Car Detailing - What products are your go to? - Page 11

**DFB FGXR6** · 04-03-2021, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anobserver

The kind folks at Waxit miss me already, sending a 15% off offer. Maybe its timely since im almost out of nova jet.... Thinking about trying some carpro reload as a finishing hydrophobic coating. Been using bowdens fully slick too, its reasonable.

Open to other suggestions to stock up the new detailing cupboard. Still thinking about new floor mats, the originals are a bit tired.

Reload is a good option, and like Jet can be applied to the entire vehicle, glass and rubber trim included.

Keep in mind Nova Jet and Reload should last between 4 - 6 months before another application needed.

For more regular use, such as after each wash, NV Boost or CarPro EliXir are both designed to work with Jet or Reload, I often use either as drying aids. Both offer excellent gloss and slickness.

https://www.waxit.com.au/collections...-boost-nova-qd
https://www.waxit.com.au/products/ca...i&_ss=e&_v=1.0

**DFB FGXR6** · 05-03-2021, 06:58 PM

Digging into the far reaches of my chemical cabinet reveals a few items that have not been used for over 10 years now.

I have kept them because I thought I might need them one day, isn't that always the excuse for hanging onto stuff.

The Megs stuff I never really liked, the polish and "paint cleaner" were useless and the wax was ordinary. However, the Mothers wax was excellent.

I have decided I need the room more than I need these products so they are destined for the trash.

anobserver · 05-03-2021, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Reload is a good option, and like Jet can be applied to the entire vehicle, glass and rubber trim included.

Keep in mind Nova Jet and Reload should last between 4 - 6 months before another application needed.

For more regular use, such as after each wash, NV Boost or CarPro EliXir are both designed to work with Jet or Reload, I often use either as drying aids.

The car barely goes 4 weeks without washing, and i routinely reapply the coating afterward. Multiple such coats has given the paint a smooth, glossy finish.

Reload is such a cheap fix for the cleaning bug ... surely regular coats wouldnt hurt?

Putting another coat of jet or bowdens fully slick (which seems slightly easier to apppy without streaks) is so easy, even easier than the meguires wet look i was doing regularly.

Im torn now on which products. Given i spend most of our car budget on mechanical repairs, i really value the dollars spent on cosmetic items and am thinking reload looks good value. Given i still have a bottle of fully slick to use up.

CyberWasp · 05-03-2021, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

This probably a stupid question, are these Karcher's bag-less?

The answer is yes and no.
In dry mode I use the bag because.....because....it is just cleaner.
You don't have to use it, but in my crazy mind it helps stops dust and stuff.
I have 4 cars that it is used on and I am still on the 1st bag, so it is a non issue as that is like 2 years or so.
The drum is stainless so you can hose it out anyways.

I would not recommend the WD6 as I would get extremely jealous.
Being the top of the line you would not be left wondering if you should have got the next one up like I do sometimes.
Reviews say it is a beast so I don't think you will be disappointed.
It is also available from other stores but I can't see it for a better price.

Here is where I got the Car Kit from to transform it.

https://www.discounttrader.com.au/pr...t-2-863-304-0/

One last thing to balance things out for other brands.
A Hose extension is probably possible on other brands but I can see no kits.
You can easily buy vacuum hose and many types of accessory nozzles cheap, but what hose do you get, what connectors does it need ect ect.

**DFB FGXR6** · 05-03-2021, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

The answer is yes and no.
In dry mode I use the bag because.....because....it is just cleaner.
You don't have to use it, but in my crazy mind it helps stops dust and stuff.
I have 4 cars that it is used on and I am still on the 1st bag, so it is a non issue as that is like 2 years or so.
The drum is stainless so you can hose it out anyways.

I would not recommend the WD6 as I would get extremely jealous.
Being the top of the line you would not be left wondering if you should have got the next one up like I do sometimes.
Reviews say it is a beast so I don't think you will be disappointed.
It is also available from other stores but I can't see it for a better price.

Here is where I got the Car Kit from to transform it.

https://www.discounttrader.com.au/pr...t-2-863-304-0/

One last thing to balance things out for other brands.
A Hose extension is probably possible on other brands but I can see no kits.
You can easily buy vacuum hose and many types of accessory nozzles cheap, but what hose do you get, what connectors does it need ect ect.

My heart sank for moment reading that!

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

**Mechan1k** · 25-02-2021, 10:01 AM

Yes please ... go down the steam cleaner rabbit hole.
Cos I am kinda interested in your thoughts.

My house has stupidly big windows ... and I have found areas (bathroom) that I reckon it would be really handy as well.

And cars as well.

MercuryT · 25-02-2021, 06:48 PM

Bowdens for mine.

Great products, great marketing and locally owner (I think)

CyberWasp · 25-02-2021, 10:19 PM

A while ago when looking at purchasing a Steam Cleaner, after watching heaps of Detailers on YouTube from the USA they all seemed to gravitate towards the McCulloch brand of cleaner.

Big problem is that I couldn't find anyone selling them or a rebadged version here. You also can't order from the USA as they are 110V.
Tried Alibaba and went through pages and pages trying to find who made them thinking you could get a 240v one as a sample or such, but to no avail. Dead End.

You are then left with the usual range of no name options by the dozen, from Kogan and Ebay ect that all have high specs but you are left with the same problem of no accessories and no support for most.

Enter you know what store and you know what brand.
As usual you have to buy to budget so I picked up the 3rd model up SC3.
Which yes I would say is over priced as stated in the last post.

The SC3 differs to most as it is a non pressurised cleaner, meaning you can tip water in any time you want when it runs low. The other type you have to put water in, tighten a cap and wait for it to heat and pressure up. If you add water it is a more lengthy process, waiting for it all to unpressure & pressure up again.

So yes it is fairly fast and you are up making steam in a minute or so of starting. I would rate the steam produced as about what you would expect form this level kind of machine. They are the same as pressure washers as in the more you pay the more pressure / volume you get.

Lets get the cons out of the way 1st.

Yes you may run the risk of becoming a germaphobe and will want to sterilize and clean everything. It is sort of like the fun you have with a pressure washer but with steam.

It is dinky. The pressure hose is too short and you do not have the freedom that I outlined with the Vacuum Accessory. You have to be careful or you can tip it over and spill water everywhere if not paying attention. An extra 50cm would make a big difference. Why is Karcher stingy for the price you pay.

You can add water when ever you want but as it is a consumer grade machine. You can't run the thing for hours on end and should have rest periods. I would suggest 2 fills per session max, which gives you ample time to do most jobs.

Not just this machine, but most in general. Seems a lot of people don't understand when you read complaints in negative reviews.
If you place it down for a minute or two and go to use it, it will spit out some water from the condensation that builds in the hose. It is easy to develop a technique of squirting it into a bucket or something before the steam comes. It is the nature of steam cleaners.

Yes the handle gets hot. Maybe it is the steam at 100 degrees celcius passing through a plastic handle. Just have to mention as it is a complaint in reviews.

With the purpose of Car Detailing you have to be careful and not use on blinker stalks and printed buttons as it will remove the white lettering. Also not on instrument clusters and the like as you will get condensation inside.

Pros

For Car Detailing excellent for Sticky Stuff from Cup Holders / Centre Consoles, Door Cards, Foot Pedals, Seats, Carpets, Air Vents, Seat Belts, Engine Bay and more.
You will just need the Steamer, Microfibre Cloth, Detailer Brush and APC to do most things. Just don't burn your Cloth Hand.

House , yes to everything. Kill all the germs, clean everything. Only thing I found it disappointing on was the Oven Glass.
It depends on how crazy you go with your new found friend as you find many things in every room.
Does work well in cleaning showers and shower glass, and for some strange reason you have to experience a freshly steamed cleaned toilet seat. Don't judge me until you try.

Did I say Accessories, you will want them all, small nylon and copper brushes, jet nozzles, larger brush nozzles and many more.

In finding these photos I have found more accessories....make it stop...

Summary - For Professional Detailing Use - No
For Weekend Household Use - Yes - taking into account the Cons listed above.

**Mechan1k** · 27-02-2021, 12:15 AM

Thank you.

I have seen some of the equipment the pro detailers use ... and I'd say they are expensive as hell though.

I have a cheapie hand held pressurised one ... and well .. its very limited in what you can do with it.

I like the idea of a non-pressurised one though for ease of use and less wait time.

CyberWasp · 27-02-2021, 09:41 AM

I had a hand held one too.
They are too awkward to use.
This is a good step up from that and delivers more steam / cleaning power.
With Karcher they seem to have a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 series in each category they make. Then there are a commercial range after that.
You just have to work out the amount of use versus your budget.

In Focus · 27-02-2021, 08:42 PM

Got a Bowdens Big Green Sucker, 40% off currently at Super-you-know-what. Interested to see how well it works.

raised by monkeys · 01-03-2021, 11:12 AM

I'm using Autoglym products which in general am a fan of, especially their foams, wheel cleaners and polishes. Yesterday however it was overcast, midway through using POLAR WASH the sun appears with a bit of heat. I layered in foam, then used a tub with a small diluted amount of polar wash to agitate with sponge and it was drying before I had a chance to rinse. Its left streaks in the paint and windows. I used glass polish and was getting it off the windows. What should I do for the paint? Polish also?

Also raining today -_-

**GasoLane** · 01-03-2021, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

I'm using Autoglym products which in general am a fan of, especially their foams, wheel cleaners and polishes. Yesterday however it was overcast, midway through using POLAR WASH the sun appears with a bit of heat. I layered in foam, then used a tub with a small diluted amount of polar wash to agitate with sponge and it was drying before I had a chance to rinse. Its left streaks in the paint and windows. I used glass polish and was getting it off the windows. What should I do for the paint? Polish also?

Also raining today -_-

Have you tried going over the streaky parts with Polar wash again?

raised by monkeys · 01-03-2021, 11:35 AM

No I didn't because the sun stayed out.

CyberWasp · 05-03-2021, 09:16 PM

Here is my budget weekend hack for a cheap Detailing Seat.

Find, (notice how I didn't say steal) a milk crate. You can find people giving them away in Facebook Market for example.

Turn it upside down and find a cheap cushion.

I got this one from Ikea, of all places for $10.00 as it is the right size.
Milk Crates are around 35cm2 and this one is 35x38cm.

https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/malinda...lack-40326582/

I am happy to kick it around the Car as my drive is on a bit of a slope, but if you wanted it would not be hard to make a base with some board castor wheels, for another $10-$20

**Rallye Sport** · 05-03-2021, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Here is my budget weekend hack for a cheap Detailing Seat.

Find, (notice how I didn't say steal) a milk crate. You can find people giving them away in Facebook Market for example.

Turn it upside down and find a cheap cushion.

I got this one from Ikea, of all places for $10.00 as it is the right size.
Milk Crates are around 35cm2 and this one is 35x38cm.

https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/malinda...lack-40326582/

I am happy to kick it around the Car as my drive is on a bit of a slope, but if you wanted it would not be hard to make a base with some board castor wheels, for another $10-$20

The milk crate makes me smile...

A fella in my street sits on one, usually wearing boardies and a flano, whilst cleaning the wheels on his late model Lamborghini.

Always grins and waves at my old Fords driving past too. Legend

bangm001 · 05-03-2021, 09:25 PM

Hi all, anyone used the autoglym ceramic coating kit. Comes with surface prep and ceramic coating? Repco have it on sake for 95.00 at the moment not sure if it's worth it??

CyberWasp · 06-03-2021, 08:06 PM

How do you keep track of what is in all of the spray bottles?

Also I am running low on Aerospace 303. I can see you have CarPro Perl.

Should I try Perl or stick with Aerospace? I just use it on the Interior and Leather Seats mostly.

**DFB FGXR6** · 06-03-2021, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

How do you keep track of what is in all of the spray bottles?

Also I am running low on Aerospace 303. I can see you have CarPro Perl.

Should I try Perl or stick with Aerospace? I just use it on the Interior and Leather Seats mostly.

I have the bottles labeled.

CarPro Perl is very versatile, smells great and can be tailored to suit either matte or shiny finish. I use it on tires and heavily diluted for dressing up wheel arch's.

For what you have in mind, I would stay with 303 for sure. I just like it better for interior dressing, it's application much easier to get an even coat.

CyberWasp · 08-03-2021, 09:01 PM

Luckily I had just added an East Wing to my Garage to keep up with the demands of Dirty Microfibre Cloths.

Seriously though, who is going to be the 1st manufacturer to make a dedicated washing machine for the garage to clean the cloths?

**DFB FGXR6** · 09-03-2021, 05:37 PM

With thanks to CyberWasp for the advice, I picked up this today -

More here -
https://www.fordforums.com.au/showth...22#post6554422

CyberWasp · 09-03-2021, 08:21 PM

Dude that sucks......and blows...

**DFB FGXR6** · 09-03-2021, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Dude that sucks......and blows...

Ha ha, sure does!

I had a bit of a play with it today and it's certainly a powerful beast. I vac the garage to keep the dust down and it excelled.

Had to order the Car Cleaning Kit separately from Discount Trader, looking forward to having the hose extension and brush attachment.

CyberWasp · 09-03-2021, 08:28 PM

What type of Pressure Washer do you have?

I might have found something for the Electric Pressure Washers also.

**DFB FGXR6** · 09-03-2021, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

What type of Pressure Washer do you have?

I might have found something for the Electric Pressure Washers also.

In May last year I replaced my very well used Karcher K2 with a Kranzle 1152 TST.

The Karcher did very well keeping up with me but was starting to get a bit weak in the end.

Kranzle are expensive but they are built like a tank. They even have an oil supply. I feel like I will have this thing for a very long time.

I ordered mine with a MTM kit which replaces the heavy and cumbersome Kranzle gun and wand and includes a foam cannon.

Strangely, these machines are ran laying down.

This by far my favorite detailing tool and it makes car washing far easier and more enjoyable.

As I mentioned, these are big money and I suspect better value could be found elsewhere. I justified the expense on the basis that will last me for many many years and is able to be repaired if needed. Since I bought mine, I notice there are more budget friendly Kranzle options now.

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ressure-washer

https://detailingshed.com.au/collect...ressure-washer

CyberWasp · 09-03-2021, 09:51 PM

That is a nice set up.

As I am always searching around I have noticed this attachment online and if you dig, they have adapters to suit most brands. Not sure if it will fit under a Mustang. Might be good for a 4x4 or normal height car.

What I am more interested in is the replacement Lance with the angle at the end. With the angle it lets you get between the spokes of a wheel to clean behind. Also helps with the inner guards ect.
The standard ones are straight so this I think will be a good upgrade to add to my list.

anobserver · 10-03-2021, 01:07 PM

Got a lovely, thoughtful birthday gift from wifey today ...

The TOWEL was the present, in case you were wondering.

**FTE217** · 10-03-2021, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

That is a nice set up.

As I am always searching around I have noticed this attachment online and if you dig, they have adapters to suit most brands. Not sure if it will fit under a Mustang. Might be good for a 4x4 or normal height car.

image

What I am more interested in is the replacement Lance with the angle at the end. With the angle it lets you get between the spokes of a wheel to clean behind. Also helps with the inner guards ect.
The standard ones are straight so this I think will be a good upgrade to add to my list.

image

Sure looks the goods this but happy enough using the hose or gerni in spray mode.

**FTE217** · 10-03-2021, 02:01 PM

Is that why there called BIG Green Sucker/s

ok soz forget this lol......
HBDay mate, wipe your mess up haha

Top_Ghia · 13-03-2021, 08:37 PM

First time poster in this section.
I’ve got a new Mustang landing next week and I’ve been gathering a few detailing bit over the last few weeks.
I bought a Kärcher K7 which I’m very happy with. I also bought the upgraded foam gun and quite a few Bowdens Own products to keep it clean.
I will be detailing this car myself from new as the Ford dealer guys won’t be touching it.
What extra steps should I take on a brand new car? Fingers crossed the paint arrives in a good state.
I do have ceramic coating ready to go on.
But other than washing, decontaminating and clay barring the paint, is there anything else I should be doing?