Hello from the frigid north

[Ipsdrew]

Hi everybody, my names Andy and I hail from the great state of Minnesota. Over the last year and a half I have been surfing the Autogeek forums and youtube channel, slowly learning the ins and outs of proper detailing. I recently bought the GG DA and have been impressed with the results so far. I don't work for a detailing business but do a little light polishing and waxing for co-workers. As I've become more familiar with the polisher and proper techniques I have been looking to do more "correction" work on my own vehicles, and have been transitioning from the consumer grade OTC products to the higher end Pinnacle and other "professional grade" lines. The forums so far have been a huge wealth of knowledge and I just wanted to say Thank You to everyone here for all the help so far.

Andy

[tuscarora dave]

Welcome to the site, my boss and I went to Minneapolis/St.Paul in January 2 years ago and never experienced cold like that in our lives. The locals were wearing jean jackets and we were in parkas. They were slightly amused at my boss shivering.

[Ipsdrew]

The temps get a little ridiculous in the winter but you get use to it over time. The worst part is dealing with snow from November- late may/early june. Makes it tough to keep the vehicles clean and protected with constant attacks from road salt and sand 6 months out of the year.

[Scarelane]

Welcome!!

:welcome:

[ZimRandy]

Welcome to AGO.

Randy

[dad07]

:welcome:

[Ipsdrew]

Nice to see some fellow MN guys here

[Chris's FX4]

:welcome: from the U.P.

My winter residence.

[RaskyR1]

Welcome! :welcome:

[tw33k2514]

Welcome to AGO! Im the MAN

[BobbyG]

Hey Andy,


:welcome: To Autogeek Online from New England!! :dblthumb2:

This is "the" place to learn some of the finest ways to detail your car. There is a wealth of knowledge here for the beginner to the most advanced. A simple question is all that's needed to initiate helpful responses from members here and also Autogeek Professional Staff.

This link contains articles written by Mike Phillips and has allot of great reading within.

Articles by Mike Phillips (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/23722-articles-mike-phillips.html)

Basic steps in order are:


Wash
Clay
Paint Correction & Polish
Seal
Wax

Make detailing enjoyable and practice. Take your time and do not become overwhelmed. Just because there are a thousand product doesn't mean you have to use them all. Pick one product from each category from the steps above.

Plan your attack! :props:

How many times have you had to re-detail something because you contaminated an area you already finished?

Formulate a plan that works well for you...

Set realistic expectations. Trying to achieve a show quality finish on a daily driver can be difficult and somewhat disappointing if not achieved. It's also a ton of work...

This is how I approach a full detail from a high level.



Full interior
Wheels and wheel wells

Thorough washing
No Treatments

Engine Compartment

Thorough washing
Blow dry
Plastic & rubber treatment

Full Exterior

Thorough washing
Clay
Paint correct
Seal
Wax
Trim
Wheels and Tires
Windows





Sectional Pass With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-car-garage-how-videos/24074-show-car-garage-video-how-do-section-pass-when-machine-polishing-da-polisher.html)
Removing Swirls (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/tricks-tips-techniques/20021-definitive-how-article-removing-swirls-scratches-water-spots-using-porter-cable-7424xp-g110v2-griot-s-garage-polisher.html)
DA Trouble Shooting Guide (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/37769-da-polisher-trouble-shooting-guide.html)
Waxing With a DA Polisher (http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/pinnacle-wax/28651-how-machine-apply-wax-using-da-polisher.html)


Backing Plate & Pads


Lake Country Backing Plate (http://www.autogeek.net/lc43125.html)
Lake Country Flat Pads (http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html)


Polishes


Menzerna Bundle (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-polish-bundle3.html)
Meguiar's M105 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-105-compound-8oz.html)
Meguiar's M205 (http://www.autogeek.net/meguiars-205-polish-8oz.html)

Sealants


Menzerna Power Lock (http://www.autogeek.net/menzerna-power-lock-sealant.html)
Prima Hydro Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/prima-hydro-seal.html)
Four Star Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/four-star-ultimate-paint-protection.html)
Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-wet-diamond-sealant.html)
Klasse High Gloss Sealant (http://www.autogeek.net/klashiggloss.html)
Ultima Paint Guard Plus (http://www.autogeek.net/ultima-paint-guard-plus.html)

Wax


Wax (http://www.autogeek.net/carnauba-wax.html)
Wolfgang Fuzion (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-fuzion-wax-sample.html)
Dodo Juice Supernatural (http://www.autogeek.net/natural-carnauba-wax-200.html)
Pinnacle Souveran (http://www.autogeek.net/pinsouvwax.html)
Blackfire Midnight Sun (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/blackfire-midnight-sun-wax.html)


One of my favorites


Collinite 845 (http://www.autogeek.net/collinite-insulator-wax-845.html)

[Bacon]

Welcome from the Chicago Area.....its does get cold there but at least you have the the Vikings to bring excitment...oh wait, no you dont!

Bear fan here!

[BillE]

Welcome neighbor!

Bill

[Ipsdrew]

Thanks for the break down Bobby, the Collinite sounds like it would be perfect for the MN winters