lemons12

iTrader: (71)

I have a few supplies, like anybody else in the car hobby(looking to get into true detailing hobby). I have a good idea of what my next few purchases will be, however I think this is a solid question.

Let's assume you have 0 supplies and looking to get started.. Want to wash/clay bar/polish/wax/seal/interior/engine bay/rims and tires/etc..

Let's say budget is 300-500$. What do you buy?

Awesome thread!

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

This list will get you all the basics for Washing, Wheels, Tires, Drying, decent Microfibers, and even a kit to get you started doing Paint Correction!

The total came to $440. Doesn't include shipping from the 3 sources listed.
"Corvetteforum" coupon code will get you 10% off at Autogeek.
A quick search on Google should net you a 10% off coupon for Detailers Domain.
Zaino has flat rate shipping of 9.95.



Pair of Grit Guards
http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-2pack.html

*Go to Home Depot and get (2) 5-gal buckets for $6*

-Pinnacle Microfiber Wash Mitt
http://www.autogeek.net/pinmicmit.html

-Sonax Full Effect wheel cleaner
http://www.autogeek.net/sonax-wheel-cleaner.html

-Swissvax Wheel Brush
http://www.detailersdomain.com/Swiss...ush_p_141.html

-Daytona Speed Master wheel brushes
http://www.autogeek.net/daytona-spee...r-brushes.html

-Zaino Z16 Tire gloss
http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/...duct_Code=Z-16

-Meguiars Professional Shampoo Plus
http://www.autogeek.net/mg11101.html


-(2) Cobra Guzzler Waffle Weave Drying Microfibers
http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-guzzler-hd-towel.html

-(3-4) All Purpose Cobra Microfiber towels 3pk
http://www.autogeek.net/coblallpumit2.html




For Paint correction....

Meguiars PCXP kit with 105 & 205
http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-meguiars-kit.html






Everything here is stuff I'd use on my car and my customers cars, though I do step it up a bit further on the microfibers, But you're getting a LOT of good stuff here, no crap products.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

Oh I forgot wax/seal. Oh boy thats a whole 'nother can of worms! To keep it simple and cost effective, just 1 recommendation for this purpose.

-Blackfire Wet Diamond sealant
http://www.autopia-carcare.com/black...rotection.html
$30 + shipping

Apply this with a Black LC pad on the Porter Cable.

SSmokin99

iTrader: (7)

Hey Jeff... I have some questions. How do you determine what pads to use on certain cars. Orange, white, black, red, blue, etc?

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

There are literally dozens of factors that play into that from paint thickness, level of correction desired, polish/compound to be used, hardness of clear coat, etc.... These take years of experience to fully understand, and it is never finished. There are always new paint systems to learn and new techniques being devised, and new pads being created. You never stop learning.


But for the novice, read what the pads are designed for and pair that with a polish that matches that description.

TORCHD 02 TA

iTrader: (39)

Great thread Jeff... Now PLEASE come to Chicago to detail my T/A

My car looks ok... This is in bright sunlight.. Still needs a little help

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

You're welcome

I'd be happy to, just help me get out there

mrrman

I may have to pick up a few extras thanks

Conrad

iTrader: (20)

What kind of IPA do you buy and should it be sprayed on then wiped off?

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

I typically get the 91% and do a 50/50 with water in a spray bottle. Saturate the MF towel first, then spray and wipe.

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

You're welcome

Conrad

iTrader: (20)

So I'm assuming if I have 99% and 50/50 it, it'll be fine. I haven't used this stuff much, does it evaporate pretty fast? Soak the MF towel with the IPA?

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

I've never seen or heard of (even on the detail forums) 99%. I've only seen 70% and 91%. So I don't know about that stuff.

Yes it evaporates quick.

LS1MONSTER

iTrader: (1)

I'm a bit confused here. My last detail I did on my Camaro I polished it with Meguiar's Ultimate polish and finished it with their Ultimate wax, both applied with a DA and removed by hand.

In this situation, did I need to do a IPA wipe down before applying the wax? If so doesn't that defeat the purpose of applying the polish?

Thanks!

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

The alcohol does not undo your work. It only removes the polishing oils that hide defects and prevent complete bonding of the wax or sealant.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Awesome list! Exactly what I was expecting!

Can I make a suggestion... Can we keep the abbreviations of words to a minimum. Some of us that aren't on the "in" with detailing won't catch all of them. I can search but it would make it much easier.
I guess using laymen terms is what I'm saying.

Thanks!

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

Glad the list was exactly what you were looking for! I kept reviewing it (doing it all by memory) to make sure I didn't leave any segment out. Thanks for giving ME a budget to work within! That really helped me pick things out. Often I get asked that question and the budget is "affordable", well that depends on the person. I drop $500-1,000 on supplies fairly often, so having a number that someone else considers reasonable startup cost helps me select stuff to show you guys.


You're referring to posts in general right? Not the list, correct?

I am very used to the abbreviations though, but I'm learning new ones daily too. I will continue to use the abbreviations, but I will spell out the full name first so I don't loose anyone

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Yea, just anybody posting asking questions/giving answers.

I can usually guess what an abbreviation is, IE. MF towels... However, IPA....
It might be easy and me over thinking but nothing came to mind.

If it is a thread for beginners and novices... A lot of us won't know the abbreviations some of you guys that have been in the hobby/business for 5+ years use.

Spelled out+abbreviates, WIN!

GoFast908Z

iTrader: (12)

Yeah, makes sense.

And IPA = Isoprophyl Alcohol (generally either 70% or 91%)

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

Awesome, I googled it but I'm on the comp. On the phones its a PITA (pain in the ***).