Getting ready to detail; what to buy?

[ThePhreak]

I just got my 2001 Dodge Neon ES, and I can't wait till it gets warmer so I can detail it. It has a cobweb type scratches, but the paint isn't too bad (except what looks like the clear coat peeling off the front bumper). I am wondering what I need to make my car look great this spring and to wow my friends. I plan on trying out NXT and would like to start with that. Here's what I've come up with, please remove/add anything I need/dont' need. I don't really even know what to get in terms of pads/towels. Can someone tell me what size the "Super Terry" ones are that I plan on buying? Also, I am doing this all by hand I believe, but can you include what I would use if I was doing it with a buffer (I might use one later on).

Deep Crystal System Polish 16 oz. (473 ml)
Deep Crystal System Paint Cleaner 16 oz. capacity
ScratchX 7 oz. (207 ml)
Quik Clay Detailing System 16 oz. (473 ml)
NXT Generation® Tech Wax 18 oz. (532 ml)
NXT Generation® Spray Wax 24 oz. (710 ml)
NXT Generation® Speed Detailer 24 oz. Spray
Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner 24 oz. (710 ml)
Ultra Plush Super Terry (two-Pack) Two-Pack
Ultra Plush Chenille Wash Mitt
High Tech Applicator Pad – 2 Pack

SUB-TOTAL $76.89

[Mad iX]

If you're going to tackle swirls all over your car, then I'd add ColorX, which you can use instead of Deep Crystal 1 and 2.
It goes nicely as a base for NXT. Also you can try #9 Swirl Remover as a step before ColorX.

So I'd go #9, ColorX and then NXT.
If machine, then add #80 Speed Glaze or even #83 DACP. with some polishing pads and a couple of finishing pads.

[gb387]

If you are doing 3 steps - Cleaner/Polish/Wax you may have to pick up some more towels to remove product with. Same with applicator pads you want to only use one product per applicator pad. Both the towels and applicator pads can be washed with a liquid laundry soap and re-used.

How about drying the car? something like this meguiars towel is well worth it!

[ThePhreak]

Originally posted by gb387
If you are doing 3 steps - Cleaner/Polish/Wax you may have to pick up some more towels to remove product with. Same with applicator pads you want to only use one product per applicator pad. Both the towels and applicator pads can be washed with a liquid laundry soap and re-used.

How about drying the car? something like this meguiars towel is well worth it!

I really don't know what I'm doing to tell you the truth, just trying to get this car clean! :P I figured I'd probably need some more towels and things, so thanks. Do you know if that thing is out yet, it says Mid-March.

[05PhillyStang]

Phreak - I picked up the water magnet, among other new Meguiar's products at a Pep Boys just outside of Philly. Your profile says Jersey Shore; is that THE Jersey Shore or Jersey Shore, PA? I know, that sounds stupid but there really is a town in PA called Jersey Shore.

Anyway, I found the water magnet to work great. Make sure you sheet the water first. Take the nozzle of the hose and run the water on the entire car. Do it and you'll understand what I mean.

I tried using the Supreme Shine Microfiber and the Ultra Plush terry cloths for drying but the members on here were helpful in pointing out that these two towels are better suited for removing product. I really like the Ultra plush with the Quik Detailer. The softness is great for this application. This may sound crazy but it seems like the terry cloth is TOO soft to remove cleaner, polish, or wax. Has anyone used these for this purpose yet?