Spec me some cleaning kit

agw_01

agw_01

agw_01

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Joined
11 Apr 2004
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Hi guys,

I get paid tomorrow and feel like splashing out on some Megs stuff for the car. I've been using some TurtleWax 'Wash and Wax' shampoo for ages along with some TurtleWax Metallic Car Wax.

On the 214, the paint was in good condition so the car used to come up looking like it had just had a respray, however this isn't the case with the 220.

Pretty dull paintwork, with a texture that can only be described as sandpaper.

I don't mind spending around £50 if I'll be able to stand back after it's all done and think "that looks damn good for a Rover" ;)

So, what have you?

Cheers :)
 
£50, damn. Ask Mark, if I go to buy cleaning products I end up spending £75+ :( I'm a cleanaholic.

Personally i'd get some Meguires NXT shampoo, some Meguires Gold Class wax, and some Autoglym Ultra Gloss Protection. Probably worth you getting a claybar too.

However all this is useless unless you have some decent quality cloths and a washmit to apply it with ;) Scabby applicators = worse than poor quality washing solutions ;)


EDIT: infact, if you think you can find my house this weekend, you are more than welcome to come try out the range or meguires or autoglym, i have both :p

Infact, i'll wash it to my standard :p
 
Cheers El. The claybar was right up there on my list :)

I guess I forgot to add...

"Also need suggestions on cloths and washmits". Looking in my tub of cleaning applicators, all I can find is a cheap sponge and a few dirty old rags.

Cheers for the offer, but afraid this weekend is a no no for me, and next weekend isn't much better either :(

edit... I saw your edit :p
 
The Autoglym Ultra Gloss Protection, is that a polish? I've never waxed AND polished before, so am not completely sure on the procedure.

I'm guessing you wash, dry, wax and then polish?

Where does the claybar come into this?
 
clay bar --> Polish --> Sealant --> Wax. That prepares the paint work to the best of your ability, and then protects it and gives it a good shine.

I use Megs clay bar --> Klasse AIO --> Poorboys sealant --> ClearKote Vanilla Moose Wax

The good thing is that you only have to use the clay bar about twice a year and the polish a bit more, and the others keep it topped up and protected.

Then all you need is a couple of applicators, some microfibre towels to apply and remove the products, and a waffle towel to dry it off after washing.
 
Cool, cheers guys.

Should I use a cutting compound to get some of the swirl marks out or will the claybar/polish/wax do some of that?
 
agw_01 said:
Cool, cheers guys.

Should I use a cutting compound to get some of the swirl marks out or will the claybar/polish/wax do some of that?
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The polish should so some of it but it depends on what strength you go for. I suppose you could go over the whole car with some scratch-x to get more out, but I think the only way to get them all out is to get a proper polisher, something like the pc polisher.
 
The PC was on my list of things to buy in the future, so they'll get buffed out at some point... but for now I guess the above will do.

Anyone else got any other recommendations/tips on cleaning/polishing?

Should I treat one panel at a time? Apply polish/wax to cloth or metal first?
 
I am planning on detailing the car this saturday after a visit to a guy I know who runs a certain car detailing website and shop. I cant mention it as it is a competitor. But I want my car to look clean&shiny. I spent £60 (inc a little discount) but I did not buy a full set of stuff as I have some things already. I am planning on using he following in sequence on the bodywork:

Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo
Meguiars Quick Clay
Poorboys SSR1 Polish
Poorboys EXP Sealant (smells like coconut!)
Poorboys Natty Wax Paste (smells like bubblegum!!) - high concentration of Carnuba wax.

Once I have done it I will post a thread on exactly what products I used, the steps I went through as well as some before and after pictures. Im hoping there will be a big difference from my standard washing and waxing. Will probably post around sunday evening. - Email me if you want some recommendations or advice for anything.

EDIT: as for washmits, I can only recommend a lambswool mitt to shampoo the car - using the 2 bucket method - one with the suds in - the other to rinse the mit.
 
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panthro said:
Meguiars Gold Class Shampoo
Meguiars Quick Clay
Poorboys EXP Sealant (smells like coconut!)
Poorboys Natty Wax Paste (smells like bubblegum!!) - high concentration of Carnuba wax.
Click to expand...

I'd probably still get some polish on there before the sealant, while the clay gets a lot of the dirt off, tar etc, the polish just makes sure that the paint is thoroughly clean before sealing and waxing the paint.

I also used Megs endurance for the tyres, worked well and seemed to last a long time.

This is what I managed to get

Angle21.jpg


Bonnet1.jpg


SideGlass1.jpg
 
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Brum Man said:
snip
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see edit

thats an amazing job. Black looks so good when clean.....not so good when dirty! I hope my iceburg silver comes up as good as that. What did you use for the whole car? The wheels are looking mint. I want mine to look like that (forgetting about the kerbing!)

EDIT - Any chance of a bigger pic so I can admire the cleanliness!!? :D
 
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Brum Man, that looks awesome.

If I could get it like that I'd so have a black car - I'm just paranoid of getting a car that just looks a mess when the sun shines on it and lights up all the swirl marks :(
 
Cheers guys, lots of helpful tips, thanks very much.

Panthro, thanks very much for your post. Very informative. :) I might take up your offer of more info too.

Brum Man, wow, that looks fantastic! If I get that sort of shine on my car I'll be very very happy. What sort of time period am I looking to do a proper job? Normally takes me 45 minutes to rinse, wash, rinse... add another 30 minutes onto that for a wax.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Brum Man, that looks awesome.

If I could get it like that I'd so have a black car - I'm just paranoid of getting a car that just looks a mess when the sun shines on it and lights up all the swirl marks :(
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Very true Fox. The best thing about black is its mirror like shine. Sure to grab everyone's attention.

But all it takes is for one inconsiderate person to leave a nice dent or scratches and they'll show up like a sore thumb.
 
My Xantia was black - looked awesome when wet yet when the sun came out it was just... nasty, just a shiney mass of swirly marks etc.

Whereas with the Mondeo becuase its silver even if there are swirl marks they just dont show... it hides everything.

Bit of a dull colour but looks nicer more of the time if, like me, you suck at the waxing.
 
agw_01 said:
Cheers guys, lots of helpful tips, thanks very much.

Panthro, thanks very much for your post. Very informative. :) I might take up your offer of more info too.

Brum Man, wow, that looks fantastic! If I get that sort of shine on my car I'll be very very happy. What sort of time period am I looking to do a proper job? Normally takes me 45 minutes to rinse, wash, rinse... add another 30 minutes onto that for a wax.
Click to expand...


I am planning to spend around an hour on each stage: -

Shampoo
Clay
Polish
Seal
Wax

This doesnt include the amount of time that it will take for the wax/polish etc to dry. If your going to do it, you might as well do it properly :D It will be worth it when you can stand back and really admire your car.

Bruman - I cant believe that mirror finish. Simply incredible.
 
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