Need a little advice on some products...

[Apokiliptik1]

Ok I am not really a newb I worked for a reputable detailing comp but I had no input on products or say on anything, anyway I am about to start college at the ripe old age of 28 and I am going to be buying some detailing supplies so i can make some money on the side, as well as keep up the wife's car. I literally have just washing supplies , no polisher no compounds no sealants no waxes of any kind. Well, need advice on some products to get me a decent starting point my limit is 300.00 so lets see your lists? lay it on me. BTW thanks to everyone who posts for your advice.

[AndrewBall]

Well, i would start here likely

Porter Cable 7424 XP Dual Action Polisher - dual action orbital car polisher, car care kits, buffer kits, PC 7424,7424XP, 7424 XP, porter cable (http://www.autogeek.net/po.html)

i would recommend this kit Wolfgang Porter Cable 7424 Swirl-Free Kit (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-porter-cable-swirl-remover.html)

unless you feel like piecing together your own.

problem with that is. you have all the equipment but none of the other necessary accessories. if you could find another $100 it would really go a long way.

you could easily get a buffer, compound/swirl remover, polish, sealant, wax, microfibers, interior cleaner and protectant and maybe some trim dressing for under $400. but for $300 it is a tight budget.

if anything else just grab this
Wolfgang Duo & Porter Cable 7424XP FREE BONUS (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-porter-cable-combo.html)
or this
If you’re in the market for a dual action polisher, look no further than the Porter Cable 7424! (http://www.autogeek.net/porter-cable-pad-kit.html)

if you get the intro pad kit. i would pick up some Meguiars 105 and 205

This would also go with the buffer nicely.
Pinnacle Complete Detailing Wax & Cleaning Kit- Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay, Souveran Wax, Bodywork Shampoo, Paintwork Cleansing Lotion, and more! (http://www.autogeek.net/pincomdetwax1.html)


and this
DP Seal & Shine Kit, DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant, DP paint care kit, DP wash and wax kit, car care kit (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-seal-shine-kit.html)

and this
DP Total Interior Cleaner and DP Interior Surface Protectant come together for superior interior care. (http://www.autogeek.net/dptoinco.html)


there are sooo many options out there. i highly recommend a buffer though. make every job easier.

[Toymachine2009]

What he said ^^ but personally I like the Griots DA over the PC7424 XP.. It has more power and less vibration (so I hear) and I think its a great machine. Personally I love mine.

[Apokiliptik1]

I have used both and like both I am more of a rotary guy but my dewault crapped out on me but i have my dads now. I should mention the interior products are covered just need exterior (compounds, sealants) I know the griot's and pc have their own following but I don't know which one to get for me personal use. I have had the pc before but due to financial restraints at the time had to sell, had no issues with it. Just seeing what ideas each person who replies has for a $300 budget. BTW the WG twins will be included no matter what, along with some dodo. Is it cheaper piecing stuff together or a bundle?

[Dr Oldz]

Maybe if you were a lil more specific you will get better answers. EG>>> I'm looking at brand x and brand y carnuba paste waxes, what do U guys like and Y??? I feel a 300 dollar budget is tight so but a definate starting point!!!! Maybe check out some of the car care kits as a good starting point and try to go from there and then build on that as money permits. I think the biggest tip may be buy when there is a sale and/or free shipping. Generally the products for sale on this site are of a good quality so u will find a lot of varying opinions. Hope this helps!!

[Apokiliptik1]

thanks yea I just missed the free shipping sale so that sucks big time!!! Basically the brands are of no concern the premise of this thread was to get an individuals opinion and (legwork lol) for finding a great combonation of things that would be a must for doing a great polish job start to finish on a $300.00 budget. I know it sounds silly and some may think its a little bit of scraping the bottom of the barrell from a money standpoint but since I am not working and about to start college next term thats all I have to work with. I am thinking of getting the griot's just because of the warranty. Anywho thank you for your replies I will be doing some investigating for a little while to conjer up some ideas that won't go over the budget.

[Dr Oldz]

If u type "ago" in the code box on an order over $95 shipping is free to forum members!

[Apokiliptik1]

Thank you very much !

[Dr Oldz]

Anytime! :)

[Apokiliptik1]

just want to make sure I use my money wisely

[Dr Oldz]

just want to make sure I use my money wisely



I hear ya there!!!

[Apokiliptik1]

well i put together some products and placed my order unfortunately i forgot the sealant brain fart it was late and was waiting for my college to open their web registration at 12:01am and ordered after that.
Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Hard Car Wax
Dodo Juice Purple Haze Soft Wax
Cobra Microfiber Towel Super 6 Pack
Cobra 6" Green Microfiber Bonnets
Lake Country 5.5 CCS Pads- 6 PACK
Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo
6 Inch Griot's Garage Polisher
5'' D.A. Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Pl
8 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105
8 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205
I like wg products can't believe i forgot the sealant, this should get me started . never purchased my own stuff always used my works or my dads tools lol.

[tuscarora dave]

You might consider taking half of the proceeds from your first detail and getting a gallon of something like Megs D-151 to do quick $100 details in addition to paint corrections. In today's economy there are more $100 bills out there than $300 bills. Just a thought to get you some volume of jobs going then just make it known that you also do correction work. What about interior products? I don't see any on your list.

[Apokiliptik1]

Thanks for the input, yea this isnt full time just whenever i get around to it. I have around 20 customers from the bodyshop where i worked that "said" they would want me to do some detail work. Yea interior products I have just was limited on exterior products. I got the blue velvet and purple haze for my wife's car and a neighbor who this wicked hardtop convertible BMW he wants to do some paint correction on not severe but bad enough to say why does your beemer look like that? anyway yea when i get a few more bucks I will order more but for now this will do on a budget.

[BobbyG]

well i put together some products and placed my order unfortunately i forgot the sealant brain fart it was late and was waiting for my college to open their web registration at 12:01am and ordered after that.
Dodo Juice Blue Velvet Hard Car Wax
Dodo Juice Purple Haze Soft Wax
Cobra Microfiber Towel Super 6 Pack
Cobra 6" Green Microfiber Bonnets
Lake Country 5.5 CCS Pads- 6 PACK
Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo
6 Inch Griot's Garage Polisher
5'' D.A. Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Pl
8 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105
8 oz. Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205
I like wg products can't believe i forgot the sealant, this should get me started . never purchased my own stuff always used my works or my dads tools lol.

OK, so lets get started!

If your just starting out you'll need to look at the basics. Some of the items you listed above are fine but there are some exotics that can wait. I'm not implying they're insufficient just a bit expensive to start off with.

Clay - Mothers kit

Mothers California Gold Clay Bar - Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Paint Saving System, detailing clay bar, 2 clay bars (http://autogeek.net/motcalgolcla.html)

Griot's Garage Polisher - Great choice and if I were looking for one this would be it!

Griot's Garage 6 inch Random Orbital Polisher, Dual action buffer, DA polisher (http://autogeek.net/griots-random-orbital-polisher.html)

Lake Country - 5 1/2" flat pads. These are at home on this type of polisher and the price can't be beat!

Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads (http://autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)

Wolfgang Twins - These will do just about anything and a realistic place to start!

Wolfgang 8 oz. Swirl Remover Combo, Wolfgang polishes, total swirl remover, finishing glaze, machine glaze (http://autogeek.net/wolfgang-swirl-removers.html)

DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant - Another fine product at a reasonable price!

Wax - Collinite 845. You can't beat this with a stick! The best bang for the buck hands down!

Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845, liquid wax, heat-resistant wax, car wax (http://autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)

Microfiber Towels - The Cobra towels are on special and work pretty darn well,

Cobra Microfiber Towel Super 6 Pack includes five of Cobra's most popular microfiber detailing towels. (http://autogeek.net/commickit.html)

This is a great place to start. Quality products and some great prices to boot. Some are on special and order over $95 and shipping's free! Code AGO