▄▀ Detailers and Nissan lovers - What are you detailing with?

[autoaesthetica]

Hey guys,

This is not a thread intended for any sales. We don't have a detailing thread, so I wanted to put it in a General talk thread

I would really like to know what you guys are caring for your rides with? I know some cars on here are very well cared for and some of these rides are approaching antique status :), and some seriously loved show, track and daily drivers here. I tend to take vehicle care very seriously and I can see even in my first few months being here how truly fanatical you guys are about your cars. I'd love to get a general discussion going.


If you are willing to, please share with me what you would potentially use if you had it available to you or what you would like to learn about.:wavey:


So, what are you guys using to care for your vehicles, and why? Please do add anything you would like to know, see, learn or have available to you.

Categories to consider

Wash / Dry
Wax/Sealant
Wheels and tires
Interior Care
Metal polishing etc.
Towels/brushes tools etc..

[sal240sx]

I use Zaino stuff for pretty much everything

[TougeLove]

i use standard two bucket with grit grabber, microfiber cloth, boar hair for the wheels, lots of chemical guys and detailerdomain.com stuff. havent got into the polish buff paint correction stage yet but the swirls may change that.

[ixfxi]

I tend to take vehicle care very seriously and I can see even in my first few months being here how truly fanatical you guys are about your cars. I'd love to get a general discussion going.

you sure you're on zilvia or did you cut and paste this on various other forums? idiots here dont even have paint.


I use Zaino stuff for pretty much everything

right, nothing but the top of the line shelf wax for my primer / maaco single stage / roller job. :-)

[ROOSEY]

i dont wash my car....its primereddd :snoop:

[zac 3ne2nr]

i dont wash my car....its primereddd :snoop:

you sure you're on zilvia or did you cut and paste this on various other forums? guys here dont even have paint.



I need some tips on somethign good to cut grease on the body that wo't destroy the paint and also for the wheels.

[brizanden]

I just use mothers stuff. isnt crazy expensive and i got compliments all the time on the koukis pearl after i polished and waxed it. I also bust out the light rubbing compound to get tar and other crap off.
This year i may get an orbital and learn how to clay bar.
Im a little anal about cleaning my car i do it about once a week when its warm enough.

[brizanden]

I need some tips on somethign good to cut grease on the body that wo't destroy the paint and also for the wheels.
dish soap or i use mothers gold soap gets oil and crap off when i make a mess. with the wheels just get a bottled wheel cleaner just dont let it sit on there for longer then 5 or 10 min max and make sure the wheel is wet before or it will burn in marks.

[autoaesthetica]

you sure you're on zilvia or did you cut and paste this on various other forums? idiots here dont even have paint.



haha it was zilvia only - no cut and paste. I did notice what you mentioned though.

I figured it would be worthwhile to teach, help and provide stuff to the guys who want to make the difference or who may not know where to get better gear or how to do certain tasks, what appropriate for what etc...

Hopefully we can get something going. Input is great so far guys.

[Drifting-pedobear]

i like pinnacle, ive been using their stuff for over a year now, great stuff.
i use dawn dish soap if you want to take layers of old waxes off your paint, its a great pre-wax or pre-detail soap.

i also like the poorboys wash.

and wolfgang makes some nice waxes as well (same company as pinnacle)

i use pinnacle's compounds for paint over haul (just a DA polish, dont want to touch a orbital)

ive gotten great results:
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/dirkadirrka/DSC_04132-1.jpg
after
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/dirkadirrka/DSC_0520-2.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/dirkadirrka/DSC_0475-1.jpg

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/dirkadirrka/DSC_04202-1.jpg


and i like DPs stuff as well. esp, their degreaser.
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/dirkadirrka/DSC_0400-3.jpg


http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/dirkadirrka/DSC_0226-1.jpg
after
http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z305/dirkadirrka/DSC_0245-2.jpg



/whoring

[SaNTi]

That's a dope lil Miata.

Anyway, I've just been doing coin washes since I got my car (mid 2010), but definitely need to properly wash it, detail it and wax/polish. Looking forward to some tips on this thread.

[sleeper108]

I like Mother's products, but after that pic of the miata, I want to try out some of the pinnacle stuff.

[CrimsonRockett]

I stick with Meguiars products for the time being just because it's super easy to get.

My G20t:

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii246/CrimsonRockett/G20/DSCF5369.jpg

There's a lot of products I feel like trying, but the G20 is my daily driver. So, I don't exactly detail it all that often.

When I get my S13 painted, I'll try out some of the better stuff.

[codyace]

I like the 105/205 combo with my PC, and the Lake County pads. Usually finish with M26 or NXT 2.0. I kinda like the M26 on cars with single stage paints, and the NXT 2.0 on anything clearcoat.

To clean wheels I use a diluted SuperClean and the soapy water from after washing my car. Works great to get track pad dust off the wheels (anyone who has run real deal compounds understands).

Windows I usually use Stoners Invisi-glass. I often use that to clean the interior as well. For leather I use the generic Megs stuff (for my maxima)

My 240's paint looked very similar to the Miata above, and has come out fantastic. Here's a pic of my car after about 30 mile drive as well...still clean as can be. My wheels are only ever clean when they are washed...the Carbotechs dirty them up fast.

http://www.codyace.com/albums/album425/240nepa_45.sized.jpg

here's one of my Maxima after some driving

http://www.codyace.com/albums/album338/maxima_004.sized.jpg

[Dolph_KYAS13]

That's a dope lil Miata.

Anyway, I've just been doing coin washes since I got my car (mid 2010), but definitely need to properly wash it, detail it and wax/polish. Looking forward to some tips on this thread.

lol i detailed cars for 3 years ill learn ya this summer. The skyline needs some tlc too

[Om1kron]

I wash my car at the coin wash with the brush you should never put on your paint, and wax it if I REALLY feel like wasting some time and money with some purple shit from autozone, smells really nice.

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs187.ash2/45038_420287875739_650265739_5541241_3677478_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs138.ash2/40257_421347225739_650265739_5569155_795343_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs145.ash2/40606_422027220739_650265739_5589188_3446083_n.jpg

When I waxed it for these photos guess what kind of cloth I used to get the wax off. You'll probably want to jump off of a building full of detailing products...

(WIFE BEATERS)

about 8 of them. LOL ask EccentricAces he was like "OMG WTF are you wiping your car down with."

[PITCH]

Adam's Polishes. Their interior detail (VRT) will last months after the first application.

[TougeLove]

OP- i know you're familiar with the demographics here (old busted cars, shotty paint, cheapskates haha) so maybe a DIY on trying to bring old paint back, swirl marks, typical problem on an old car. i know there are a few in this category that wouldnt spend 200+ on a full detail but may pay 100 for all the products to accomplish a semi-near showroom look. something like a do's and dont's and what your company provides in terms of products and advice. just a thought.

[autoaesthetica]

I appreciate it, and that's exactly my idea. Kinda teach everyone how-to (get whatever level they want to). Even if its the simple wash and dry and a quick wax all the way to metal polishing or interior care etc.. For different surfaces even

I was shooting for adding detail specific section for just the care but with us being a relatively new vendor I think the admins/owners want to make sure im not a crazy deadbeat running around the forum.

So as per the owners our items for sale will be in the Interior/Exterior so keep any eye out. I just need to figure out an easy way so you guys can see the how-tos.. with some write ups on it.


Awesome feedback on it though so far, keep it all coming guys!

We might even do something like a group buy on some kits like Wash/Dry kit - Wax/seal kit - Interior care kit - paint restoration kit. All the products we sell and use are not the typically cheap "acceptable" results, but they are otherwise completely reasonable give the excellent performance they offer so for example while it might seem completely stupid to do a wash/dry kit for those who have a perfect freshly paint finish(or those who have recently polished them out) it makes sense to have a nice quality wash/dry kit so you dont have to worry about swirls and scratches.

I can take it as far as someone wants to go with it.

If anything in particular is of ANY interest, please PM me so I know it - seriously anything about any goals you guys have for your cars.

[RHD95S14]

Finally.. Someone who cares about paint!

[Future240]

I like the idea of a DIY for old paint. My paint is bleh at best. The previous owners didn't take of it so it is kind of crappy looking. I don't expect it to be showroom quality but I want to give a bit of pep as well.

[TougeLove]

^ this x100000. i believe we as owners of 1989-1998 cars dont expect a show car style finish but at least something to let everyone we DO care about how the car looks. Granted you will have the track only guys who only wash their car when it rains so they are exempt.

i would like to see an engine degreaser/cleaner/shine/protect product or products that wont harm old hoses, old wiring etc. im very hesitant to spray down my car with anything that could end up being corrosive. i am not a chemist nor a detailing guru so i speak with great naiveness lol

[Jonnie Fraz]

aBWtz66FOnQ

There is guy...Pretty crazy detail job. He washes the car with a spray bottle.

[codyace]

^ this x100000. i believe we as owners of 1989-1998 cars dont expect a show car style finish but at least something to let everyone we DO care about how the car looks. Granted you will have the track only guys who only wash their car when it rains so they are exempt.

Now now, I was my car before AND after every track event. It's a street car at heart ;)

In regard to bringing old paint up (and the O/P) may disagree, but I love the M105 and a Orange LC pad.

[ixfxi]

OP- i know you're familiar with the demographics here (old busted cars, shotty paint, cheapskates haha) so maybe a DIY on trying to bring old paint back, swirl marks, typical problem on an old car. i know there are a few in this category that wouldnt spend 200+ on a full detail but may pay 100 for all the products to accomplish a semi-near showroom look. something like a do's and dont's and what your company provides in terms of products and advice. just a thought.

you can spend on the money on products and if the person doesnt know how to use them, go nowhere. furthermore, without the proper tools and the knowledge to use them, you can cause more damage than good.. especially when you're talking about color sanding with compound and polish. 1 wrong move is all it takes to whip that paint or clear off of your car.

if you guys want to know anything, it should be the damn essentials like how to clay bar and wash, and use a dual action buffer to apply wax. thats all the amateur is capable of.

[Future240]

if you guys want to know anything, it should be the damn essentials like how to clay bar and wash, and use a dual action buffer to apply wax. thats all the amateur is capable of.

Agree I do want to know this, maybe then my car can stop looking like ass.

[autoaesthetica]

Agree I do want to know this, maybe then my car can stop looking like ass.

Lol, I will get started on this stuff!

you can spend on the money on products and if the person doesnt know how to use them, go nowhere. furthermore, without the proper tools and the knowledge to use them, you can cause more damage than good.. especially when you're talking about color sanding with compound and polish. 1 wrong move is all it takes to whip that paint or clear off of your car.

if you guys want to know anything, it should be the damn essentials like how to clay bar and wash, and use a dual action buffer to apply wax. thats all the amateur is capable of.

With enough patience, using a docile yet capable DA, even non-professionals can get amazing results

Now now, I was my car before AND after every track event. It's a street car at heart ;)

In regard to bringing old paint up (and the O/P) may disagree, but I love the M105 and a Orange LC pad.

Love 105 and orange. We carry AutoGlos pads and they are right up there with LC
^ this x100000. i believe we as owners of 1989-1998 cars dont expect a show car style finish but at least something to let everyone we DO care about how the car looks. Granted you will have the track only guys who only wash their car when it rains so they are exempt.

i would like to see an engine degreaser/cleaner/shine/protect product or products that wont harm old hoses, old wiring etc. im very hesitant to spray down my car with anything that could end up being corrosive. i am not a chemist nor a detailing guru so i speak with great naiveness lol

We have a couple citrus based cleaners safe for hoses, obviously being careful about where you are directing the cleaner is going to keep the wires safe. As far as protectant, we have a RVL(rubber vinyl leather) protect andt and that has patented antistatic properties and looks amazing on tires, rich deep black - my personal choice as well for anything underhood

Finally.. Someone who cares about paint!

haha swirls and marring, especially when they leave hack shops or tunnel washes of death break my heart.


I will get started on some stuff guys, great feedback still! Keep it coming!

Its really good and very helpful to know what the specific points each of you want to improve on your cars.

[autoaesthetica]

What else we got folks? Anything and all is welcome. I will be posting up in the Announcement section soon about our mail list which I would encourage everyone to get on.

Also, if the wind could die down, I will be filiming a quick wash video with a pretty innovative product known in the premium detailing supply crowd. Its actually quicker than a hose and bucket rinse-wash-rinse method and uses less water... Could benefit alot of people in water restricted areas or even those who don't want to drag out the hose and bucket/ those who are pressed for time.

Bump for some above 32 degree weather this week in Buffalo :D

[Future240]

How about some tips for interior care? Like stain removal, anti dash cracking techniques, adding some shine to the console, leather sear care for those with them.

[Leetfade]

Learned really quickly not to use a chamois!

I use a lot of Meguiar's The NXT top coat wax is phenomenal.

If I'm trying to bring paint back, I'll usually use a polishing compound (or the rare clear-coat safe rubbing compound) with an orbital and a polishing bonnet(the one that looks like white shag carpet! ha). Depending on the outcome, I'll either wash it again at that point or go straight to clay bar.

Clay bar is probably one of the single best things you can do to get all the old crap out of your paint in my opinion. You have to get the paint to a decent shine before (it's not a miracle worker) but it's what gets you from "eh that looks pretty good" to that awesome glossy wet look with a glass feel.

After clay bar I use the NXT 2.0 (ICE is good too!) with the orbital and a terry cloth bonnet.

I need to find some really good wheel stuff, though. I just got some 350z wheels that need a really good cleaning. I do plan to clay bar / wax those too but I need to get a lot of dirt off of them first...

Here are some bad pictures of my 95 but you get the idea.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/Leetfade/Nissan/96ff09d8.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/Leetfade/Nissan/b38fa54a.jpg
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f39/Leetfade/Nissan/IMG_20101001_193854.jpg

(EDIT: Photobucket is blocked at work so if these pics don't work.. my bad. :-P)

[initial_jc]

I like to see a whole process that pedobear did with the miata.

[Infamax]

How about some tips for interior care? Like stain removal, anti dash cracking techniques, adding some shine to the console, leather sear care for those with them.
What does everyone recommend for interior plastics?

I have scuffs on the hard plastic panels that I can't get out.

[norcalslider]

not to sound like an ass but when you post pics do you mind posting what you used to detail your car or cars

[goldee240]

hey i had a question to ask you my friend just started to detail today he has a porter cable dual action we started with a wash then clay and then meguiar 105 we had a problem, it would dry up way too fast we didnt have any baby oil laying around and used water then we switched over to wolfsgang product it worked alot better but didnt cut as much what do you think we did wrong advice please thank you :wavey:

[Lees_Garage]

I use a local place called Polished Image Detailing Supply of the shelf brand, I really like their products, but have not had a nice paint job to put the product to use as of late.