the product of choice to remoce the swirls... Just remember to work one area at a time maybe 1'X1' and to work the prodcut in thoroughly. I would also deff clay the cars after washing. This will make the cars not only look 500 times better, but will be much easier on your arm. Personally, I would Clay, Scratch X, pure polish (like #7 show car glaze, or D.C. 2) then Nxt tech... But thats just me. I havent used Color X yet, but expect that the Scratch X, being a paint cleaner, would remove any oxidation the Color X would remove...