1st Detail on my new car

[lukemccoy.com]

I plan on detailing my new 2005 Hyundai Elantra GLS and was wondering which products and procedures would be best for this first time.

A frield told me to get these:
Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
NXT Generation Tech Wax
NXT Generation Tech Product Interior Protectant

Anything else I should be using or doing on my first detail?

[Slats]

I know it may sound crazy since it's a new car, but I would get a clay bar as well. Even new cars when they are shipped often pick up contaminants. I waxed my new Accord a couple days after I bought it, but it really didn't turn out super smooth like I expected. The next time I waxed, I clayed first and the results were great. The finish was incredebly smooth. NXT wax is very good although not the longest lasting IMO. Enjoy your new car!

Slats

[lukemccoy.com]

Thanks. I saw some threads on using a clay bar. I'll definitely look into it.

[Murr1525]

Slats said it well, starting off right from the start with a clay bar. No need to let the finish 'deteriorate' then fix it. Keep it perfect from the begining.

You should definately read the Hot-Topis and How-to sections, espeacialy those that deal with the 5-step system of paint care. Involving all 5 steps is the best way to keep a car looking good, though on my daily driver, I shortcut things a little.

Your car looks pretty good now, no swirls from the dealer or anything? If so, you can start right off with these 5 steps: (DC = Deep Crystal System) What color and everything is it, any pics?

1. Wash - Gold CLass wash is great. Nxt is also good, esp for Hard Water.

2. Clay - Meguiars Quick CLay is very good, very easy to use. May not need to clay every time, maybe 4 times a year, but depends on your environment.

3. Clean - DC#1 is a good, mild cleaner.

4. Polish - DC#2 is a good, easy to use polish

5. Wax - Nxt wax is a good. Remember 2 thin coats of wax are best.

Then you can use a spray wax to maintain after most washes.

The Nxt Generation Protectant is fantastic, espeacialy on gray plastics inside. I like to spray/wipe it on, let it sit for 5 min, then buff off.

As I mentioned, if you are short on time, or it is a dialy driver that needs detailed often, this is the route I use..

1. Wash - As above
2. Clay - as above

3. ColorX - This is a great product, can remove minor swirls, adds some polish, good wax, fantastic stuff. And takes care of 1 coat of wax.

4. Wax - A top coat of Nxt Wax will look fantastic.

[Murr1525]

Whoops.. double post.

[lukemccoy.com]

Thanks for the steps, I'll look into the threads you are talking about.

My car is silver, you can see some pictures of it here:
http://www.lukemccoy.com - Click on the Newest Album


Here is what I bought last night:

Shop Towels - For windows? Should I be using something else?
Invisible Glass
2 Microfiber Wash Mitts
Meguiars Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
12-Pack 100% Cotton Terry Towels - For drying
Meguiars Even-Coat Applicator
Meguiars NXT Tech Wax Liquid
Microfiber Towel - to take the wax off
Meguiars NXT Insane Shine Tire Coating
Meguiars NXT Tech Protect Interior Protectant

So it looks like I'm missing:
2. Clay - Meguiars Quick CLay is very good, very easy to use. May not need to clay every time, maybe 4 times a year, but depends on your environment.

3. Clean - DC#1 is a good, mild cleaner.

4. Polish - DC#2 is a good, easy to use polish

[lukemccoy.com]

Do you have any links for the DC #1 and #2 product? I can't seem to find anything on it other than people mentioning it.

[Murr1525]

I dont think there is any consensus on what works for windows... I have used all kinds of paper towels, etc.

[Murr1525]

DC#1

DC#2

I'll also add:

ColorX


The Clay bar almost always needs orderd online, either from Meguiars, or elsewhere. Hard to find in stores. Usualy, it is best to think of maybe 4 or 5 products you have a hard time finding, the norder all at once to cut down shipping costs.

[lukemccoy.com]

Great, thanks for the links!

[lukemccoy.com]

Can you find the Grit Guard Inserts in local stores? I'd like to have one this weekend when I detail my car so I don't want to order one online. I didn't see any at the Auto Zone last night.

[Murr1525]

Add the Grit Guard to the things that need orderd online...

[lukemccoy.com]

Thanks for the help. I've posted picture over in another thread.

http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9533

[Murr1525]

Not a problem, glad to help... Looks like good results. Always hard to get the camera to show off that kind of color.