My products of choice for 2005, what are yours?

Anthony Orosco · 12-29-04, 07:27

I have added a few product choices to my arsenal and also deleted a few and would like to see what others have added and also deleted.

For washing I have been using Poorboys http://www.poorboysworld.com/super-slick.htm and also the new Optimum Car wash http://www.optimumcarcare.com/optimumcarwash.html Both of these washes clean well but their strong point, IMHO, is their lubrication.

My car wash for the last number of years though has been Top of the Lines Bubble Bath. Great wash for pro's because it is VERY economical http://www.topoftheline.com/topoflinbub.html

For drying I am using my usual leaf blower but also waffle weave towels which are from Premium Auto Care http://www.premiumautocare.com/lep-ssww1624.html They have lasted me a long time and continue to perform well. Ireme sent me a Suede Microfiber drying chamois and I have been using that lately and it also works great but don't wash it with your other MF's the first few washes as it can shed. http://www.topoftheline.com/ultrachamois.html

For wheels I am using mainly two products, at least for the real stubborn crud. Poorboys wheel cleaner is like ultra uber cool

It is a true spray on and rinse off type product BUT as with any strong cleaner be careful with its use. http://www.poorboysworld.com/spray-rinse.htm

The other strong wheel cleaner I use is from Top of the Line. http://www.topoftheline.com/32ozwheeltir.html Again very strong but perhaps the safest I have ever used. In all the years I have used it it has never damaged any wheel. These cleaners though should never be used on aluminum wheels.

I used to use Auto Magics degreaser but have recently switched to Hi-Temps http://www.topoftheline.com/all-purpose-cleaner.html
Better price and works great.

For bugs I use Hi-Temps Bug Juice...great stuff for those caked on bugs one may encounter during a Spring drive. It also removes wax so after using it you need to re-seal. http://www.topoftheline.com/bugremover1.html

For removing wax and tar Hi-Temps is awesome http://www.topoftheline.com/tarwaxremover.html

In between buffing steps I like to wipe the paint surface down with a product from Hi-temp called Prep Wash, they also make one called "Klean". It removes any standing oils left over from polishing so your next step is free from contaminates. http://www.topoftheline.com/32ozprepwass.html

For glass I love Eagle One's 20/20. About the best cleaner I have ever used to date.

Tire dressings for me come in two types and two looks. I have one spray on tire dressing that gives me a wet glossy look, which is the new dressing from Optimum but is not yet for sale. It is more of a tire GEL and application is best from a paint type sprayer deleivered by an air compressor. With this method it comes out as a fine mist and covers well with very little product usage. Problem is not everyone has an air compressor handy.

I have had good success though with a high dollar trigger and cutting the Tire Gel down with water.

My other tire dressing of choice is Poorboys Bold N Bright. Can't say enough good things about this product. It gives me a low gloss look but leaves the tire with w nice black sheen. http://www.poorboysworld.com/bold-bright.htm

For wheel wells you can't beat Top of the Lines "Best Dressed". I also use this on all my engines. This stuff is very thick and can be cut with water to get the desired look and sheen. Safe to use on vinyl and interiors and SUPER economical. One gallon of Best Dressed can make up to 4 gallons of dressing. http://www.topoftheline.com/besvindres.html

On to interiors. Leathermaster is simply awesome. It can be used to clean, condition, repair and restore coated and also aniline leathers. http://www.topoftheline.com/leather-care-repair.html

I have also been using Optimums new interior dressing which, for me, compares well with 303. http://www.optimumcarcare.com/optimumprotectant.html

OK....I need to get going but will continue my personal product list later. Would love to hear from others.

Anthony

fireberd350 · 12-29-04, 07:42

Great Topic!

Wash: QEW
Traditional Wash: Eagle One
Compound: 3M PI Line
Polish: VM
Sealant: UPP
Pads: LC 6.5"
Tool: PC
Interior: PB's Natural Look
Tires/wheel wells: PB's Bold n Bright
GlasS: Stoner's Invisible Glass
QD: PB's Spray and Wipe
Microfibers: Any from Winner's Circle

there's much more to the story but that's the wattered down version.

SilverLexus · 12-29-04, 09:37

Thanks Anthony and Steve.

By the way, in case you have not seen them, there are also similar threads/product lists by Scottwax, GSRStilez, and me.

It's always cool to find out what experienced people out there are using. That says a loy about product quality I think.

DetailGirl · 12-29-04, 10:30

Question you state:
I used to use Auto Magics degreaser but have recently switched to Hi-Temps http://www.topoftheline.com/all-purpose-cleaner.html
Better price and works great.

Do you use that to get wax out of the trim on the outside of vehicles say around the window moldings? How does it work if so? Does it discolor the trim at all?

I was using Megs APC+ which works great but it discolored the trim on a Ford Escape that I did and some dripped on the paint on a Porsche 928 which is single stage paint and it discolored the paint, had to get the rotary out and buff it off.

Bill D · 12-29-04, 10:56

I FINALLY got a hold of some S&W and a nice jug of Pinnacle Crystal Mist

OCW is on the list next

Anthony Orosco · 12-29-04, 12:03

Hey folks,

I will try and hit my paint products real quick.

For paint leveling and polishing I am mainly a Menzerna man although I am really excited about the new Optimum polish due out some time this month.

For sealing I use Trade Secret, Victoria Wax and some Pizazz (paste waxes)

Liquid or Creme waxes I use Pinnacle Liquid and Paint Perfection Glaze.

Polymer sealant is for me, hands down, Menzerna FMJ.

I don't use glazes all that much and if I do I prefer the Menzerna FTG.

Of course there is also my love affair with the new Optimum Car Wax.

And of course how can one do without the tried and true Vanilla Moose?!

I no longer use Wolfgang, Pinnacle Cleansing Lotion, Auto Magics Super Dress It or Clay Magic. DACP, #9, #7 and #2 also went by the wayside. Not that these are bad products but I have just replaced them with products I have come to like better.

In my choice of tools I use a DeWalt and Metabo rotary and now have several Cyclos. I sold my PC to a newbie detailer here in San Antonio.

I use this extractor http://www.topoftheline.com/strikcarexsp.html and also this steamer http://www.topoftheline.com/vaporblitziv.html for interior work. The steamer also comes in handy for exterior cleaning.

Quote:

Originally posted by DetailGirl
Question you state:
I used to use Auto Magics degreaser but have recently switched to Hi-Temps http://www.topoftheline.com/all-purpose-cleaner.html
Better price and works great.

Do you use that to get wax out of the trim on the outside of vehicles say around the window moldings? How does it work if so? Does it discolor the trim at all?

I was using Megs APC+ which works great but it discolored the trim on a Ford Escape that I did and some dripped on the paint on a Porsche 928 which is single stage paint and it discolored the paint, had to get the rotary out and buff it off.

DetailGirl,

Follow this link to the BEST stuff I have ever tested and used for cleaning and restoring exterior trim. http://www.topoftheline.com/trim-molding-dye.html

You will be amazed at how well it works and I have never had it discolor anything, from Bentleys to Porsches.

Well there is much more to list buut time at the moment won't allow it. I am enjoying reading the lists of others and if there seems to be an area left out please inform me.

Anthony

John Styrnol · 12-29-04, 12:30

Anthony,

I thought Vanilla Moose was a glaze?

Burlyq · 12-29-04, 01:49

I am happy to see someone else uses topoftheline bubble bath. I like it for different reasons than you. I do like the economy, but the main reason I like it is because it is so mild it doesn't strip any waxes at all, but does a nice job on dirt and dust. As for product's I'm trying in 2005 it will be Zaino Z2 pro, Autoglym, and the new tropicare. And probably will get talked into more, but for now that's it.

zesty-man · 12-29-04, 01:58

wow, thank you very much anthony. i really liked how you took the time to provide all the links, it really helps!

L33 · 12-29-04, 02:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Anthony Orosco

Polymer sealant is for me, hands down, Menzerna FMJ.

niiiiiice

mtodde · 12-29-04, 02:36

Spray & Wipe is on my list (got my 1st gallon today) along with the SSRs & EX-P from Poorboy's. EX-P+ & the wheel sealant look promising too.

I'll be trying the 1Z polishes soon and love their interior products...I'm a bit bummed about the changes to their distribution model though. 1Z Cockpit Premium is an awesome QD for the interior.

Another interior product high on my list is the Wolfgang vinyl & rubber protectant. It leaves a very nice matte finish & smells great. It looks the best on my dash of anything I've tried.

For carwash, and I've got 10, my favorite is 1Z Perls. I'll give the Exclusiv Glanz a shot - just got 2 bottles of it. The Wolfgang is promising too. P21S & Pinnacle are my favorites for carnuba LSPs.

With a silver car, Pinnacle Signature is my absolute favorite carnauba. Thanks to Autogeek I have a "spare" jar for when mine runs out. I'll give Natty's a shot too.

I use Spray & Wipe as a cleaner more than a QD; it sure does leave a nice clean finish. The Adam's Detail Spray is nice and leaves an incredible shine. The 1Z Lackfininsh works great with EX-P. Now that I have 2 bottles of UGE I'll have to try it soon.

The Sonus & Excel Detail Pads are great & work well for a beginner. I like the Edge DA pads & the LC variable contact a lot too.

I will try some PakShak towels in 2005! My current faves are the green Cobras, the Poorboy's Megaplush, the Sonus & Excel buffing towels & the Autopia Perfect Drying Towel (at least that's what I think it was called).

Pinnacle Microrejuvenator is great, but I'm really liking the Charlie's Soap laundry detergent too - definitely worth checking out.

VM was a great base I I look forward to using it as a base with EX-P+ & Signature in the months ahead...and I have to mention AIO...if I could only use 1 exterior product for the rest of my life it would be AIO.

There are a lot of good products I left out that I will use & enjoy, but these are the ones that I will be using the most next year.

For a "hobbyist" I've got way too many products to choose from!

SilverLexus · 12-29-04, 02:49

I think I might try the Optimum products in 2005 and I am somewhat intrigued by the Trade Secret waxes.