my collection

[mrGolfRider]

my deal right now with justifying buying the expensive wax's and products is that alot of my work is dealer work, and they don't want to pay anything, and all they ask of me is to make it look better...well thats not too hard with the cars that I get from them. When I start to get the customers that want paint correction, and for their cars to look spectacular, that is when i will start charging more, and being able to justify spending 50+ on wax's and polish's, but for now its just my car and the wifes, and the DG 601 and 105 combo is good enough for me...the Collinite 476s was just a splurge I guess...

[OGauge4Me]

Matt:
Sounds like you are doing it correctly. Family first then other items. I know I started out a long time ago with what was in the stores. Gradually you try new products and come to find what works best for you. If you keep chasing the next new product you will soon have a lot of product on shelves you no longer use. I try not to do this but Fuzion and the Shamrock specials did cause me to spend a little extra.

I belong to a few dedicated automotive forums and have managed to pass on the products I no longer use. I find that is better than throwing the product away.

[Rsurfer]

Originally Posted by mrGolfRider

thanks...
as for some of the stuff you recommend..
WGDPS...I have read alot of good about the DG105 and 601 combo which I have.

QD- clearkote...what makes it such a good QD?? I have ONR at QD strength in the smaller megs red QD bottle.

I have already planned on getting into the OPT line, thanks again for another push!!

I am definitely lacking in the wax department..I personally don't see the reason to have wax if I am using a sealant, JMO. I am looking at that sampler of the Super Natural..heard you can get 3-4 cars out of it..

thank you again for your recommendations!!!

This is the start of you being an AutoGeek.

[Showroom Shine]

Bleach White will over a period of time will eat away the protective coating on any tire. It works but it is also very strong,and decreases tire life!

[mrGolfRider]

what would that protective coating be? I worked for a large tire retail store for over 15 months, and not once in our training did they ever talk about a protective coating on tires. There is a coating put on white letter or wall tires, but that is just strictly for shipment and is to be scrubbed off at time of purchase. I am very interested in learning about this protective coating. Would APC be a good alternative then?

[tempter927]

I'm assuming the term "protective coating" is used loosely here. At the same time I am sure that the tires are sprayed/coated or have a product that makes the "rubber" more durable mixed in during the production process. I'm not a tire expert just using a little common sense.

A product like bleach white does sound strong. I've used Total Auto Wash by P21S for a quick wipedown of my tires a couple of times and have been worried that its too strong and will make the tires look faded. so far they're fine but I will be purchasing a tire cleaner soon since my brother in law stole my poorboys brite n bold tire cleaner.

[mrGolfRider]

I would have to admit that the tires look really dull when i'm done cleaning, but I just assumed with no oils, grime, dirt to get in the way of the bonding of the dressing onto the tire it would last longer.

[awheeler3296]

Thanks for all the great ideas.

[wytstang]

have a product that makes the "rubber" more durable mixed in during the production process.

You are correct, oils/conditioners are mixed into the rubber. When tires bloom (turn brown) those are the oils/conditioners being released from the rubber. When all the oils come out, dry rot sets in (tires cracking).

[O.C.Detailing]

As a detailer who works on a budget like you, go with the Optimum line. You won't be sorry. Even their compound breaks down well and doesn't dry and dust up. There are oils that allow you to get almost a full polish just from using the compound and the poli-seal is incredible for a 1-step Polish and protect setup. With it, you can throw a Carnauba wax (very thin) on top and get your own cars and customer cars looking VERY good.

I use Optimum Compound, Polish, Poli-seal and Poorboys EX-P Sealant (when not using Poli-seal). I also use Meg's professional-line stuff. Final Inspection is my detailing mist and wet-sanding lube of choice and I use Meg's Hi-tech Yellow Wax #26 as a finish to add depth to and a little extra protection for either of the sealants I use.

For my budget, and the cost of the product and the outcome I get using them, you can't beat the Optimum/Meg's combo. Granted, I did have to get my gallons of Meg's product from a local paint store who sells professional-level detailing products to local businesses, but I got them all on-sale at a great price. I use Meg's Wheel Brightener for cleaning rims and Blechewhite on Tires as it seems to leave the cleanest surface for applying a quality tire dressing. I use Meg's Endurance Hi-Gloss tire gel as my tire dressing as if you leave it to sit on a tire with a thin coating, the dressing actually soaks into the tire and protects and lasts a couple of weeks while giving a nice new shine to tires without flinging it all over the side of your car once you drive it down the street. Just don't use too much like most non-detail-minded people like to do because they don't realize the after-effects of using too much tire-dressing.