Advice - from start to finish...

GrazReed · 7th March 2012, 09:31

Right right right...

So keep in mind that the last time I has a car I was proud of and wanted to show off (and mod) was about 6 years ago with my Corolla... and then I was cash strapped, young and impressionable, and washed the car with a bucket of water, halfords own brand wash and a hose...

While I am still cash strapped, I'd like to keep the thing properly clear and tidy, but there is so much information on here about this, I am struggling to find a concise list or things to use, in what order... and what is this two bucket method??? Is one a spare to be sick in at the thought of how much money you have spend on a car...

So... What needed, in what order, and any tips???

Muchy muchy appreciated peeps, and if anyone wants to come do it for me, that would be great too

ashkeenon · 7th March 2012, 09:38

A long read but all the info you need...

Car Care Advice | Detailing Advice | Polished Bliss

wanner69 · 7th March 2012, 09:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrazReed

Right right right...

So keep in mind that the last time I has a car I was proud of and wanted to show off (and mod) was about 6 years ago with my Corolla... and then I was cash strapped, young and impressionable, and washed the car with a bucket of water, halfords own brand wash and a hose...

While I am still cash strapped, I'd like to keep the thing properly clear and tidy, but there is so much information on here about this, I am struggling to find a concise list or things to use, in what order... and what is this two bucket method??? Is one a spare to be sick in at the thought of how much money you have spend on a car...

So... What needed, in what order, and any tips???

Muchy muchy appreciated peeps, and if anyone wants to come do it for me, that would be great too

have a look at you tube, type in two bucket method.

anyway basically you need,
pressure washer or just a hose. Snow foam lance and foam if using pressure washer
2 buckets, grit guards optional.
2 wash mitts, 1 for paintwork, 1 for wheels
meguiars gold class shampoo
drying towel (wooly mammoth )
polish ( autoglym super resin polish ) if you want to remove swirls then totally different process, ie machine polishing.
Plush microfibre polishing cloths
sealant or wax or both and applicators for applying.

this is a very basic set up, so it all depends on your budget and what depth you want to go into when cleaning your car. you may want to detar, ironx, clay etc before you even go near it with polish. hope this help a bit.

shaunwistow · 7th March 2012, 10:20

^^^ What Wayne said^^^ & also the link from Ash is well worth reading

GrazReed · 7th March 2012, 10:23

Cheers guys, there is a lot of info to digest on that site Ash, but thank you.

I also need to prioritise as I won't be able to justify to the wife getting it all in one go... so probably the cleaning stuff first then the protector stuff the next month!

wanner69 · 7th March 2012, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrazReed

Cheers guys, there is a lot of info to digest on that site Ash, but thank you.

I also need to prioritise as I won't be able to justify to the wife getting it all in one go... so probably the cleaning stuff first then the protector stuff the next month!

yes get the basics gaz, avoid sponges!
you can then build up a nice collection when the bug gets you.

RobertUtley · 7th March 2012, 10:49

Basically one bucket for your shampoo the other bucket to keep washing the rubbish off the mitt (even if you cant see anything on it keep rinsing it) it really does help to protect from scratches!

My methods basic as i dont have a pressure washer.

1. take to local pressure washer
2. Give it a pre wash with the pre wash at the pressure washer and jet off
3. drive home 2 minutes and rinse again to ensure its very wet
4. two bucket method clean (i have two mitts one for lower and one for higher on my car as the lower is always dirtier and has more contamination i make sure once ive done the top i move mitt else where and then use the lower one.
5.Seperate sponge or mitt for wheels
6. Polish (if applicable I do mine every few months)
7.Wax (i use autoglym aqua waz ever wash as its easier than drying spray on when wet and then do a full wax every month or so to keep it nice)

A proffessional valeter friend recommended synthetic chamois for drying i didnt ask why just bought one.

Hope this helps it doesnt take too long and you get good results with the ag aqua wax

wanner69 · 7th March 2012, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertUtley

Basically one bucket for your shampoo the other bucket to keep washing the rubbish off the mitt (even if you cant see anything on it keep rinsing it) it really does help to protect from scratches!

My methods basic as i dont have a pressure washer.

1. take to local pressure washer
2. Give it a pre wash with the pre wash at the pressure washer and jet off
3. drive home 2 minutes and rinse again to ensure its very wet
4. two bucket method clean (i have two mitts one for lower and one for higher on my car as the lower is always dirtier and has more contamination i make sure once ive done the top i move mitt else where and then use the lower one.
5.Seperate sponge or mitt for wheels
6. Polish (if applicable I do mine every few months)
7.Wax (i use autoglym aqua waz ever wash as its easier than drying spray on when wet and then do a full wax every month or so to keep it nice)

A proffessional valeter friend recommended synthetic chamois for drying i didnt ask why just bought one.

Hope this helps it doesnt take too long and you get good results with the ag aqua wax

ditch the chamois and buy a chemical guys wooly mammoth drying towel, although expensive £18 or so its all you'll ever need and will last you years, you could dry 4 cars with it until it needed wringing out, awesome towel

RobertUtley · 7th March 2012, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanner69

ditch the chamois and buy a chemical guys wooly mammoth drying towel, although expensive £18 or so its all you'll ever need and will last you years, you could dry 4 cars with it until it needed wringing out, awesome towel

May have to invest

wanner69 · 7th March 2012, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertUtley

May have to invest

deffo mate,you wont be disappointed

Man in Black · 7th March 2012, 16:43

it takes a bit of time to bui;ld up towels, products and kit.. dont be in a hurry... few quid every so often and before you know it you will have a good kit..... some stuff lasts a while other stuff is a lot quicker to go through... shop about online.... have a look at detailing world as well... loads of advice there

7th March 2012, 09:31	#1 (permalink)
GrazReed Jack Bauer is my God Car: 2008\|1.8\|ES\|Silver Join Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 265 Thanks given: 29 Thanked 24 Times in 20 Posts iTrader: (5)	Advice - from start to finish... Right right right... So keep in mind that the last time I has a car I was proud of and wanted to show off (and mod) was about 6 years ago with my Corolla... and then I was cash strapped, young and impressionable, and washed the car with a bucket of water, halfords own brand wash and a hose... While I am still cash strapped, I'd like to keep the thing properly clear and tidy, but there is so much information on here about this, I am struggling to find a concise list or things to use, in what order... and what is this two bucket method??? Is one a spare to be sick in at the thought of how much money you have spend on a car... So... What needed, in what order, and any tips??? Muchy muchy appreciated peeps, and if anyone wants to come do it for me, that would be great too

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7th March 2012, 09:38	#2 (permalink)
ashkeenon Join Date: 14th March 2008 Location: UK Posts: 893 Thanks given: 83 Thanked 138 Times in 124 Posts iTrader: (0)	A long read but all the info you need... Car Care Advice \| Detailing Advice \| Polished Bliss

7th March 2012, 10:20	#4 (permalink)
shaunwistow PM me for a shaunyshine Car: Type S GT-t Urban Titanium Join Date: 5th March 2010 Location: Sheffield, S6 Posts: 6,680 Thanks given: 1,940 Thanked 1,505 Times in 1,352 Posts iTrader: (21)	^^^ What Wayne said^^^ & also the link from Ash is well worth reading

7th March 2012, 10:23	#5 (permalink)
GrazReed Jack Bauer is my God Thread starter Car: 2008\|1.8\|ES\|Silver Join Date: 7th February 2012 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 265 Thanks given: 29 Thanked 24 Times in 20 Posts iTrader: (5)	Cheers guys, there is a lot of info to digest on that site Ash, but thank you. I also need to prioritise as I won't be able to justify to the wife getting it all in one go... so probably the cleaning stuff first then the protector stuff the next month!

7th March 2012, 10:49	#7 (permalink)
RobertUtley Muscles From Brussels Car: 2007 1.8 CTS Nighthawk Join Date: 1st December 2011 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 3,095 Thanks given: 168 Thanked 611 Times in 493 Posts iTrader: (6)	Basically one bucket for your shampoo the other bucket to keep washing the rubbish off the mitt (even if you cant see anything on it keep rinsing it) it really does help to protect from scratches! My methods basic as i dont have a pressure washer. 1. take to local pressure washer 2. Give it a pre wash with the pre wash at the pressure washer and jet off 3. drive home 2 minutes and rinse again to ensure its very wet 4. two bucket method clean (i have two mitts one for lower and one for higher on my car as the lower is always dirtier and has more contamination i make sure once ive done the top i move mitt else where and then use the lower one. 5.Seperate sponge or mitt for wheels 6. Polish (if applicable I do mine every few months) 7.Wax (i use autoglym aqua waz ever wash as its easier than drying spray on when wet and then do a full wax every month or so to keep it nice) A proffessional valeter friend recommended synthetic chamois for drying i didnt ask why just bought one. Hope this helps it doesnt take too long and you get good results with the ag aqua wax

7th March 2012, 16:43	#11 (permalink)
Man in Black Supporter Car: 08 Type R GT Join Date: 8th July 2010 Location: Stirling Scotland Posts: 1,245 Thanks given: 4 Thanked 146 Times in 134 Posts iTrader: (0)	it takes a bit of time to bui;ld up towels, products and kit.. dont be in a hurry... few quid every so often and before you know it you will have a good kit..... some stuff lasts a while other stuff is a lot quicker to go through... shop about online.... have a look at detailing world as well... loads of advice there