Reviving my new 08 Mustang

[08stang]

I am new at this but here goes , my dilema is the follwoing I bought a 08 mustang and it was never detailed inside or out, don't get me started on the engine bay. well, the outside I just recently washed and the paint is in very good condition. for Certain i will be buying from AG with out a doubt but i would like to know what product to buy. kinda on a budget. from wash to quick detailer. In addition, I have been seeing reviews on 2 engine cleaners that i am intrested in... the DP Engine Degreaser or the Griot's Garage Engine Cleaner. Any kinda help would be greatly appriciated. thanks in advance.

[Mike Phillips]

So you want recommendations for a complete car makeover?


Exterior
Interior
Wheels and Tires
Engine Compartment


Pictures?


:)

[08stang]

Yes

[Jumpingbean]

I think Mike was asking if you'd post pictures so he can give some better advice ;)

[08stang]

oh sorry, i will take some with my phone and post them tonight.

[Old Tiger]

On a budget, you cant beat Duragloss IMO. Better still is Finish Kare. I cant speak to engine degreaserss. Both DP and Griots are very good products lines IME. Optimum is a great line on a budget too! Just my $.02 FWIW.

[BobbyG]

Welcome to Autogeek Online!

Exterior

One question; will you be doing everything by hand or do you have a polisher? While you can detail a car manually or by hand but a DA polisher will speed up the process, provide a more uniform result.

If the paint is in good condition then I'd start by giving it a through washing. Once this is complete clay one panel at a time to remove embedded particles and debris from the paint. After claying the wipe the surface down to remove any left over liquids. Some do some don't but I don't want to thin the products I'll be using thus the reason for this.

For the first time simplify the take by using just a few quality products. For the first step I'd recommend using Wolfgang Total Swirl Remover 3.0. This is a great product and the results are amazing. Apply it with white or green pad.


Diminishing Abrasive Technology
Low-dusting, easy clean-up
Water-based
No fillers, wax or silicones
Removes 2000 grit sanding scratches
Effective on conventional and ceramic clear coats

Once you've completed the paint correction above, wipe down each panel with a clean Microfiber towel. I generally use a 1:1 mixture of water and Isopropyl Alcohol. This simply removes any left over contaminates from the swirl removal process making it ready for the next step.

For the next step I'd recommend Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0

The look of Wolfgang Deep Gloss Paint Sealant 3.0 is similar to the shine of a carnauba wax but with a slicker, wetter surface gloss. The paint looks like a clear glossy coating was just poured over it. The sealer is basically a synthetic wax and is very durable. It goes on very easily and comes off just as easy. Apply it either by hand or with a DA polisher using a blue or red pad.

Always use clean Microfiber towels.

This product requires an 8 to 10 hour cure time and what that means is; don't let the surface come in contact with moisture until after this.

[A4 1.8tqm]

DP Auto Bath Shampoo (http://www.autogeek.net/dp300.html) or any nice auto shampoo for that matter.

The Grit Guard Insert - 2 Pack (http://www.autogeek.net/grit-guard-2pack.html) Along with two 5 gallon buckets like the home depot "homer" bucket.

Lake Country Foam Car Wash Sponge (http://www.autogeek.net/car-wash-sponge.html) Get 2

Supreme Guzzler Waffle Weave Microfiber Drying Towel (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-waffle-weave.html) This is a must have

Finish Kare 425 (http://www.autogeek.net/finish-kare-425-body-shine.html) Get the gallon!

Griot's Garage Paint Cleaning Clay (http://www.autogeek.net/griots-detailing-clay.html) or any OTC clay, but this is a pretty good deal.

Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-no-rinse.html) or DP Rinseless Wash & Gloss (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-rinseless-four-in-one.html) Very versatile, a must have.

Poorboys World Polish with Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/poorboys-polish-sealant.html) or XMT 360 (http://www.autogeek.net/xmt-360.html) not really necessary unless you get a machine polisher.

Cobra Indigo Microfiber Polishing Cloth (http://www.autogeek.net/coinmipoclsc.html) Great towels, must have... eventually.

DP Max Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/carnauba-car-wax.html) or Pinnacle Signature Series II (http://www.autogeek.net/pisisepawax.html) or Collinite #915 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-marque-wax-915.html) or DP Poli-Coat (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-poli-coat-paint-sealant.html) or Wolfgang DGPS 3.0 (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-paint-sealant-special.html) or Menzerna Power Lock (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html) or ... or... or or or... :applause:

CCS Euro Foam Applicators (http://www.autogeek.net/ccs-foam-hand-applicators.html) I like 'em

Cobra Miracle Towel (http://www.autogeek.net/miracletowel.html) I need to get some myself, heard they are great.

DP Gloss Tire Gel (http://www.autogeek.net/dp330.html) or Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel (http://www.autogeek.net/optimum-opti-bond-tire-gel-32oz.html) I really like these products. I don't like really glossy tires, these give a nice dark, satin, new look. DP can get glossy if you want, depending on application method.

Wolfgang Vinyl & Rubber Protectant (http://www.autogeek.net/wg2700.html) I like the low gloss, matte finish.

Pinnacle Leather Cleaner & Conditioner (http://www.autogeek.net/pileclco.html) Love the chemically new leather smell and it lasts a few day's, I apply to warm leather. Oh, it works too.

Meguiars APC+ (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-all-purpose-cleaner-plus-d103.html) Must have.

Poorboy's Trim Restorer (http://www.autogeek.net/pbtr16.html) Must have.

Stoner Invisible Glass (http://www.autogeek.net/glass-cleaner.html)

Glass Master Pro (http://www.autogeek.net/glass-surface-cleaner.html) Must have IMO, at least a similar device, even if it's from a dollar store.



and After you have all that, life as you know it is over, you'll have no choice but to buy this: Flex 3401 kit with Menzerna polishes and Lake Country pads (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-flex-xc3401-ceramic-show-car-kit.html) :D

[ASPHALT ROCKET]

The other thing I would like to add is that you have a harder clear coat on your vehicle. So really only certain products will remove your defects.

[BobbyG]

The other thing I would like to add is that you have a harder clear coat on your vehicle. So really only certain products will remove your defects.

If you do have a hard finish which products have you found to be effective?

[ASPHALT ROCKET]

If you do have a hard finish which products have you found to be effective?

The ones that worked the best on the late model Mustangs are the Megs twins. I have done a ton of Mustangs and they work the best.