Mike1968NM
05-30-2009, 06:04 PM
Hi Everyone!
First off, thanks to all the members here as I have been reading TONS since I stumbled upon this site yesterday!
I just purchased my wife a Mini Cooper Clubman S, Horizon Blue, with roof rails and black C-pillars. WE are in LOVE with this vehicle!!!!
I also own 3 other vehicles....a 2005.5 VW Jetta TDI Platinum Gray and a 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited Patriot Blue. The other vehicle is my '93 Jeep Wrangler YJ that is black with the obligatory paint destruction on the hood (very common for this jeep) but I am not as concerned with this as I use it for four wheeling/rock climbing.
I have a garage full of various and sundry car care products and am ready to make the step up to a higher quality set of products. In my purchase, I will be looking to get a Porter Cable 7424 polisher as the old Black and Decker rotary beast I have created more problems than it was worth years and years ago.
The 2009 Mini has a couple of "issues" so far. The first being some swirls on the black A Pillars and a tiny bit of swirling on the C Pillars/Bumper. The second issue is that there are some water spots on the windows, specifically the sunroof, where apparently rain water got on it and set for a while (it was on the lot for 4 weeks).
I have not detailed a car properly according to my reading ever. I have tried my best but really didn't know what I was doing so I have induced some problems on our VW and Liberty but nothing severe as paint burning....just some swirls.
So, I am looking at purchasing products tonight or tomorrow so that I can detail my wife's baby next weekend and then attack the VW the weekend after that. From that point on, I will be out of the detailing for a few months as I will be having a total knee replacement and detailing will be out of the question!
I have heard good things about the Prima set of products from folks on the Mini forums, but I have never heard about them anywhere else.
As with anyone I want to get the Best Bang for the Buck but also want to have quality products that will really show off my wife's mini!
In the past I have only used Meguiar's products because they were available at the local store and once my attempts at detailing were done I liked the results but did not love them. Case in point, I go to classic car shows and the auto show when it comes to town. I am simply AMAZED at how beautiful these cars look! :) The deep rich clarity is simply amazing.
So since I am a total new person to this I am looking for your recommendations! Here is what I have in my aresenal right now:
Buckets
2 Chenille 100% wash mitts
TONS of microfiber towels (got a bunch over the years)
Stoner's invisible glass
Meguiar's Quick Clay and detailing spray
Aerospace 303
Hose and nozzle
Two 100% cotton bath towels
Painter's blue tape
I want to start this off right with her car and I know that I want a PC 7424 because it will make things that much easier AND produce a better result....A buddy has one and details alot with Meguiars stuff but does not look like the show cars.
The AGO site has some nice packages but I do not have the slightest idea on where to begin.
My old plan of action was to wash, dry, clay, wax. I am ready to step up to the polishing/swirl removing now. So what do you suggest?
A shopping list from here would be great so that I know just what to order! What types of pads, what types of polish/wax....etc.
Here is another tidbit....we live on a dirt road so we get dust n the car every time we drive out of the garage. I like to keep the car clean so I wash all our vehicles with the exception of the '93 Jeep every weekend or so.
Thanks again for all the suggestions....I truly appreciate it!
Regards,
Mike:)
PS....I do not know the difference between synthetic waxes and carnuba. I also do not know if paste or liquid wax is better. I want to achieve a deep shine that is "liquid" like...rich and beautiful. I have seen peoples pictures here and they are simply amazing!
First off, thanks to all the members here as I have been reading TONS since I stumbled upon this site yesterday!
I just purchased my wife a Mini Cooper Clubman S, Horizon Blue, with roof rails and black C-pillars. WE are in LOVE with this vehicle!!!!
I also own 3 other vehicles....a 2005.5 VW Jetta TDI Platinum Gray and a 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited Patriot Blue. The other vehicle is my '93 Jeep Wrangler YJ that is black with the obligatory paint destruction on the hood (very common for this jeep) but I am not as concerned with this as I use it for four wheeling/rock climbing.
I have a garage full of various and sundry car care products and am ready to make the step up to a higher quality set of products. In my purchase, I will be looking to get a Porter Cable 7424 polisher as the old Black and Decker rotary beast I have created more problems than it was worth years and years ago.
The 2009 Mini has a couple of "issues" so far. The first being some swirls on the black A Pillars and a tiny bit of swirling on the C Pillars/Bumper. The second issue is that there are some water spots on the windows, specifically the sunroof, where apparently rain water got on it and set for a while (it was on the lot for 4 weeks).
I have not detailed a car properly according to my reading ever. I have tried my best but really didn't know what I was doing so I have induced some problems on our VW and Liberty but nothing severe as paint burning....just some swirls.
So, I am looking at purchasing products tonight or tomorrow so that I can detail my wife's baby next weekend and then attack the VW the weekend after that. From that point on, I will be out of the detailing for a few months as I will be having a total knee replacement and detailing will be out of the question!
I have heard good things about the Prima set of products from folks on the Mini forums, but I have never heard about them anywhere else.
As with anyone I want to get the Best Bang for the Buck but also want to have quality products that will really show off my wife's mini!
In the past I have only used Meguiar's products because they were available at the local store and once my attempts at detailing were done I liked the results but did not love them. Case in point, I go to classic car shows and the auto show when it comes to town. I am simply AMAZED at how beautiful these cars look! :) The deep rich clarity is simply amazing.
So since I am a total new person to this I am looking for your recommendations! Here is what I have in my aresenal right now:
Buckets
2 Chenille 100% wash mitts
TONS of microfiber towels (got a bunch over the years)
Stoner's invisible glass
Meguiar's Quick Clay and detailing spray
Aerospace 303
Hose and nozzle
Two 100% cotton bath towels
Painter's blue tape
I want to start this off right with her car and I know that I want a PC 7424 because it will make things that much easier AND produce a better result....A buddy has one and details alot with Meguiars stuff but does not look like the show cars.
The AGO site has some nice packages but I do not have the slightest idea on where to begin.
My old plan of action was to wash, dry, clay, wax. I am ready to step up to the polishing/swirl removing now. So what do you suggest?
A shopping list from here would be great so that I know just what to order! What types of pads, what types of polish/wax....etc.
Here is another tidbit....we live on a dirt road so we get dust n the car every time we drive out of the garage. I like to keep the car clean so I wash all our vehicles with the exception of the '93 Jeep every weekend or so.
Thanks again for all the suggestions....I truly appreciate it!
Regards,
Mike:)
PS....I do not know the difference between synthetic waxes and carnuba. I also do not know if paste or liquid wax is better. I want to achieve a deep shine that is "liquid" like...rich and beautiful. I have seen peoples pictures here and they are simply amazing!