Nick McKees37
03-30-2012, 11:21 AM
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/Wash%20Mitt.jpg (http://www.autogeek.net/)
Every now and then you'll hear me refer to a product as "the good stuff." I often get PMs, emails, phone calls, and sometimes text messages (Who's handing out my number? Really?) asking me what defines a product as being the good stuff. Here is the definition that I've come up with.
The Good Stuff: Products that perform exceptionally well in their intended use. They don't cost an arm and a leg and are easy to use.
Happy? Okay, good. While Autogeek carries over 70 different brands (SEVENTY!), some products stand out more than others and earn the title of being called "the good stuff", by yours truly. I thought it would be fun to do a complete detail and feature nothing but "the good stuff."
Working at Autogeek certainly has it perks. One of them is being able to take advantage of the Show Car Garage on your day off and having access to a warehouse full of world-class car care products. Kid in a candy store? Not so much, because kids get sick from eating too much candy. Having a shiny car never hurt anyone.
So a couple Saturdays ago I arrived early to give a daily driver, a 2010 Honda Pilot, a little TLC. This is what awaited me:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1581.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1582.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1585.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1586.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1587.JPG
It was in fairly good shape, but it could definitely use a little love from "the good stuff." The only thing that could have made the first step of this detail - washing the vehicle - a problem was the intense Florida sun. You see a problem, and I see a solution.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1588.JPG
Let me introduce to you a little something called the Foamaster Foam Gun (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-quart-foam-gun.html).
Not familiar with the Foam Gun and DP Xtreme Foam Formula Shampoo (http://www.autogeek.net/foam-gun-soap.html)? Well, you should be, because these two products are probably the finest example of "the good stuff" when it comes to proper washing. The Foam Gun hooks up to a standard garden hose and when used in conjunction with DP Xtreme Foam Formula Shampoo, it produces mounds of thick suds that cling to your vehicle's surface, loosening dirt and road grime. The best part? It looks cool!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/autogeek_2203_45228795.jpg (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-quart-foam-gun.html)
Here's a little tip when working with the Foam Gun: Put the water in the bottle before adding the soap. If you add the soap first, and then the water, you will be overwhelmed with suds. Only two to three ounces of DP Xtreme Foam Formula Shampoo is needed to completely wash an entire vehicle.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1593.JPG
After adding the soap, screw the cap on and shake it like a polaroid picture! Now you're ready to begin washing.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1596.JPG
Check out all that foam!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1599.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1598.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1600.JPG
Not only does a Foam Gun enable you to wash the vehicle in less time, but it also lessens the likelihood of scratching or marring the finish when you rub the wash mitt across the surface. It's as simple as spraying the entire vehicle down with foam and letting it dwell for a couple minutes. By the time you actually rub your wash mitt across the surface, most of the dirt will be loosened.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1601.JPG
After the foam had time to dwell on the surface for a couple minutes, I began washing with a Supreme Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html). For the price of this mitt, you will not find anything nicer. It's large, has super soft inner lining with an elastic cuff and the hundreds of microfiber fingers pamper your vehicle's delicate finish as you wash.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1605.JPG (http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html)
To clean the wheels and tires I used DP Wheel Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/dp370.html). This wheel cleaner is safe on all wheel finishes and it also happens to be one of the best tire cleaners I've found. In most cases a really good wheel cleaner leaves much to be desired for tire cleaning, but that's not the case with DP Wheel Cleaner. Best of all? It doesn't contain a harsh chemical smell and won't burn your skin if contact occurs.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1607.JPG
While the wheel cleaner was dwelling on the wheels, loosening brake dust and road grime, I scrubbed the tires with the Short Handle Tire & Wheel Brush (http://www.autogeek.net/tiwhbr.html). This brush features chemical resistant 2" bristles attached to a sturdy handle that is designed to take years of abuse.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1609.JPG
This brush also works great for cleaning wheel wells!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1614.JPG
The face of the wheels were cleaned with a Montana Boar's Hair Original Wheel Brush (http://www.autogeek.net/8inmoorbohaw.html). This brush is the cat's meow for wheel brushes. It's constructed of natural boar's hair bristles that feature a feathered tip. This enables the brush to be a very effective cleaning tool while still being gentle on delicate surfaces.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1612.JPG
The vehicle was dried using only the best microfiber drying towels available: Cobra Guzzlers (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-waffle-weave.html). The Cobra Waffle Weave Guzzler features only the highest quality Korean microfiber that goes through a unique manufacturing process to ensure that it meets the quality standards of a Cobra towel. As part of this manufacturing process, the microfiber goes through a splitting machine to make what's called "ultra microfiber". Ultra microfiber is found in every Cobra Waffle Weave Guzzler drying towel because it's the softest, most plush type of microfiber available at any cost. No corners were cut in the design of the Waffle Weave Guzzler and that includes the borders, which are super soft so they won't scratch even the most delicate of painted finishes.
The Cobra Waffle Weave Guzzler is available in sizes Regular, Supreme, and Ultimate. To be a little more specific, the sizes are 16" x 24", 20" x 40" and 28" x 44".
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1615.JPG
After completely drying the vehicle and pulling it into Autogeek's Show Car Garage, it was time to polish the paint. The obvious choice for a polisher was the Flex XC3401 VRG (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html). I don't even think the elusive title of being called "the good stuff" does this polisher justice. In order to fully comprehend why the Flex XC3401 is the best of the best, you must get your hands on one, plug it in, and polish some paint.
The Flex XC3401 is an awesome tool that has earned a reputation of being the Mercedes Benz of dual action polishers. But how do you make it better? Pair with Lake Country's newest creation - Hybrid Power Finish Pads and one of the best AIO's available, Blackfire Total Polish & Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-total-polish-seal.html) - and you have the best combination available short of Mario Andretti and a Formula One car.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1618.JPG
What justifies Lake Country's Hybrid Power Finish (http://www.autogeek.net/hybrid-power-finish-pads.html) pads as being considered "the good stuff?" Everything, for starters. I like to refer to them as Hydro-Tech pads on steroids. The new Hybrid Power Finish pads cut more and finish nicer than their open-cell counterparts and not only that, they tend to last longer too. The Hybrid Power Finish foam pads feature a 45 degree beveled edge that allows constant pressure across the surface. And because of the 5.5" backing material, they are self centering on the Flex XC3401 equipped with the factory backing plate.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1619.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1620.JPG
If you've gotten your hands on any products in the new-for-2012 Blackfire line, you're well aware they provide a whiplash inducing shine that is rivaled by few. One of the new products for 2012 is Total Polish & Seal, a revolutionary all-in-one that contains Wet Diamond Polymers paired with an advanced blend of micro abrasives. If you can find an all-in-one that is easier to use than Blackfire Total Polish & Seal, buy it now.
As you'll recall, the hood of the Pilot being detailed had light water spots. Blackfire Total Polish & Seal paired with the Flex XC3401 and a Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish White Polishing pad made quick work of the water spots. This combination yielded a shine that would do justice for most people, but I knew it could be taken up another notch so the Pilot wouldn't only turn heads, but create whiplash too.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1624.JPG
Every now and then you'll hear me refer to a product as "the good stuff." I often get PMs, emails, phone calls, and sometimes text messages (Who's handing out my number? Really?) asking me what defines a product as being the good stuff. Here is the definition that I've come up with.
The Good Stuff: Products that perform exceptionally well in their intended use. They don't cost an arm and a leg and are easy to use.
Happy? Okay, good. While Autogeek carries over 70 different brands (SEVENTY!), some products stand out more than others and earn the title of being called "the good stuff", by yours truly. I thought it would be fun to do a complete detail and feature nothing but "the good stuff."
Working at Autogeek certainly has it perks. One of them is being able to take advantage of the Show Car Garage on your day off and having access to a warehouse full of world-class car care products. Kid in a candy store? Not so much, because kids get sick from eating too much candy. Having a shiny car never hurt anyone.
So a couple Saturdays ago I arrived early to give a daily driver, a 2010 Honda Pilot, a little TLC. This is what awaited me:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1581.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1582.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1585.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1586.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1587.JPG
It was in fairly good shape, but it could definitely use a little love from "the good stuff." The only thing that could have made the first step of this detail - washing the vehicle - a problem was the intense Florida sun. You see a problem, and I see a solution.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1588.JPG
Let me introduce to you a little something called the Foamaster Foam Gun (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-quart-foam-gun.html).
Not familiar with the Foam Gun and DP Xtreme Foam Formula Shampoo (http://www.autogeek.net/foam-gun-soap.html)? Well, you should be, because these two products are probably the finest example of "the good stuff" when it comes to proper washing. The Foam Gun hooks up to a standard garden hose and when used in conjunction with DP Xtreme Foam Formula Shampoo, it produces mounds of thick suds that cling to your vehicle's surface, loosening dirt and road grime. The best part? It looks cool!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/autogeek_2203_45228795.jpg (http://www.autogeek.net/dp-quart-foam-gun.html)
Here's a little tip when working with the Foam Gun: Put the water in the bottle before adding the soap. If you add the soap first, and then the water, you will be overwhelmed with suds. Only two to three ounces of DP Xtreme Foam Formula Shampoo is needed to completely wash an entire vehicle.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1593.JPG
After adding the soap, screw the cap on and shake it like a polaroid picture! Now you're ready to begin washing.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1596.JPG
Check out all that foam!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1599.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1598.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1600.JPG
Not only does a Foam Gun enable you to wash the vehicle in less time, but it also lessens the likelihood of scratching or marring the finish when you rub the wash mitt across the surface. It's as simple as spraying the entire vehicle down with foam and letting it dwell for a couple minutes. By the time you actually rub your wash mitt across the surface, most of the dirt will be loosened.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1601.JPG
After the foam had time to dwell on the surface for a couple minutes, I began washing with a Supreme Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt (http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html). For the price of this mitt, you will not find anything nicer. It's large, has super soft inner lining with an elastic cuff and the hundreds of microfiber fingers pamper your vehicle's delicate finish as you wash.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1605.JPG (http://www.autogeek.net/supreme-microfiber-wash-mitt.html)
To clean the wheels and tires I used DP Wheel Cleaner (http://www.autogeek.net/dp370.html). This wheel cleaner is safe on all wheel finishes and it also happens to be one of the best tire cleaners I've found. In most cases a really good wheel cleaner leaves much to be desired for tire cleaning, but that's not the case with DP Wheel Cleaner. Best of all? It doesn't contain a harsh chemical smell and won't burn your skin if contact occurs.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1607.JPG
While the wheel cleaner was dwelling on the wheels, loosening brake dust and road grime, I scrubbed the tires with the Short Handle Tire & Wheel Brush (http://www.autogeek.net/tiwhbr.html). This brush features chemical resistant 2" bristles attached to a sturdy handle that is designed to take years of abuse.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1609.JPG
This brush also works great for cleaning wheel wells!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1614.JPG
The face of the wheels were cleaned with a Montana Boar's Hair Original Wheel Brush (http://www.autogeek.net/8inmoorbohaw.html). This brush is the cat's meow for wheel brushes. It's constructed of natural boar's hair bristles that feature a feathered tip. This enables the brush to be a very effective cleaning tool while still being gentle on delicate surfaces.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1612.JPG
The vehicle was dried using only the best microfiber drying towels available: Cobra Guzzlers (http://www.autogeek.net/cobra-waffle-weave.html). The Cobra Waffle Weave Guzzler features only the highest quality Korean microfiber that goes through a unique manufacturing process to ensure that it meets the quality standards of a Cobra towel. As part of this manufacturing process, the microfiber goes through a splitting machine to make what's called "ultra microfiber". Ultra microfiber is found in every Cobra Waffle Weave Guzzler drying towel because it's the softest, most plush type of microfiber available at any cost. No corners were cut in the design of the Waffle Weave Guzzler and that includes the borders, which are super soft so they won't scratch even the most delicate of painted finishes.
The Cobra Waffle Weave Guzzler is available in sizes Regular, Supreme, and Ultimate. To be a little more specific, the sizes are 16" x 24", 20" x 40" and 28" x 44".
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1615.JPG
After completely drying the vehicle and pulling it into Autogeek's Show Car Garage, it was time to polish the paint. The obvious choice for a polisher was the Flex XC3401 VRG (http://www.autogeek.net/flex-orbital-polisher.html). I don't even think the elusive title of being called "the good stuff" does this polisher justice. In order to fully comprehend why the Flex XC3401 is the best of the best, you must get your hands on one, plug it in, and polish some paint.
The Flex XC3401 is an awesome tool that has earned a reputation of being the Mercedes Benz of dual action polishers. But how do you make it better? Pair with Lake Country's newest creation - Hybrid Power Finish Pads and one of the best AIO's available, Blackfire Total Polish & Seal (http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-total-polish-seal.html) - and you have the best combination available short of Mario Andretti and a Formula One car.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1618.JPG
What justifies Lake Country's Hybrid Power Finish (http://www.autogeek.net/hybrid-power-finish-pads.html) pads as being considered "the good stuff?" Everything, for starters. I like to refer to them as Hydro-Tech pads on steroids. The new Hybrid Power Finish pads cut more and finish nicer than their open-cell counterparts and not only that, they tend to last longer too. The Hybrid Power Finish foam pads feature a 45 degree beveled edge that allows constant pressure across the surface. And because of the 5.5" backing material, they are self centering on the Flex XC3401 equipped with the factory backing plate.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1619.JPG
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1620.JPG
If you've gotten your hands on any products in the new-for-2012 Blackfire line, you're well aware they provide a whiplash inducing shine that is rivaled by few. One of the new products for 2012 is Total Polish & Seal, a revolutionary all-in-one that contains Wet Diamond Polymers paired with an advanced blend of micro abrasives. If you can find an all-in-one that is easier to use than Blackfire Total Polish & Seal, buy it now.
As you'll recall, the hood of the Pilot being detailed had light water spots. Blackfire Total Polish & Seal paired with the Flex XC3401 and a Lake Country Hybrid Power Finish White Polishing pad made quick work of the water spots. This combination yielded a shine that would do justice for most people, but I knew it could be taken up another notch so the Pilot wouldn't only turn heads, but create whiplash too.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/nick/Pilot%20Makeover/DSCN1624.JPG