*** The Car Cleaning Thread ***

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It is very ,very light [don't let this fool you into thinking it is no good] and the adjustable handle makes it good for right handers like me or left handers. I checked the paint surface after for signs of "swirling" but there was none to be seen. The Megs #16 is a very good glaze but is a ***** to get off by hand, this coped very well.

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It is also fitted with a 4.5m lead which makes it easier to get to most of the car without moving extension leads. Should be long enough to do a Series 5 without any problems.
 
Had a quick clean this afternoon, washed with Megs NXT shampoo then dried off. Next step was to give it a good clay as i have not done it yet and after that i gave the tyres some megs shine and also the lights a go with the plastic stuff. See im mega technical with this car cleaning lark :p

Going to wax it tomorrow if i can be bothered :p

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:)
 
its sunday and im already bored, i washed the car yesterday. do i do it again and risk becoming a car cleaning homo? in fact, i polished the underside of the bonnet yesterday, i think im way past saving now
 
If anyone is after a cheap machine for polishing or correcting work, there's a dual action Silverline machine going for ~£20 at the moment from several online stores. There's a good thread in the Tools section at DW, with plenty of information on it and how it compares to other similar machines.
 
Depending on what pad and polish used, yeah it should be fine - but don't just dive in. Read all the information on DW about how to use these machines, different products and techniques etc. I'd also pick up a scrap panel to test on, rather than use my own car as a guinea pig!
 
Meguiars Hyper wash

Foam Lance

Meguiars Quik Clay kit

Meguiars NXT 2.0 wax

Meguiars Lambswool Wash Mitt

Huge 38" x 28" Microfibre Drying Towel
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I'm going to buy some new stuff.

Is there anything missing or anything I don't need in that lot?

Do I need a proper wax applicator with liquid wax? and is traditional wax better?
 
^^ What is that and can it be used on house carpets!

Cheers Scottland, I've done some reading and people are recommending the double movement porta cables instead of just the singe rotating ones as you need more skill to operate those ?

I'm mighty tempted by the foam/snow + lance kit though as that appears to get super results and then throw in some carnoob wax erm carnauba :p
 
mrk said:
^^ What is that and can it be used on house carpets!

Cheers Scottland, I've done some reading and people are recommending the double movement porta cables instead of just the singe rotating ones as you need more skill to operate those ?

I'm mighty tempted by the foam/snow + lance kit though as that appears to get super results and then throw in some carnoob wax erm carnauba :p
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The rotating ones can be 'dangerous' to use because they spin on a single spot, like if you attached a pad to a power drill. There is more chance of burning through the top coat/clear coat this way is it's working on the same spot all the time. A dual action oscillates similar to the way you would work in a polish by hand, so it's being moved around the paint work all the time, never in the same spot.
 
mrk said:
Cheers Scottland, I've done some reading and people are recommending the double movement porta cables instead of just the singe rotating ones as you need more skill to operate those ?
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The silverline machines pretty much do what they say on the tin. You can't expect them to be weighted and have the usability of a lot of more expensive rotary polishers but as an entry polisher it is a very good one. I've used one and have to say if you put a decent pad on it then it performs pretty well. There is a whole stigma behind it that you can burn through paint and it's 'dangerous' but this is just a lot of hype. Unless you're an idiot and leave it on one spot for about 5 minutes then it's not a problem. A lot would argue that the finish you get from a rotary will always be better than a dual action pc machine for example.

It's something that will take a lot of time to get right though, so if you enjoy detailing and reading about it then go for it but if you just want the swirls gone from your car it will be a LOT easier just calling a detailer
 
What would you recommend as a whole kit? As in the models of pads/solutions to buy etc?

I'm interested in one but TBH I'd only be using it once to get the swirls out and thereafter keep the layer of wax and polish topped up to prevent swirling occurring again.

I'm thinking if the total cost of the lot equals close to hiring a mobile detailer guy to come sort it as a one off then I might as well do that instead to save the hassle!


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Oh btw, I decided to buy the Vax V-028 instead of the V-033, it's the big version with upholstery wash tool so can do house rooms and small carpets for the car when eneded :D only a small amount more the the compact 033 too so nt bad.
 
No mate, might be ok but it just seems a bit harsh for seats. I just use a dry foam like Brisk, and gently rub it with a cloth. The bolsters on mine are suede so I don't go too mad with it.
 
those halfords polishers are crap, you won't get any real correction done with them, my neighbour has one, I tried it once and got worse results than by hand.

the silverline is a rotary, so there is potential to totally wreck your paint with it, so I'd recommend reading a lot of guides etc and get a practice panel to work on before attacking your car with it. It may only be £20-30 but by the time you have bought pads, polishes, backing plates, work lamp, masking tape, buffing towels...you'll be looking at the guts of £200 if you get semi-decent kit.

also be warned, if you're a wimp you'll struggle as the silverline weighs a tonne :D
 
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