Returning to Detailing need product line advice

[DMP]

Its been almost 30 years since I have done any detailing. First impressions are a lot has changed. Some have also not changed. Biggest change is there are so many more products to choose from and developments( ie. clay, sealant, etc.)

Back in the mid to late 80's I had several vehicles that I worked to keep nice and shiny ( '66 Mustang, '72 240Z, '69 Deville Convertible, '85 Mustang GT) Since then my rides have been more point A to B. My wife recently convinced to purchase a new fun car. Well, new to us. We purchased a 2009 BMW 335i Convertible. Over all Scarlet is in very good condition. I have rediscovered the fun in driving and want to keep Scarlet in good condition for a long time.

In the olden days way back I the '80's as my son says, I used Meguiar's products and loved them. I used the Deep Crystal line and was happy with them. They were available and affordable for a student. Now I'm trying to decide what to use. My son who s a car guy keeps pushing Chemical Guys, but I'm nostalgic and want use Meguiar's. Bringing back my youth. HaHa
I will be working with my hands at first and later with machine. Have to leave the wife somethings for gifts. Here is the lineup 'm thinking of starting with;

Gold Class Wash
C2000 Mild Clay
M105 Mirror Glaze
M205 Mirror Glaze Polish
M20 Mirror Glaze Sealant
HI Tech Yellow Paste Wax

Would this work or should I go with some different products?

[Don]

Re: Returning to Detailing need product line advice

That sounds like a good starting point, don't forget to get TWO wash buckets (one for soapy water and one to rinse the mitt after every pass on the car to get the grit out), a quality wash mitt a good Quik Detailer and quality microfiber cloths. These items will have a huge impact on reducing or even eliminating washing-induced scratches.

[drumdan]

Re: Returning to Detailing need product line advice

You could definitely try those Mirror Glaze products. They will work by hand, d/a machine, and rotary buffers.

However, the replacement for the Deep Crystal line is the Ultimate line, and it absolutely blows me away every time I use it. At the core of the line up you have:
Ultimate Compound
Ultimate Polish
Ultimate Wax

The Ultimate line's compound and polish are derived from the Mirror Glaze M105/M205 respectively, but they're much more user friendly. More so with the compound. The M205/Ultimate Polish are both extremely easy to use.

[DMP]

Re: Returning to Detailing need product line advice

Thanks Don, I am going to use the two bucket wash and have the mitts and microfiber towels on hand.

drumdan, Thank for the input. I had thought about the ultimate line. I want a d/a machine and have been looking at them any preference to make/model? Also, Wondered about a sealant step.
Never used it before. Main thought was it would last longer. Would like to do exterior3-4 times a year instead of 6-8.

Thanks again you both for input.

[The Guz]

Re: Returning to Detailing need product line advice

You have a solid line up chosen. If you are looking for a pure sealant in the Mirror Glaze line, M21 would be it. M20 is a sealant as well but it has a light cleaning ability. It could almost be a cleaner sealant.

If you are looking for a DA there are a few left in this thread for a good price.

http://www.autopia.org/forums/autopia-carcare-com/184222-box-polisher-april-batch-1-a.html

[drumdan]

Re: Returning to Detailing need product line advice

Thanks Don, I am going to use the two bucket wash and have the mitts and microfiber towels on hand.

drumdan, Thank for the input. I had thought about the ultimate line. I want a d/a machine and have been looking at them any preference to make/model? Also, Wondered about a sealant step.
Never used it before. Main thought was it would last longer. Would like to do exterior3-4 times a year instead of 6-8.

Thanks again you both for input.

I really like the Porter Cable 7424xp. I sold off my flex 3401 because I just couldn't get the performance out of it that I could with my PC. I also love the Rupes Duetto. It has a similar shape to the PC which I prefer to the long, rotary style polishers with the extended handle.

[drumdan]

Re: Returning to Detailing need product line advice

You have a solid line up chosen. If you are looking for a pure sealant in the Mirror Glaze line, M21 would be it. M20 is a sealant as well but it has a light cleaning ability. It could almost be a cleaner sealant.

If you are looking for a DA there are a few left in this thread for a good price.

http://www.autopia.org/forums/autopi...batch-1-a.html

I agree, the M21 is a fantastic sealant. I use M20 as well, but I prefer the M21. If I'm maintaining a beater, I'll use M21. If I'm going all out for someone it's M21, or Ultimate Wax liquid.