Putting Together a Detailing Kit.

[Heide264]

So my two week old car already looks like a ball of road salt with a blue tint. I'm looking at ordering some stuff and putting together a detailing kit. I'm normally pretty busy, and don't have time to put 3 coats of wax on my car on a regular basis though. That being said, I'm looking at putting together a kit that allows for easy/quick "maintenence" and the occasional "deep clean / overhaul" when I have a nice day. I would also like something that I can use come next winter or when it's crappy out within my garage.

-ONR with two buckets and a grit guard.
-Couple nice washing mitts
-Heavy duty wheel cleaner of some sorts (and brush to use with it)
-External detailing spray for bird crap and such that doesn't require a full wash
-Engine bay cleaner of sorts
-Clay bar (should I buy a couple? I don't know if they are one time use or whatever, and don't mind storing)
-A nice mild polish
-A good wax that I would expect to use monthly or so and isn't hard to apply
-Invisible glass for the windows - ran out
-Internal surface cleaner such as armor all that isn't so darn glossy/sticky/dust prone after use

I am just beginning to read around and put specific products in, but I thought I would ask for some suggestions from you guys while you are at it. I really like the idea of being able to wash my car quickly using two buckets once a week or so. Given that we have really hard water up here, and I have an RO/DI filter for use with my fish tank, the ONR thing actually might work out pretty well.

Any type of product I might have missed over?

[EJ257]

:Paging Sasquatch:

[Heide264]

Alright, so I spent a lot of the afternoon reading reviews on autopia. Man those guys are serious on detailing over there. I bought some stuff, and it should last me for a while. All I need now is two buckets from home depot hopefully. I really tried to focus on ease of use while choosing products.

-Meguiar's X3080 EvenCoat Applicator (pack of 2)
-Meguair's Quik Interior Detailer Cleaner (16oz)
-Mothers Wheel Brush
-Mothers Detail Brush Set (2 pack)
-Cables Unlimted AC-FIBER6 Ultra Absorbent Microfiber Cleaning Cloths (6 Pack)
-Griot's Garage 11106 Wheel Cleaner (35oz)
-Mothers 07240 California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System
-Blackfire Wet Diamond All-Finish Paint Protection (16oz)
-Poorboy's Spray&Wipe Waterless Wash (16oz... Got it to leave in the trunk for bird crap)
-Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (128oz... Got it to wash the car weekly, and compare to Poorboys)
-Menzerna Final Polish (32oz)


...This should last me a while. It was more than I planned on spending, but I was probably going to buy it eventually anyhow. This way I can get a head start on keeping it clean and trying to keep the (subpar) paint in good condition. Got a wash at a Cleantown with an undercarriage spray to get the road salt off at least yesterday.

[Eric05mx]

You should be good with the basic stuff like that. I just bought Meguiar's wash, clay bar kit with spray, cleaner wax, and tech wax 2.0 paste. I felt it did a good job for the money. Detail products are like anything else, you can go crazy with it but unless it's a show car I can't justify spending the time or money some people spend on a daily driver.

Post some before and after pics too.

[mustangtx63]

I think you have more than enough to cover all your bases, you should be fine. It seems to me that most people overlook "how" they wash their car. I'm not saying you in particular, but quite a few people do. Be sure to use proper technique when washing and this will prolong your finish exponentially. I'm sure you're familiar with this since you spent some time on autopia. Good luck to you, sir!

[Heide264]

Will definitely post some pictures of the process. I've done some reading, but I'm not going to pretend to be 'well educated' in detailing. I am trying to stay within my education though.

My biggest issue with car detailing at all is that I don't keep up with it. I've really tried to pick stuff that allows me to spend some time with the car once a month or so, and otherwise just a quick rinse in the garage if its nasty out or I am short on time that week. Also as stupid as it sounds, I wanted to make sure I have an easy way to tend for bird crap. My car isn't garaged 24/7 and there are telephone lines and a large oak tree over our driveway.

It seems like ONR takes a lot of the worry about proper washing technique out. I plan on using 2x 3g buckets. One for rinse water and one for wash water. I have a RO/DI filter for my fish tank which I will use to make the water up - not very wash friendly water up here in PA. Also just plan on using those microfiber cloths.

I need to look up how to tend to my cleaning materials such as pads/cloths etc. I know I saw a thread on it, just need to do some brief reading on it.

All in all, I actually have a car that is worth keeping clean and nice for a while, and a means to do it. I'm pretty excited =).