Newbie w/?? in PA

[bogusjack]

Hello All:

I just discovered AG a few weeks back and only now had a chance to become a member. I really love getting all these great info from all of you.

I'm in Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh in the Mon Valley area. I have 3 vehicles that I take care of. Until now, I've been taking them to a local detail shop. The prices here are fairly low. For a wash and wax, it's $50. For a wash, buff and wax it's $90. I typically get the wash, buff and wax on my car since it's a dark red. I usually get the wash and wax on the other two since they are lighter colors. However, since I discovered this site, I've been dying to do the job myself. But, believe or not, I've never wax a car before in my life. Only washed. So, I ask please be kind to me. Here are my questions:

Would the duragloss 101 followed by 105, then the aqua wax be a good way to start? I am referring to ease of application since I would be doing the work by hand.

Since I'll be applying by hand, what is a good applicator pad to buy?

I'm looking at the cobra microfiber super 5 pack, would I be able to use the detailing towels to remove the duragloss products? I want to buy the 5 pack since the glass towel is included. I defiinitly wanted one of those.

I've been using the stoner invisible glass and tire shine. I like both of those products. The tire shine however using ends up all over the rims and driving for a few days. Not sure if there is something that could be done about that other than wiping up the residue off the rims.

When I wash, I use a sheepskin mit with the two bucket system. I do not use a grit guard. I am considering one though. I use Meg's Gold Glass shampoo. Dry with an "absorber" and I currently using eagle one's wax as u dry. Thoughts here would be appreciated too?

Thanks again! I'm looking forward to learning.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Megs is a fine shampoo especially at retail, the absorber has absolutely no knap and any dirt of contaminents are being grinded into paint causing swirls. WAUD was one of the single worst products I found personally, sure it beads well, but does absolutely no real protection for finish and paint.

Drying -- Guzzler, or Leaf Blower w/ Guzzler

Spray Wax --- Pinnacles Souveran Spray Wax

[n7plus1]

welcome to the forums..a fellow pa member...what part of pa are you from?

[alban61]

Welcome to AG! Nice to see another PA member.

[trlblazer3]

Welcome to AG, I'm from PA as well. As for your questions:
-DG gets rave reviews from a lot of users. I have no personal experience with them, but have seen a lot of great jobs done with their products.
-The Cobra's are awesome MF towels. Getting a kit is the way to go. And the glass towel is awesome. Paired with Invisible Glass you'll have crystal clear windows for sure!
-I would look at a tire gel like Wolfgang tire gel or Surf City Tire Pro. These are my go-to tire dressings, I really like both of them. Its much easier to control how much product is used and gives you a really nice, even coat of dressing.
-Meg's Gold Class is probably the best OTC wash IMO. But I have to agree with Killr- I would ditch the Absorber and grab a WW MF like the Guzzler. Much more paint-friendly.

Hope this helps, and again- Welcome to the board!

[bogusjack]

Thanks for the advice! I will be placing my first order shortly. I'll definitely have to add the guzzler to it. Here's hoping it's nice next weekend.

[Reddwarf]

Welcome to the forum! There are a lot of folks here ready to give great advice.

I think Duragloss, Poorboy's World, and DP would be excellent products to start with. And Cobra Mircofibers are a must. The Guzzler is pricey, but well worth it. I bought a cheaper brand and when I finally broke down to get the Guzzler I was amazed at the difference. I basically wasted my money on the other brand.

Again, I don't think you can go wrong with Duragloss, Poorboy's World or the DP line. All are great products at good price points.

Good luck and I look forward to posts of your progress.