Complete noob

[TLaude]

Ok guys. I've spent the last 2 hours reading through starter guide's and user threads trying to gather knowledge. I have a huge favor to ask from one of you detailing guru's.

Could someone please outline products, equipment, etc. for me.

I am not worried about the cost of products as I don't believe in going the cheap route while doing work on my car.

Here is what I need:

1. Step by step procedure - Don't need details.. I will research that
2. Equipment - Which microfibers are better than others? Manual or electric equipment?
3. Which products for each step in the procedure - Again, I will research details


Note: My car is a Daily Driver. I drive ~60 miles on the highway each day to work.

Note x2: I seem to have alot of imperfections on the hood and randomly on the car. How can I get rid of these (Scratches, tar, etc)?

Thanks to all who lend a hand in my tutoring!

[Tuck91]

Re: Complete noob

Since your willing to go all the way start out by purchasing a G110 kit at autodetailingsolutions.com.

Wash-go to your local Target or Walmart and either pick up a good quality car wash such as Gold Class or NXT Generation Car Wash. Also use good quality washing nad drying tools, 2 bucket method grit guards, etc.

Clay- grab a Smooth Surface Clay Kit and use the clay and quik detailer to clay your car. This removes the rough feel from the paint.

Clean- SwirlX, M205, and M80 are less aggressive paint cleaner to remove swirls and scratches out of our car. Ultimate Compound and M105 and M83 are for more serious work.

Polish- purely optional, adds gloss and additional polishing oils, Deep Crystal Polish or M07 how Car Glaze are great pure polishes.

Protect- NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0, Gold Class Wax, or M26 are excellent choices.

Maintain- after washing use Ultimate Quik Detailer or Ultimate Quik Wax for future maintennece.

Also purchase some Supreme Shine microfibers, additional Softbuff 2.0 Polishing and finishing pads for the G110. You could also order a Meguiars Wash Mitt and Water Magnets for washing and drying your car. I'll sto[ here as Im sure you have questions.

[Tuck91]

Re: Complete noob

heres some good articles that will help:

Meguiar's 5-Step Paint Care Cycle

Which products need to dry before removing?

How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car?

What are the differences between Meguiar's waxes?

List O' Links 2.0

The Swipe Test

[TLaude]

Re: Complete noob

Tuck,

Thanks for the prompt response. I will check out the links you have posted and the products you have specified. Thank you!

Other input is welcome!

[akimel]

Re: Complete noob

I like a man who knows what he wants and is willing to invest in the proper tools, supplies, and equipments to get it done. Tuck has given you some excellent counsel.

With the G110, you will need more polishing and finishing pads than you think you will. I tried by initially to get by with 3 polishing pads and 2 finishing pads. They weren't enough. So now I am up to 6 polishing pads and 4 finishing pad. I think I'm ready for my next major detail.

For polishes you might as well get M205 and M105. Samplers of each are available from ADS.

Get yourself a bunch of the Supreme Shine and Ultimate Wipe towels. I have tried microfiber towels from several different sources, and I can personally attest that these are my favorites. Go ahead and order a bunch.

Also order yourself two dozen foam applicators. They are cheap and they really come in handy. You might as well get them now and take advantage of the lower shipping costs.

Figure out everything you need and order it from Auto Detailing Solutions or from Kevin Brown. The larger the order, the better the shipping rate for you--and you also get a couple of extra bonus stuff (like the Meg's duffle bag). When your order comes itn, it will feel like Xmas.

Have fun and good luck!

Al

[Murr1525]

Re: Complete noob

If you feel good about working by machine, the cost, etc, then Tuck pretty much got it.

The only thing would be where to buy, and the pads.

I would look at autodetailingsolutions.com, and a case of 6 pads to start.

[TLaude]

Re: Complete noob

I've never operated a detailing machine like the g110 (or any for that matter). I've always done it by hand and probably have not done it the proper ways. I'm willing to learn, invest, and do as I need to in order to improve my detailing knowledge.

I'm open to suggestions of all kinds.

Thanks so far for the generous and informative responses!

[Murr1525]

Re: Complete noob

You definately want to order the "How to get Show Car Results with the PC" DVD from autodetailingsolutions (ADS).

But you can do a lot by hand if you like.

SwirlX and Ultimate Compound can fix a lot of defects by hand, then waxing after will still give great results.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Complete noob

I'm a visual guy, and the easiest way for me to learn is by watching a demonstration. Here are some Meguiars videos that will help you get started and give you a good overview of the 5 step process. We were all noobs once, but just remember that over time the word noob reverses itself to become a boon.

Best of luck!

How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style

How to Clay Bar

Part 1, Show Car Perfect Paint Detailing

Part 2, Tools, Products and Techniques

Part 3, Prove to Yourself, Which Products are Best

EDIT: +1 on the "How to get Show Car Results with the PC" DVD. I just finished watching it and learned a LOT, even after attending Meguiars two detailing classes and several Open Garage events. Good stuff and definitely worth the investment

[TLaude]

Re: Complete noob

I'll check into that DVD. Thanks.

And I'm watching the video's now. Heaven forbid I can fall asleep in this humid weather we have! Yuck! Thanks ClearlyCoated!

[Eddie6th]

Re: Complete noob

Money not an issue?

Wish it was me!

[TLaude]

Re: Complete noob

Well... I'm not made of money, but I also don't buy cheap products. I want the best products I can get for my money. Especially when it comes to detailing products. I've used a few cheap products in the last 2 months.. needless to say, they hit the garbage can real fast.

[MarkH]

Re: Complete noob

A fellow North Dakotan? Welcome to MOL!

You don't have to spend a ton of money on products to get good results. 90% of the products I use come from Meguiar's simply because they work. If you do some research you will also see Meguair's products are more readily available than most others (walmart anyone?) and often you can find them cheaper than the "boutique" car care products.

On a side note hope you didn't get flooded out (again) this last week! I live in Bismarck and we did a little swimming through the streets on Monday and Tuesday. Storm drains couldn't keep up!

[CieraSL]

Re: Complete noob

Hey TLaude, where in Fargo do you live? Do you ever shop at Fleet Farm? My uncle lives in Fargo, and he is the manager at the Fleet Farm there. He told me that they carry Meguiar's products. You might check there and see what they have for a selection. Here's the info on his store:

Mills Fleet Farm
3730 36th St S
Fargo, ND 58104
(701) 298-7700

[TLaude]

Re: Complete noob

Mark - The river is high, but thats nothing new. LOL
Thanks for the information you PM'd me!

Ciera - I have not had time to head out that direction, but it's on my 'to do' list when I get time. I will definately check it out! Thanks!