Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

[Saraya]

For use on '94 MKIV - hides it's defects well due to color. Minor scuffs/abrasions around bumpers, however overall paint level is generally even to the touch - clear coat still in tact, no fade or baked spots, and maintains an impressive shine over the metal paint work.
The car has not had a professional level treatment in sometime. This will be for at home/by hand DIY over what could be multiple days to break the contaminants and start fresh. Hoping to be able to leave the car uncovered and used more in light rain scenarios, without having to worry about washing the car every week.
I have a my own facilities, water line out door, pressurized hose head(not high powered), and coverage from direct sunlight.










Two kits I have found that are quite similar though lack a few. I am happy to buy one and supplement with other products individually.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MEGUIARS-ULTIMATE-HOME-WASH-AND-WAX-CAR-CLEANING-BUNDLE-/111125268062?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Car_Care_Cleaning&hash=item19df95065e

Does not include : Clay, ultimate compound or cleaner wax.


Or

http://www.meguiars-online.co.uk/product/ultimate-detail-kit/

Does not include : Endurance Gel, wheel cleaner, towel/mitt/pads/shammy


After deciding on which to buy and what to add to them, I need to understand beyond the given instructions, which ones to use and in what order/fashion for my originally stated purpose(s).



Thank you

[Saraya]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

Furthering the first post, please see custom product list that I put together, and subsequent questions.

Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner
Ultimate Wash & wax
Quik Clay Starter Kit
Ultimate Polish
Ultimate Liquid Wax
Ultimate Protectant - Using this instead of Natural Shine Vinyl and Rubber as forum comments say Protectant is better for outside rubber.
Ultimate Quik Deatailer Trigger Spray
Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner - Is this much better than Windex
Water Magnet Drying Towel - I'm told easier to use and more effective than a Chamois
Lambswoold Wash Mitt
Soft Foam Applicator Pads
Even Coat Applicator Pads


-What products are close enough in performance to one another, that I might remove them as potentially unnecessary for a first timer? I would then use the saved money, to buy a DA.
-If Wash and Wax provides wax boost/touchup on top of your liquid wax coating, what purpose does Quik Wax Spray serve in this scenario? Would I be right to exclude it?
-What type of cloth/brush/mitt do you use when you start on a vehicle that's been dirty a while and collected a bit on the bumpers, spats, mudguards etc. Obviously I don't want to put a fresh lambs wool mitt down there, but I also don't want to buy spares unnecessarily. Would you start out with a basic foam sponge and some APC?
-The order of product use would be : Brush/pad + APC around grimy areas of vehicle/sides/bumpers etc >> Wash & Wax >> Clay >> Polish >> Wax >> Protectant?

[The Guz]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

I looked at those links. Both look pretty good. Are you located over seas or in the states?

I took your list and modified it a little

-Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner D101 - Comes in handy to clean any exterior rubber and plastic trim so you can follow up with a dressing (ie ultimate protectant/ultimate black). It can also be diluted down to clean the interior.
-Soap - Any of meguiar's soaps are good. My personal favorites are Gold Class or D111 Shampoo Plus
-Quik Clay Starter Kit
-Ultimate Compound
-Ultimate Polish
-Ultimate Liquid Wax
-Ultimate Protectant - This product is closely related to ultimate black so it can pull double duty. Meaning you can use it on the interior plastics and rubber as well as the exterior trim
-Ultimate Quik Deatailer - Used to remove light dust as well as a drying aid. Good maintenance product in between washes
-Ultimate Quik Wax - This has to be in everyone's arsenal. It's another maintenace product that can help maintain your wax of choice
-Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner - A very good glass cleaner
-Water Magnet Drying Towel - I would pick up 2 of these maybe even 3. They work better than a typical microfiber towel or chamois
-Supreme Shine Microfiber towels- You should have some of these to remove compounds, polishes and waxes. They work great when applying and removing ultimate quik detailer and ultimate quik wax
-Meguiar's Microfiber Wash Mitt - I would get 2 of these.
-Soft Foam Applicator Pads

What products are close enough in performance to one another, that I might remove them as potentially unnecessary for a first timer? I would then use the saved money, to buy a DA.

I modified your list a little.

-If Wash and Wax provides wax boost/touchup on top of your liquid wax coating, what purpose does Quik Wax Spray serve in this scenario? Would I be right to exclude it?

A quick wax such as ultimate quik wax offers longer protection than what is in wash and wax. I would get one.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?36525-Meguiar-s-Video-Training-Series-Maintain-Your-Finish

-What type of cloth/brush/mitt do you use when you start on a vehicle that's been dirty a while and collected a bit on the bumpers, spats, mudguards etc. Obviously I don't want to put a fresh lambs wool mitt down there, but I also don't want to buy spares unnecessarily. Would you start out with a basic foam sponge and some APC?

I added the Meguiar's microfiber wash mits to your list. I would get 2 of these. They work very well and are very gentle on the paint. When you are washing you do not need to add any APC. All you need is a car wash soap.

A good video to watch

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?41790-Meguiar-s-Quik-Tips-Video-Series-Washing

-The order of product use would be : Brush/pad + APC around grimy areas of vehicle/sides/bumpers etc >> Wash & Wax >> Clay >> Polish >> Wax >> Protectant?

The full 5 step process is
1. Wash
2. Clay
3. Compound
4. Polish
5. Wax

I only use APC to clean all of the plastic or rubber trim on the exterior and follow up with a trim dressing such as ultimate black. I also use APC on the interior if it is heavily soiled and then follow up with one of the interior protectants (natural shine, supreme shine or ultimate protectant). I also use it on the plastic wheel wells to clean them and I personally use plastic & vinyl coating. But any trim product would work.

Another good video

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?41373-Meguiar-s-Quik-Tips-Video-The-5-Step-Paint-Care-Cycle

[Murr1525]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

have you picked up any products before, or these would be your first.?

The products dont really change much just for car or color or age, kind of the same for all. Just depends on how strong of a cleaner is needed, and what wax you might enjoy.

[Joe Dragon]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

I use the Gold Class soap because it is pure soap without any wax or other additives.

[ffboy]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

Based on the pics, Body and paint looks even and smooth. How about wash (gold class), clay, white wax then ultimate wax?

[Saraya]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

I looked at those links. Both look pretty good. Are you located over seas or in the states?

Overseas

I took your list and modified it a little

-Meguiars All Purpose Cleaner D101 - Comes in handy to clean any exterior rubber and plastic trim so you can follow up with a dressing (ie ultimate protectant/ultimate black). It can also be diluted down to clean the interior.
-Soap - Any of meguiar's soaps are good. My personal favorites are Gold Class or D111 Shampoo Plus
-Quik Clay Starter Kit
-Ultimate Compound
-Ultimate Polish
-Ultimate Liquid Wax
-Ultimate Protectant - This product is closely related to ultimate black so it can pull double duty. Meaning you can use it on the interior plastics and rubber as well as the exterior trim
-Ultimate Quik Deatailer - Used to remove light dust as well as a drying aid. Good maintenance product in between washes
-Ultimate Quik Wax - This has to be in everyone's arsenal. It's another maintenace product that can help maintain your wax of choice
-Perfect Clarity Glass Cleaner - A very good glass cleaner
-Water Magnet Drying Towel - I would pick up 2 of these maybe even 3. They work better than a typical microfiber towel or chamois
-Supreme Shine Microfiber towels- You should have some of these to remove compounds, polishes and waxes. They work great when applying and removing ultimate quik detailer and ultimate quik wax
-Meguiar's Microfiber Wash Mitt - I would get 2 of these.
-Soft Foam Applicator Pads

-Do I not need the other applicator pads. They each seem to be specific to a purpose.
-I have microfibre towels all ready
-Concerning soap, you suggest I substitute a pure wash/soap instead of wash&wax?

A quick wax such as ultimate quik wax offers longer protection than what is in wash and wax. I would get one.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?36525-Meguiar-s-Video-Training-Series-Maintain-Your-Finish

All right

I added the Meguiar's microfiber wash mits to your list. I would get 2 of these. They work very well and are very gentle on the paint. When you are washing you do not need to add any APC. All you need is a car wash soap.

A good video to watch
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...Series-Washing

-You chose the microfibre mitts, is this in place of lambswool?

I only use APC to clean all of the plastic or rubber trim on the exterior and follow up with a trim dressing such as ultimate black. I also use APC on the interior if it is heavily soiled and then follow up with one of the interior protectants (natural shine, supreme shine or ultimate protectant). I also use it on the plastic wheel wells to clean them and I personally use plastic & vinyl coating. But any trim product would work.

Another good video
http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...int-Care-Cycle

What of the grimy paint/bodywork areas and what to clean them with before using the clean mitts and soap?

have you picked up any products before, or these would be your first.?

The products dont really change much just for car or color or age, kind of the same for all. Just depends on how strong of a cleaner is needed, and what wax you might enjoy.

Of these specific products listed, no, would be first time.
Ok, I just got the impression compound was for faded paints that needed extra work.

I use the Gold Class soap because it is pure soap without any wax or other additives.

Thank you, sounds nice

Based on the pics, Body and paint looks even and smooth. How about wash (gold class), clay, white wax then ultimate wax?

Agreed. If I have to go minimalistic, this sounds promising though I would prefer avoiding paste wax.
Thank you

[Saraya]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

Bump

[The Guz]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

-Do I not need the other applicator pads. They each seem to be specific to a purpose.

The foam applicator pads are all you really need. You will use them more often than the even coat applicators. I will leave the soap entirely up to you. You really can't go wrong with any of the soaps. My personal preferece is D111 Shampoo Plus or Gold Class Car Wash since I either follow up with M135 detailer or D156 spray wax. As far as a wash mitt, the meguiar's microfber mitt is really nice and it is very soft and gentle on the paint. I have had great success with it.

-Concerning soap, you suggest I substitute a pure wash/soap instead of wash&wax?

I will leave the soap entirely up to you. You really can't go wrong with any of the soaps.

-You chose the microfibre mitts, is this in place of lambswool?

I like the Meguiar's microfiber wash mitt. It's very soft and gentle and it does a great job cleaning the paint. I recommned you pick up 2 of these. You may find yourself washing the top part of the car with one wash mitt and the bottom half with another.

What of the grimy paint/bodywork areas and what to clean them with before using the clean mitts and soap?

Pre rinse the car to remove any dust and dirt and then procedd with washing. Similar to that video in that link I provided you.

Of these specific products listed, no, would be first time.

You can go worng with the entire ultimate line. It is a highly recommended and gets the job done. It will make your silver car look great.

Ok, I just got the impression compound was for faded paints that needed extra work.

Compounds bring back life into faded paints but they also remove heavy defects such as scratches and heavy swirl marks that a polish can't get out.

Agreed. If I have to go minimalistic, this sounds promising though I would prefer avoiding paste wax.

A simpler method indeed. Unfortunately white wax is a paste type wax. But it's nothing to worry about. It works very well and offers some very good cleaning as well.

[Saraya]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

Thanks.

After doing the first wash with all the products, on furthering washes, what is best : Gold class wash + quick wax, or wash and wax?
Ideally wash and wax saves me from having to reapply a separate wax on each wash. Quik wax doesn't look like it will last long before the bottle runs out.

[The Guz]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

There really is no best. You can't go wrong with any of the soaps. Give wash & wax a shot. Once you use it up you can try gold class and so forth. The wax in the wash won't last that long but it will give you the freshly waxed look for a couple days.

I have tried all the soaps from Meguiar's except hyper wash and they all work great. I have become a fan of D111 shampoo plus. I have been using rinseless washes more and more but this is my traditional wash regiment.

1. Pre rinse to remove dirt
2. Hand wash 2 bucket
3. Dry with waffle weave towels using M135 detail spray (pro version of ultimate quik detailer) as a drying aid.
4. Follow up with M135 for a final wipedown. I will substitute D156 once a month for this step.

I ended up purchasing the pro versions of the consumer line because it was cost effective for a lot of product that lasts me a long time.

[Saraya]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

There really is no best. You can't go wrong with any of the soaps. Give wash & wax a shot. Once you use it up you can try gold class and so forth. The wax in the wash won't last that long but it will give you the freshly waxed look for a couple days.

I have tried all the soaps from Meguiar's except hyper wash and they all work great. I have become a fan of D111 shampoo plus. I have been using rinseless washes more and more but this is my traditional wash regiment.

1. Pre rinse to remove dirt
2. Hand wash 2 bucket
3. Dry with waffle weave towels using M135 detail spray (pro version of ultimate quik detailer) as a drying aid.
4. Follow up with M135 for a final wipedown. I will substitute D156 once a month for this step.

I ended up purchasing the pro versions of the consumer line because it was cost effective for a lot of product that lasts me a long time.

May just stick to wash and wax.

Is a detailer aid necessary when drying? And how exactly does that work when the detailer makes contact with water on the surface?

[The Guz]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

Is a detailer aid necessary when drying? And how exactly does that work when the detailer makes contact with water on the surface?

No it's not. Spray onto a panel and remove the water from the surface. It's used as a lubricant so you are not wiping a dry towel on dry paint.

[Saraya]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

No it's not. Spray onto a panel and remove the water from the surface. It's used as a lubricant so you are not wiping a dry towel on dry paint.

Rinse>Wash>Rinse>Dry with detailer?

Do you not think water is lubrication enough when drying? Is it because of the waffle material from the towels?

[The Guz]

Re: Which bundle for first Meguiar's kit on twenty year old vehicle

If you follow this video you will be fine.

The drying aid is an option that some of us who are a little more OCD tend to do. This video will give you an idea of why some of us do it. Same concept different products.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0hzJImmvNU