Not really detail oriented

Warrant · 09-23-09, 09:11

More of a dilettante, but I'm here anyway and thanks for the help as I will be asking many, many, questions.

So I bought a van (2003 Astro, my third) and for some reason that my psychiatrist has yet to explain to me, I really like these things, so I want to look after it. I have other vehicles that would be considered "better" but I don't like them as much so they get to be dirty or driven through the carwash.

Keeping it clean is a major job as it gets used as it was intended, moving people, dogs, birds, guinea pigs, my wife's new found treasures, renovation materials...well you get the idea.

Back to cleaning (detailing?).

After much reading, I have found this site to be the most informative with the least amount of dross. Resources for newbs was very helpful for technique, not so much for product... I understand that its individual choice but couldn't find a list of stuff to stay away from, other than ArmorAll. Eshine.ca seems to be the site of choice for us Snowbacks but I prefer to buy locally when possible but I have few ideas where to look other than CT, PS, Piston Ring, Napa and Carmax. So I have rummaged around in the garage and put together a list of what I have in hopes of filling the gaps or upgrading in time.

Meg's Gold Class wash
Turtle Wax bug and tar 520
A can of 3M adhesive and Wax remover
A couple of beemop buckets
3 cans of Stoner IG
A Costco carwash kit A mitt
A ww MF
a regular MF
and something else
A bag of MFs from Costco (yellow) with tags so far
A fingernail brush on steroids
Karcher EPW
a sheepskin mitt from wallyworld
Armorall protectant wipes, 10 left
Armorall glass wipes 24 left cause they are crap, I started out with 25
Fridge with plenty of refreshments

I know wax/sealant is missing and winter is coming so I neede to decide soon. What else do I need besides a good PDR guy.

Bernie,

As my daughter would say...I think...

reppen the Peg.

Setec Astronomy · 09-23-09, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warrant

After much reading, I have found this site to be the most informative with the least amount of dross. Resources for newbs was very helpful for technique, not so much for product..

When I joined here (holy crap...5 years ago) there was a saying "process > product" meaning that your process and technique is more important than which product you use. While it's true that an excellent product can help you do a better job or a faster job or both, understanding what you are doing and being able to extract the best performance out of your tools and chemicals is arguably more important.

Warrant · 09-24-09, 05:19

Agreed, still, in order to make the process as easy as possible product choices should be informed ones. Seeing as I live in a northern clime durability is a big deal when its -40.

I take it by your SN that you're an astrologer by trade?