Product and shop recomendation, help an old dog learn some new tricks!

[Richn83]

I have always thought of myself (and been called by others) a bit of stickler for keeping a clean car, and it wasnt till I started reading the detailing thread that I have realised I am actually a complete amateur compared to some of you. 

My washing habit up till now has been rinse car, use hose-pipe attached (hozelock shampoo releasing brush) brush to clean with AG shampoo, spray remainder on, rinse off and then shammy (including door seals, round edge of boot) and then wipe the dash over with a moist shammy to remove dust (dont like to use product as prefer a natural looking non shinny dash) and I generally repeat this ever weekend or 2nd weekend regardless of how dirty the car gets.

But after reading some of the info on here, and a quick work with some wax (meguirs liquid stuff bought at halfords) I want to give my new pride and joy a proper treatment, and take a dip into the world of claying and applying a decent wax, I think I have narrowed down my choice of weapons, and have some ideas of the product, but I wanted to open this up to the experts on here, hoping you could provide some recomendations, and im hoping some one on the forum has a shop that can supply me with everything, so my hard earned goes towards a good cause! 

The list so far:

Complete clay kit:  Thinking Meguiars quick clay detailing system, as it was suggested as a good beginner kit.

decent wax:  thinking AG HD wax after reading the long term test (on the horse box) and my previous experience with AG pretty happy with this choice, also like the idea of having the applicators and microfibre included. open to suggestions though.

Pre-wax cleanser:  Also thinking HD cleanser kit, but mainly to keep it in the family, and I have seen some combined HD kits?

Wheel cleaner:  Bilberry seems to be a popular choice, and not too expensive, and wheels are in good con, so nothing to difficult to shift, water and a bristle brush did the job last time.

Wheel wax:  To finish off the job, again Billberry or something similar.


The only other things ive considered, is getting a snow lance, now I dont have a pressure washer just a hose pipe (with a hozelock) attachement on the end, will this work?  and which bottle/snow foam, with he size of the list above I dont want to go over the top on this.

Thanks for reading my small essay, whats your thoughts?  And please add any further steps, if im going to do it I might as well do it right!!

[stealthwolf]

Buckets and proper wash mitt for two-bucket method
Proper drying towel instead of chammy
The rest depends on whether you're buying from halfords or a detailing online shop like cleanyourcar, autoperfection, elitecarcare or keith's wash shop. Others will add more retailers. They have a better range of stuff.

I prefer meg's clay kit. It does come with a cleaning wax though I've not tried it. I do rate the clay bar and spray.

[Andy]

have a read through this link it will give you some better ideas
http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/forum/

[monte]

Looks like you are on the right track now    NO more chammy's or brushes on the paint 
For general wash I first rinse with the pressure washer and then use the Snowfoam Lance, and let the foam dwell for 5-10mins. I then use the 2 bucket method with a Megs Ultimate Wash Mitt. Then when it is rinsed, I dry with the Autoperfection Super Plush Towel (they are Amazing), and then I give it a final spray with Megs Ultimate Quick Detailer Spray, then wipe off and buff (this protects the car and really makes the wax shine)
Oh, and then don't forget the tyre gloss!

I do the above cleaning reasonably quick now, and I feel it is down to having all the correct products!

If I am going to wax the car, then this requires alot of time. I clean the car as above (skipping the detailer spray) and then,
I use Megs Clay Kit, Dodo Juice Lime Prime (pre wax cleaner) Dodo Juice Diamond White Wax (for my silver paint).

You Definitely need a Wash Mit, something like this,
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-Sheep-Puppet-Lambs-Wool-Wash-Mitt.html

Autoperfection Superplush Drying towel.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-Super-Plush-Drying-Towel.html

Definitely get the Megs clay kit or try the Autoperfection kit.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Autoperfection-Ultrafine-Orange-Clay-Kit.html

DJ Lime Prime Pre wax cleaner.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Dodo-Juice-Lime-Prime-Pre-Wax-Cleanser-250ml.html

Dodo Juice Diamond White Hard wax. You may want a different colour. I dont know what colour your paintwork is.
http://www.autoperfection.com/shop/Dodo-Juice-1.html

 

[hammyhammer]

As above from Monte - Not sure if the group buy is still going on for the towels and foam lance by Auotperfection.  I'm sure if you PM them they will help sort you out and give advice. 

On the wax is all personal preference and budget - seen on DW a wax for £2000 

Regarding online shops there are two on autoperfection and keiths wash shop.  I can also vouch for clean your car as well.

Enjoy and I warn you it is a slippery slope i am always finding something to buy now after finding outmyself last yr.

[Richn83]

Thanks for all the advice so far, I have an ultra fast black GTI   

Im getting the concensus that the brush might have to go, and a nice wool wash mit will be replacing it, along with a second bucket and a grit guard.

Will probably keep the AG shampoo (I have about 3-4 bottles) and maybe use AG pre-wax and wax to keep it in the family.

What I am intrigued about is using some snow-foam, does this stuff rot through tar and all the other sticky bits and pieces, to help get the car ready for claying, along with a good wash with a suitable mit of course    And do I need a pressure washer to use a snow lance or are there other methods that dont involve shelling out for a pressure washer?

These are some pictures after my last clean and wax with the old method....

[hammyhammer]

For snow foaming you do need a PW to use.  I did use below which hooks up to the hose pipe.

To be honest it was not much kop.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/super-spray-hose-end-sprayer/prod_335.html

There is also this which I have not used before so not sure how good it is

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/gilmour-foamaster-ii/prod_329.html

Tar will not be pulled off from snow foam - tarding or claying is required for this.  Although i'm sure one of the pro's like Jay may correct me.

Car looks mint - very fast and shiny 

[JPC]

For snow foaming you do need a PW to use.  I did use below which hooks up to the hose pipe.

To be honest it was not much kop.

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/super-spray-hose-end-sprayer/prod_335.html

There is also this which I have not used before so not sure how good it is

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/washing-and-drying/gilmour-foamaster-ii/prod_329.html

Tar will not be pulled off from snow foam - tarding or claying is required for this.  Although i'm sure one of the pro's like Jay may correct me.

Car looks mint - very fast and shiny 

tardis and clay is normally needed! ;)

[autoperfection.com]

Hi Rich,

You've already have some great advice from people regarding products, so we won't back over what's already been said!

Just about everything that's been mentioned is on our shop, and if there's anything in particular you wanted and you can't find it, just let us know, as it may be that we can supply it without any problems.

If you want to go ahead and place an order with us you're more than welcome to use the forum discount code, which is "mk5golfgti" or you can use the discount code "shipping" to get free shipping if your order is ove £65.00 - feel free to use whichever gets you the greatest saving 

If there's anything you need to know about any of the products don't hesitate to ask - we'll be happy to help.

All the best

Taryn and Jim