Got a question

[GRAHAM_BROS]

I Got a two projects, I can work on. I have a 2004 Dodge Stratus and a 2000 Pontiac sunfire. Just personal cars I would like to start detailing on. As a beginner would be a good list of products to get for the job?

[GRAHAM_BROS]

Like i said im a newbie. I want to do a good enough job to notice a difference. I dont have the money to get the buffers yet.

[ROMEO]

What is your budget? What colors are the cars?

[GRAHAM_BROS]

Got about 200 to 300 hundred. One is white the other is a silver or metallic grey. I know that i won't be able to get the swirls and do major paint correction without the buffers. But i would like to atleast make them look clean for the time being until i get my buffers.

[GRAHAM_BROS]

unless i can add a little more in there and get me a buffer

[JonMiles]

You could look into good soap (Duragloss 902, Megs Gold Class, Shampoo Plus), wheel cleaner(P21s, Sonax), Clay Bar,tire and trim dressing(303 or Ultima), a quality cleaner wax(XMT 360), quick detail spray/waterless wash(Ultima or DP), all-purpose cleaner(Megs APC+), interior dressing(303), a nice selection of brushes (wheels,tire, interior, crevice, etc.) and applicators (round yellow foam, microfiber sponge,tire applicator), and some quality microfiber towels(cobra).

If looking to save some money and put together a good selection stick to multi-purpose products.

303 Aerospace Protectant can be used to dress just about anything.

Meguiars APC+ can clean tires, wheels, wells, doorjams, carpets, leather, vinyl, plastics.

Optimum No-Rinse can be used as a clay lube, quick detail, rinseless wash, water softener.

XMT 360 will be able to get rid of some swirls while leaving behind a protectant on paint.

There are plenty of other products that can be used on multiple parts of the car, if you search the site you will see many of them.

[jto667]

Well I'm in the same boat as you are...but honestly I've found $300 goes quite a ways if you aren't afraid to spend some time shopping.

I got my Porter Cable 7424XP delivered for $120, I think I just spent $75 on a 3.5 backing plate and a 6 pack combo of pads and Poorboys sealant from the autogeek store. That leaves quite a bit left for "waxes/cleaners etc etc. I had a pretty good inventory from before, just needed the machine and accessories. Oh and I got some Megs #9...local paint supplier didn't stock 105 or 205. At least I got the machine and the basics to start with. That way I can get started and add to the supplies as time goes on.

You got enough to get a good start going. I'm doing my personal rides to begin with, car, Yukon and a Harley.

[PAR Detailing]

I put together a few things if you wanted to pick up a buffer. If you stretch your budget to about $300 you might be able to push it. I have MF's, polisher (some pads are included), Compound, Polish, and a sealant.

You can pick up some car wash, wash media, and wheel brush from your local wally world. That would give you the bare basics to get a buffer. I am probably leaving out some other important products but just though I would share this.

Price Qty. In Stock Cost
Porter Cable 7424XP Polisher Combo Free Bonus!
[remove] Choose a model : Standard
$169.99 Yes $169.99
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 8 oz. New D.A. Version
[remove] $7.99 Yes $7.99
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish 8 oz.
[remove] $7.99 Yes $7.99
Super Soft Deluxe Microfiber Towels with Rolled Edges, 3 Pack Buy One, Get One Free!
[remove] $9.99 Yes $9.99
Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel, 16 x 24 inches Buy One, Get One Free!
[remove] $19.99 Yes $19.99
DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant
[remove] $19.99 Yes $19.99

Subtotal: $235.94
Total: $235.94

[GRAHAM_BROS]

thank you fellas!!!! i'm well on the way im getting all of that 2morrow. Can all of that be order from the auto geek store. will it be ok just to do the detailing in a car wash bay. ill bring my own soap and other stuff of course. just use the car wash for shade and rinsing. Will that be fine?

[GRAHAM_BROS]

I ll read up on using the buffers and polishes and watch as many videos as i can for proper technique before i start using it.

[slickooz]

I put together a few things if you wanted to pick up a buffer. If you stretch your budget to about $300 you might be able to push it. I have MF's, polisher (some pads are included), Compound, Polish, and a sealant.

You can pick up some car wash, wash media, and wheel brush from your local wally world. That would give you the bare basics to get a buffer. I am probably leaving out some other important products but just though I would share this.

Price Qty. In Stock Cost
Porter Cable 7424XP Polisher Combo Free Bonus!
[remove] Choose a model : Standard
$169.99 Yes $169.99
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #105 Ultra-Cut Compound 8 oz. New D.A. Version
[remove] $7.99 Yes $7.99
Meguiars Mirror Glaze #205 Ultra Finishing Polish 8 oz.
[remove] $7.99 Yes $7.99
Super Soft Deluxe Microfiber Towels with Rolled Edges, 3 Pack Buy One, Get One Free!
[remove] $9.99 Yes $9.99
Cobra Guzzler HD Waffle Weave Drying Towel, 16 x 24 inches Buy One, Get One Free!
[remove] $19.99 Yes $19.99
DP Poli-Coat Paint Sealant
[remove] $19.99 Yes $19.99

Subtotal: $235.94
Total: $235.94


1+ Very good list, enough still to make your car shine again. I would also add Collinite 845 to that order I think its only 15 dollars and its a really good overall wax.

[GRAHAM_BROS]

Do you guys think claying would be a good idea also

[slickooz]

Yeah claying is needed every 3-6 months. Working on a clean area will make everything easier and smooth finish.