New in Viera, FL - I hate you all

[Saved by Grace]

Okay, seriously, how is it so easy to get so addicted when I haven't even received my products yet?!

So we bought our first new car in ten years (Honda Accord Sport) and after doing some internet surfing I found an Accord forum and came across a poster named "glen e," I've seen him on here too. His premise was that guys spends hundreds and thousands of dollars on mods but never take care of their car. Just great, a guy who makes sense.

So he pointed me to this forum with all the articles and videos. Uh oh, did I mention my addictive personality? I've been off work the last few days so now I've probably read and watched some forty hours worth of instruction. Yes, I'm one of those kind of guys, totally OCD. My wife thought I was up to no good and still can't believe that when she "catches" me on the computer I'm watching some guys from Autogeek detail cars. :p

Now I can't wait because my order finally arrives today! :righton:

I am just starting with my new car, and then from there I will dig into my eleven year old Acura CL and then my ten year old Honda Pilot.

Here's what I have coming (since my one bottle of Turtle Wax car wash and dish towel wasn't going to do the trick). Most of it is for my new car, but some of the other stuff is to start tearing into my older vehicles...

Griota's Garage Random Orbital Perfect Starter Kit (HD) (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/griots-garage-starter-kit.html)

BLACKFIRE 5 Gallon Professional Wash Bucket & Grit Guard
Super Plush Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/super-plush-wash-mitt.html)
(http://www.autopia-carcare.com/griots-garage-starter-kit.html)20x40 Inch Supreme Guzzler Waffle Weave Towel (x2) (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/supreme-guzzler-towel.html)
Sonus SFX Detail Clay Bundle (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/griots-garage-starter-kit.html)

3M Vinyl Tape - 06405 (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/blackfire-total-polish-seal.html)
16 oz. BLACKFIRE Total Polish & Seal
16 oz. BLACKFIRE Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/blackfire-paint-protection.html)
8 oz. BLACKFIRE Crystal Seal Paint Sealant (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/blackfire-crystal-seal-8.html)

Black Onyx Micro-Chenille Wash Mitt (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/poorboys-world-natural-look-dressing.html)
BLACKFIRE Wheel & Tire Kit (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/blackfire-wheel-kit.html)

16 oz. Poorboy's Natural Look Dressing (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/poorboys-world-natural-look-dressing.html)

(For my older cars)
Diamondite Glasswork Kit for Machine Application (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/diamondite-glasswork-system-kit-machine-application.html)
Diamondite Clear Plastic Kit (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/diamondite-clear-plastic-kit-headlights.html)
D.A Adapter 5/8 Inch x11 (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/dual-action-adapter.html)

Did I miss anything?

I'm going to go with Dawn soap for the strip this time (I had already ordered before getting smart on Iron X) and then get some Duragloss and another bucket for my weekly washing.

So I plan on a 2-day event starting today and then finish up tomorrow. If everything goes well it's back to spending more money on compound/polish for my older cars.

I'm a dry sponge so please feel free to share. I'm on the forum quite a bit and plan on doing what I can here in Florida to maybe get with you pros. Who knows, my two teenage boys might get the bug and make some extra cash this summer! :xyxthumbs:

Thanks for all the great posts, advice and videos.

David

[Setec Astronomy]

If you're anywhere near Autogeek it's going to be worth the trip for a Thursday night event, a Saturday morning Cars & Coffee, or even just a visit.

It certainly is a weird addiction, but I guess it's better than playing Candy Crush.

[RobertJ34]

Looks like you got a solid order there! I was going to say Iron-X, but I just saw that as well near the end.

Just my 2cents on the clay from personal use--I used to use clay but now I use Nanoskin wash mitt. Its fantastic. Long story short, It lasts longer, takes less time, if you drop it you can just wash it off (clay you have to throw away) Nanoskin is a "high-tech rubber polymer coating"
Nanoskin Car Care Products, nanoskin autoscrub system (http://www.autogeek.net/nanoskin-car-care-products.html)

Enjoy it! It does get addicting haha.

From Orlando here.

[parttimer]

I fully concur on the nanoskin products. I don't use the wash mitt but I do use the towel. Great product. Also, what color is your Honda? Have fun!

[Sherif]

Welcome to the club :) same story here, was on Jeep Garage forums for my new Grand Cherokee 5 months ago and found about AutoGeek... 4 orders in the first month, total 7 orders so far!
Time, money & elbow grease consuming new hobby :)

[Flash Gordon]

:welcome:

[GS2011]

:welcome:

[Tato]

If you're anywhere near Autogeek it's going to be worth the trip for a Thursday night event, a Saturday morning Cars & Coffee, or even just a visit.

It certainly is a weird addiction, but I guess it's better than playing Candy Crush.

If I post my laugh here in lines, it'll surely deviate thread's subject, but's here is a short version:

'Hahahhahahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahahahhahahah ahahahhahahahahah..." for 80 lines ahead.

So true!

Also, if you live near AG like said above, you're screwed with your wife - since you may switch your thursday night romantic dinner for a boat detailing with Mike Phillips and Friends any day, any time ;)

From what I see on your list, you've missed clay.

I'd recommend you to get a nanoskin Mitt in fine grade version.

Please, try to wait until it arrives to do start detailing.

Claying (IMO) is what will give you the huge improvement, specially on a new finish.

That's because even new cars comes with contamination from dealer's lot.

If you need additional info on how to use Nanoskin claying devices, please, feel free to ask since I have many inputs here sharing my techniques on that, which may give you ideas to put together with other people's thought to decide which way you may use in your reality.

Just to advance, GLIDE it, not scrub it. And use plenty of lube.

Another thing I'd avoid is using Dawn soap on a car. I know I may be exaggerating here since I'm sure 1 Dawn application will not damage your finish permanently, however, we have many options of proper car soaps, and living in the USA you have some awesome options for less than $10 (like Chemical Guys Citrus Wash and Gloss), it's a no-no-no for me to use Dawn.

Again, that's just me.

Hope to hear your follow up and to know your boys are talented for the job.

For sure they will make money for themselves in this healthy activity, and your investment will be fully paid by itself pretty fast.

As I like to think, if at least you get one enjoyable day with your family and never more detail your car, all your investment will be worth.

Nowadays, there are few (if any) things more valuable than putting the family together on a enjoyable activity.

I mean, this is priceless.

And I know many who would pay a fortune in money to get that few hours of happiness but can't for different reasons life may keep them from doing it.

Hope you all enjoy a lot.

Kind Regards.

[Saved by Grace]

Thanks for all the kind words and advice!

- My car color is the Modern Steel Metallic

- I absolutely did purchase clay!

- I will check out the Nanoskin line.


I will head down to Stuart, it'll just be a matter of working it into my schedule.

So now for the worst part... apparently FedEx stopped by the house this morning and I didn't hear them. Signature required for my two boxes, so now it'll be another 24-48 hours. I tried to call the local place and pick up but no dice. :cry:

Back to reading!

[parttimer]

Your car should come out looking good with the BFTPS, I tried it on black and found it to abrasive and left hazing. Enjoy your goodies!

[Tato]

Ahh sorry, sorry! Now I see the Sonus Clay on the list, I've missed that.

No need to go for the nanoskin though for the start, since you'll be really well served with your clay bundle! It may be added later when you start detailing more and more cars...

If I have to add something to this, again, glide it (not scrub the clay) in straight line motions back and forth. Use plenty of lube. Don't rush, be patient. Sometimes fast movements may work better, but again, just glide it.

1: Avoid pressing with the tip of your finger in a irregular way, use even pressure throughout the clay.

- Fold it and mold it often.

2: Avoid claying hard where you'll not have full access with the polisher. Clay may leave some marring behind. It will come easy out with polishing, but if you can't polish where you clayed, you'll need to go for it by hand, or your finish will be not perfect. Even though, some places are so hard to reach to do a good work even by hand, so always keep that in mind.

3: Based on above tip, do an 'organized' claying, not a 'crazy guy claying' everything without thinking on what you're doing (common when we are excited with first full detail!). Then, later when you look back, you'll be glad of your work.

4: Work Clean!


NO!, don't tell me you let them go away with your packages, I really hate when that happens.

By the way, I try to think of events in life as 'needed to be this way', or at least to get the best from 'adverse' situations... now you have more time to read more, inform yourself better and you'll do a better job when start detailing your car.

**Read as much Mike Phillips you can, and keep in mind one of his brilliant statements: Polishing paint is not a grinding process, it's an art form (~something like that).

Be gentle, you'll be ok.

Please, count on me if you need,

Kind Regards.

[Paul A.]

You are maybe an hour and a half away from AG. I have been to a couple of Detail Fests and being in Tampa it's a drive! If i was as close as you are i would absolutely recommend a personal visit. The people ajd place is phenomenal and are incredibally welcoming and helpful. I'm like you...have done a ton of "online research"...but to actually visit the Mecca Of Monstrous Shine and talk to some of the wonderful people there will offer an immense amount of knowledge you can practice and apply.

Again, if i was about an hour and a half away i would most likely be on a first name basis with 90% of the staff!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Hi, welcome to AutoGeekOnline!

[allenk4]

The tape you ordered is only 1/4" and the 3M vinyl is $$$ and probably overkill.

Lots on the Forum use 3M 233 3M Scotch 233+ Premium Automotive Masking Tape 18mm x 32m - 03431 (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/3m-masking-tape-03431.html#.U1gTyE1OWDY)

Does anyone know if the Blackfire Total Polish and Seal stains trim?
If it doesn't, you may not need to tape off the trim at all.

[trekkeruss]

Welcome!

Do you have microfiber towels? You will need a bunch. I'm rather fond of Costco's. They are 300 GSM, and you get a bag of I think 36 for about $17-18. So real cheap in price, but very good quality.